Hormone balance can be achieved through natural means, one of these methods is using hormonal acne supplements. But how effective are they really?
Topical skincare scratches the surface since the majority of the triggers for acne are deep-rooted. You will learn how hormonal acne supplements can help reduce the severity of acne by attacking hormonal acne at its source. In addition, they can also help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) associated with PCOS, and cessation of oral contraceptives.
A Quick Glance At Hormonal Acne Supplements
(Keep reading – if you are keen to know more about hormonal acne and related issues).
| 5 Hormonal Acne Supplements | Key Benefits (Summary) | Prices (May Fluctuate) |
| 1) EN EFFECTIVE NUTRA (DIM 300mg + BioPerine) | – Establishes a balance state of more favorable estrogen in women, reduce excess sebum production and can reduce acne significantly. – Attacks acne-causing bacteria, anti-inflammatory. | BUY AT $18.95. |
| 2) ClearZine Acne Solution | – Cleansing and clarifying, controls and prevents hormonal acne (or “breakouts”) , cystic acne and oily skin. – Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial. – For men and women. | BUY AT $37.89 |
| 3) AcneTame | – Designed for men, women and teen with acne, oily skin and spots. – Controls acne. Inflammatory and antioxidant. – Helps with redness, cell damage, irritation and flaking. | BUY AT $24.99 SAVE $5.00 |
| 4) Clear Skin Probiotics | For hormonal and cystic acne (both men and women). Helps repair damage to skin barrier caused by excessive use of cosmetics. Clears spots. Restores gut and skin microbial balance. Fights of oxidative stress. | BUY AT $24.99 |
| 5) Clear Derm with Probiotic | Attacks the root cause of acne. Restores gut-skin microbial balance. Promotes collagen production. Anti-aging and antioxidant benefits. Enhances skin barrier function against environmental insults. | BUY AT $59.30 |
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(KEEP READING – to find out more about hormonal acne, types and supplements that can be good or bad for your acne.)
That being said, there are also hormonal acne supplements that can eliminate acne at its source by attacking acne-causing agents and correcting hormonal imbalances.
While the above is the case, these hormonal acne supplements have received excellent reviews from purchasers, with the least being 4.1/5 star global star rating.
WHAT IS HORMONAL ACNE?
It is well known that androgen (e.g. testosterone) stimulates sebum production, and is involved in the development of acne.
In adult females, hormonal acne is often a huge deal. You may experience fluctuations in your hormonal level which can cause your acne to flare up. Hormones at play in acne formation may include testosterone, progesterone, estrogen insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
Although there may be other factors involved, two instances when an adult female may experience an exacerbation of acne due to hormones include;
- Premenstruation
- PCOS
Other factors that may contribute to your acne flare-up include your diet, smoking, genetics and stress.
Diet is often considered a controversial aspect but there is an increased body of research establishing an association between cow milk, foods with high glycemic index, chocolate, and acne.
Premenstruation – Hormonal Acne
When Your Progesterone Levels Are High
Women will typically undergo 4 stages during her menstrual cycle which include
- menstrual stage,
- follicular stage,
- ovulation stage and
- luteal stage.
Progesterone levels are usually at the highest during your luteal stage (the 4th stage) – during this time your uterus is being prepared by progesterone (mostly) and some estrogen for an implanted egg if pregnancy takes place. It occurs after your ovulation phase but before your menstrual phase.
However, if pregnancy does not take place, estrogen and progesterone levels start to drop – the levels of these hormones will be lowest during your menstrual period when your uterus lining begins to shed.
Influence of Progesterone and Estrogen on Acne
- Progesterone can aggravate or trigger acne
- Estrogen reduces acne
Progesterone Worsens or Induces Acne
One of the factors at play when you experience acne flare-up during your premenstrual stage is an increase in your level of progesterone.
So if you are predisposed to acne, your progesterone level may be higher during this stage than that of someone who has no predisposition to acne.
It has been demonstrated that when an adult female is given progesterone, her acne flares up as progesterone increases sebum production, says Arora et al. This may contribute to why you experience breakouts during premenstruation.
Estrogen reduces or Clears Acne
Although there have been exceptions where a pregnant Woman with a high estrogen level experiences acne flare up.
