Not-so-fun reality: Sebum manufacturing is managed by hormones, particularly androgens, board-certified dermatologist and founding father of NicholsMD of Greenwhich Kim Nichols, M.D., FAAD tells mbg. Androgens trigger the enlargement and overstimulation of the sebaceous glands discovered within the hair follicles, she explains. Then, this sebum snatches up useless pores and skin cells and clogs the pore, leading to a breakout.
Estrogens have the alternative impact, which means they inhibit the secretion of androgens, modulate genes concerned within the development of the sebaceous gland and inhibit their perform. The exercise of the sebaceous gland, subsequently, relies on the estrogen and androgen ratio1—which is why many individuals think about contraception drugs containing estrogen as a attainable type of therapy.
You’ll typically discover hormonal breakouts on the chin and alongside the jawline, typically taking place onto the neck as nicely. Back and chest zits will also be linked to hormone imbalances. Some breakouts could be pustules and papules (infected zits with a white head), whereas others could be cystic and beneath the pores and skin.
“Cystic pimples are deeper, larger, and can occur when the bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface of the skin and can cause a large and painful bump,” Nichols explains. And sure, you may have a mixture of each.