How to Balance Hormonal Skin Without Birth Control

Hormonal skin problems can be caused by a number of things, from puberty to thyroid conditions to illnesses like PCOS and Endometriosis. They can range from dry skin or rashes to acne, but one thing all these conditions have in common is that they’re extremely stubborn. As your hormones fluctuate, so does your skin, and just as soon as you think you’ve got it under control, it flares right back up again.

Any visible skin condition can take a huge toll on your self-esteem. You may find yourself spending a lot of money on treatments that don’t seem to work or makeup to cover up whatever it is you suffer with.

What is hormonal skin?

Hormonal skin usually stems from a hormone imbalance. In the case of conditions like PCOS, the body produces too much testosterone – an androgenic hormone which contributes to excessive hair growth, oily skin, and weight gain. With oily skin comes excess sebum build up and, you guessed it, acne. Thyroid conditions, either hypo- or hyperthyroidism, can also manifest their symptoms in your skin. An underactive thyroid can result in dry, scaly skin or eczema-like rashes, whilst an overactive thyroid can generate an increase in blood flow, which can give a flushed look.

I have Endometriosis, and (lucky me) both eczema and hormonal acne. I’ve noticed a definite increase in spots along my jawline and cheeks since starting a low-dose birth control pill. The difference in my skin from one day to the next never ceases to amaze me. I can be walking around make-up free one day and wake up the next looking like I’ve washed my face in hydrochloric acid. And another thing – hormonal acne scars, like a lot.

Whilst my skin has never been particularly clear, I never had a problem with scarring until recently. It can really take a toll on my confidence and it definitely takes the fun out of wearing makeup when you have to use it to cover a hundred blemishes, but there are some things I do to minimize the effects. Here’s how you can, too.

Talk to your healthcare provider.

You may think that your doctor has bigger things to worry about than your skin, but these conditions need proper treatment. Prescription products are much more likely to control your symptoms than off-the-shelf. If you suffer from eczema or another inflammatory skin condition, you may need steroid cream to get it under control. Although you can get a low-dose hydrocortisone cream at most pharmacies, it’s best to get your doctor’s opinion first. It may be as simple as switching up your treatment plan.

In the case of hormonal acne, you may be able to change your birth control to something that will reduce blemishes. Usually, these are the higher estrogen pills, which may not be suitable for everyone. Even if they’re not, your doctor can give you creams or oral treatments to reduce breakouts. Inflammatory skin conditions are often a symptom of wider inflammation within the body, which is why they shouldn’t be overlooked during your treatment.

Don’t overtreat.

Believe me, I’ve been guilty of this and even now I struggle to refrain from scrubbing my face raw or lathering on far too much steroid cream to even out my complexion. All it leaves me with is sore, angry skin that looks worse than it did before.

Make sure you’re not using harsh exfoliators or treatments that are too strong. Your skin takes time to heal from a flare up and no amount of scrubbing or overtreating will make it go any faster. If anything, it will more likely slow it down. It helps to acknowledge that today my skin looks horrendous, then move on. I just don’t dwell on it. This mindset takes some training and has come easier as I’ve gotten older, but since adopting it I’ve found that I’m not overtreating as much.

Try to use the gentlest line of treatment first, then step up the intensity bit by bit. For example, before you go for the strongest chemical peel, try a fruit-based or lactic acid one. You’ll minimize downtime and lower the risk of irritation that angers your already angry skin further.

Don’t underestimate the power of diet.

I know, I know, every celebrity and their dog seem to be on some kind of miraculous elimination diet that’s transformed their life, but if you have an inflammatory disease, it might actually be true.

Many women find that certain foods cause their Endometriosis to flare up, which can then contribute to a flare-up of inflammatory skin conditions. When I cut out dairy, I reduced my eczema flare-ups so much that even my doctor agreed I had an intolerance.

Dairy can also contribute to conditions like acne and IBS. Reducing certain foods from your diet can help with your symptoms more generally, for example, minimizing caffeine intake can reduce inflammation in the body. I definitely feel a lot more pain when I’ve been drinking a lot of coffee.

Dealing with hormonal skin conditions, especially in adulthood, can be frustrating. Remember that your body is dealing with a lot with chronic illness and it really is doing the best it can. There are plenty of treatment options to minimize your symptoms, but achieving complete remission of hormonal skin conditions can be difficult. Keep your expectations in check when trying new treatments and make sure to acknowledge even the slightest improvements!