How estrogen administration leads to a reduction in sebum production is not fully understood, says George et al. That said, it has been proposed that estrogen can influence sebum production by;
- directly opposing androgen (androgen is known to cause sebum production)
- preventing androgen production via a negative feedback mechanism
- regulating genes that promote the growth of the sebaceous gland or lipid production.
ROLES OF HORMONES IN PCOS RELATED ACNE
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) occurs when you have multiple small cysts in your ovary – this results in hormonal imbalance. It is the major cause of infertility in females.
About 30% of PCOS sufferers present with acne, reported Bettoli et al.
Several hormones are thought to be involved in PCOS. In PCOS-related acne, some predominant hormones at play include,
- Hyperandrogenism – where there is an increase in your level of androgens
- Insulin resistance – can cause insulin in your circulation to rise, thereby initiating the process that can lead to breakouts
- Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) – notably increases in PCOS and can trigger the development of acne.
Read more about PCOS and factors that cause acne in PCOS sufferers.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Hormonal acne treatments vary depending on the severity of your acne.
They include;
Read more about treatment options
THE ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTS IN HORMONAL ACNE?
Supplements that Trigger Acne
Two major categories of supplements that trigger acne include
- Nutritional supplements – Whey or protein-calorie supplements
- Kelp Supplements – Vitamin B1, B6, B12, and iodine-containing Vitamin B supplements.
Whey or Protein-calorie supplements
Multiple studies have been carried out that establish the association between protein-calorie supplements and acne development.
A study reported by Cengiz et al in 2017 indicated that all patients who used protein-calorie supplements for 2 months developed acne lesions.
Suppose you continue to use protein supplements during treatment for acne. In that case, it is likely that you will have less improvement compared to someone who discontinues the use of protein supplements, as indicated by Cenzig et al.
So why does protein supplement or whey supplement cause acne? Whey is a by-product of milk during cheese production. The formulas for protein supplements that bodybuilders use contain about 6-12 liters of milk. Milk is thought to contain IGF-1.
Another reason why certain nutritional supplements could cause acne is that it has been reported that they may be adulterated with synthetic steroids. A steroid is a drug derived from testosterone.
Both IGF-1 and testosterone are known to play a role in the inflammatory process that triggers acne.
Kelp Supplements
Vitamin B1, B6 and B12 have been liked to acne-like lesions, though they seem harmless.
As reported by Zamil et al, 2020, patients who were taking vitamin B12 had their acne resolved within 2 – 3 weeks after stopping use of the supplement. However, such patients had another episode of breakouts within 12 hours following intramuscular administration of vitamin B12.
Similarly, patients who discontinued taking Vitamin B1, B6 and iodine-containing vitamins experienced remission of their acne in 2 to 3 weeks. When they recommenced taking these vitamins, their acne re-appeared.
Papules and pustules are forms of acne seen in such patients and are typically distributed on their face, neck, back shoulders and chest.
5 Highly Effective Supplements for Controlling Hormonal Acne
1) EN EFFECTIVE NUTRA (DIM 300mg + BioPerine – 60 capsules)
This supplement is designed for people with acne (including hormonal acne), PCOS, and menopause. It can also aid in bodybuilding if that’s your goal.
Each capsule contains 300mg of diindolylmethane (DIM) which helps restore your hormonal balance, reduce excess sebum production, and can reduce acne significantly.
It also contains 5mg of BioPerine – which is a black pepper fruit extract (per capsule) that is known to possess both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities that can help clear skin infections and acne.
Other Highlights: It is free of the following: gluten, soy, and dairy. It is also 100% vegan friendly and non-GMO. In addition, it is GMP certified, 3rd party tested, and animal test free.
2) ClearZine Acne Solution (90 capsules)
This supplement is designed for people with hormonal acne (or “breakouts”) , cystic acne and oily skin.
Acne is caused or triggered by a lot of problems that are deep rooted such as vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalance, inflammation, poor diet, excess androgens (causing increased sebum production) oxidative stress and more.
This supplement contains cleansing and clarifying, as well as high quality and potent ingredients that can eliminate acne at its source.
It contains vitamins B5 that has been shown in a study to remarkably reduce lesion count after 12 weeks of dietary supplement
D-biotin has some evidence supporting its efficacy in improving acne (blackhead and whitehead) and control flaking and irritation that may be caused by retinoids.
Chromium, selenium and Zinc contained in this supplement are known to have high antioxidant activity that help to reduce acne.
It also contains CoQ10 enzyme that is known to improve acne, keep skin firm, plump and smooth as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Witch hazel and horse tail extracts are included in the formula. Witch hazel has both astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize the appearance of pores and unclog pores. Horse tail has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne.
Other Highlights: 100% vegan friendly and vegetarian safe. It is free of gluten, diary, egg, yeast, lactose, preservatives and other harmful substances. It is also kosher certified.
3) AcneTame (60 Pills)
Amazon’s Choice
It is designed for men, Women, and teens with acne, oily skin and spots. It claims results can be achieved in a matter of days and in some cases 6 to 8 weeks with 80% of its users reporting success.
It contains Vitamin A, Niacinamide (as niacin – a vitamin B3) and vitamin B5 (as D calcium patothenate) that help reduce acne, inflammation as well as cell redness and cell damage.
D-Biotin reduces also improves acne, as well as control flaking and irritation
Selenium, Chromium, L-Cysteine, CoqQ10 and BioPerine (black pepper fruit extract) are potent antioxidants that can help in reducing acne.
Other Highlights: good manufacturing practice (GMP) certified, 100% money back guarantee.
4) Clear Skin Probiotics (30 capsules)
Clear Skin Probiotics is designed for you if you have acne (including hormonal and cystic acne) and damaged skin barrier.
It contains chaste tree fruit extract that has been shown to significantly reduce acne due to hormonal imbalance.
The probiotic ingredient called Bifidobacterium longum can help restore skin barrier function damaged from acne, excessive use of cosmetics, etc., and clear spots. It has been clinically proven to successfully restore your gut and skin microbial balance, which results in the improvement of your acne and skin pores.
It also contains Zinc which is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce acne.
Other Highlights: It is gluten and dairy free.
5) Clear Derm with Probiotics (60 Capsules)
It is designed to promote clear skin and complexion for acne (including hormonal acne) suffers and others.
Its chaste tree berry can help restore hormonal balance that causes you to have breakouts.
It contains Vitamin A, Niacin (as Niacinamide) Zinc and Selenium which act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents thereby helping to reduce acne and improve clear skin.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of green tea, curcumin, yellow duck, burdock and others can help fight acne and counteract the impact of environmental insult on the skin.
It also contains milk thistle that helps with breakout, and blemishes and prevents premature aging. Soy Isoflavons promote collagen production.
It also has probiotics such as Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus that can help restore gut and skin microbiome, thereby providing clear skin and enhancing your skin barrier.
Other Highlights: Global Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified. It is vegetarian-safe. It is free of magnesium stearate, gluten, GMOs, and filters.
CONCLUSION
There are multiple factors at play when it comes to acne. In adult female acne, commonly referred to as hormonal acne, supplements have been shown to be effective.
Having researched these products and the scientific studies supporting the ingredients that have been used, it is also best to think of dietary and lifestyle changes for maximum result.
You should contact your doctor
It is ideal to contact your doctor for severe acne and if cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and supplements are not helping with mild to moderate acne. Also, contact your doctor if you have PCOS related acne.
Before making any dietary changes, it is best to consult with your doctor or nutritionist to ensure that you are getting balanced diet and that the dietary changes you make will not harm you.
Finally, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, have a medical condition or taking any medication before taking any supplement.
Please ensure to LEAVE US A COMMENT in the comment box below if you enjoyed reading this or benefit from our research. You can send us a message if you need more information. Also, feel free to share your experiences with hormonal acne or hormonal acne supplements.
REFERENCES
Arora, M. K., Yadav, A., & Saini, V. (2011). Role of hormones in acne vulgaris. Clinical biochemistry, 44(13), 1035-1040.
Bettoli, V., Zauli, S., & Virgili, A. (2015). Is hormonal treatment still an option in acne today?. British journal of dermatology, 172, 37-46.
Cengiz, F. P., Cemil, B. C., Emiroglu, N., Bahali, A. G., & Onsun, N. (2017). Acne located on the trunk, whey protein supplementation: Is there any association?. Health promotion perspectives, 7(2), 106.
Dodov, M. G., & Kulevanova, S. (2009). A review of phytotherapy of Acne vulgaris. Macedonian pharmaceutical bulletin, 55(1), 2.
George, R., Clarke, S., & Thiboutot, D. (2008, September). Hormonal therapy for acne. In Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery (Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 188-196). WB Saunders.