How To Tell If Acne Is Hormonal or Bacterial: Expert Tips(2023)

Did you know that there are actually multiple types of acne? Here’s how to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial so you can treat it the right way.

Have you ever stood in front of your mirror, staring at a new breakout, and wondered, ‘Why can’t I get my skin under control?’ I’ve been there too, trust me. It’s like no matter what new cream or treatment I tried, my skin just wouldn’t listen.

If you’re like me and struggling to clear up those breakouts, understanding the real cause of your acne can be super helpful. Turns out, things like hormonal shifts, bacterial buildup, and inflammation can trigger those breakouts.

So, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about telling the difference between hormonal and bacterial acne. Keep reading to discover if you’re suffering from hormonal or bacterial acne and how to treat each type of acne.

What is Hormonal Acne?

Did you know that hormonal acne isn’t just something teenagers deal with? It can affect adults too, especially women, because of hormone changes. Usually, it shows up on the lower part of the face like the cheeks and along the jawline.

Our skin’s health is closely tied to the endocrine system, which is a network of hormone-producing glands. When our hormones are balanced, our skin stays healthy. But when there are imbalances or fluctuations, issues like hormonal acne can arise.

Here’s the deal: Our skin has these glands called sebaceous glands that produce an oily substance called sebum. When our hormones go haywire, sebum production goes into overdrive, leading to clogged pores and acne-causing bacteria.

Different stages of life bring hormonal changes too.

• During puberty, there’s a surge in androgen hormones, which means more sebum and more acne.

• Pregnancy brings a rise in estrogen and progesterone, giving that pregnancy glow but sometimes causing hyperpigmentation and acne.

• And menopause? Estrogen and progesterone levels decline, resulting in drier skin, accelerated aging, less collagen, and thinner skin. Even the menstrual cycle can mess with our skin, causing breakouts, dryness, or sensitivity.

Knowing about these hormonal fluctuations is key to managing hormonal acne. Once you understand the underlying causes, you can personalize your skincare routine and treatment for better results.

What is Bacterial Acne?

Hey, did you know that 80% of people aged 18-30 deal with bacterial acne? It’s caused by a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes, or simply P. acnes. If you’re battling with chest acne, shoulder acne, or back acne, chances are it’s bacterial acne.

When it comes to bacterial acne, there are three key factors at play:

Factor 1: Excessive Oil Production and Dead Skin Cells

Our hormones have a big influence on how much oil our glands produce. When hormones go haywire, they can cause more oil production. But here’s the catch – it’s not the oil alone that causes acne. The trouble starts when this extra oil gets mixed up with sluggish skin cell turnover. Dead skin cells pile up on the skin’s surface, trapping oil inside the pores.

Factor 2: P. acnes Bacteria

P. acnes bacteria are just chilling on everyone’s skin naturally. But when oil decides to block the pores, these bacteria go wild and start multiplying causing breakouts.

Factor 3: Inflammatory Response

When the bacteria throw a party, our immune system kicks in. It sends white blood cells to the scene to fight off the bacteria. This “battle” leaves behind dead white blood cells, and that’s how pus forms in the pores.

What Are The Types of Bacterial Acne?

Did you know that bacterial acne can be divided into two types?

The first is non-inflammatory acne, which involves clogged pores called comedones. When these comedones are exposed to air, they become blackheads, and when they’re not, they turn into whiteheads. You might notice these as small bumps on your skin.

The second type is inflammatory acne, which occurs when the P. acnes bacteria multiply. It can lead to papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Papules are those small, red bumps that can sometimes be painful. Pustules are similar, but you might notice visible pus.

The deeper and more painful ones are called nodules and cysts. They can leave scars and are prone to scarring. Nodules usually don’t have visible pus, while cysts do.

How Do I Know If It’s Hormonal Acne vs. Bacterial Acne?

Navigating the acne terrain can be tricky, but spotting patterns can be your first big clue. Start by tracking when your acne flares up. Does it coincide with your menstrual cycle or other times when hormones might be out of whack? If so, hormonal acne is likely the culprit.

Hormonal acne often shows its hand during these periods of hormonal imbalance. Think of it as your skin reacting to internal changes. If you notice breakouts aligning with menstrual cycles or hormonal shifts, it’s a strong indicator of hormonal acne.

On the flip side, bacterial acne has its own telltale signs. It can show up as blackheads, cyst-like lumps, or blockages in your hair follicles. Unlike hormonal acne, which follows a more predictable pattern linked to hormonal changes, bacterial acne can be a bit more random and widespread.

The real trick in distinguishing between the two lies in observing the symptoms and patterns. But remember, self-diagnosis has its limits. Here are some other clues to help you determine if it’s hormonal acne vs. bacterial acne:

Location:

• Hormonal Acne: Typically sets up camp on the lower part of your face, think about acne around your mouth, jawline and chin. It’s like it has a favorite hangout spot.
• Bacterial Acne: More random, you’ll experience nose acne, forehead acne and even get breakouts on your shoulder or back.

Size & Look:

• Hormonal Acne: Think of cystic, under-the-skin types. They’re often red and inflamed and don’t have a visible head.
• Bacterial Acne: These are your classic whiteheads and blackheads, with a visible center or head, and can also include those small red bumps.

How Does It Feel:

• Hormonal Acne: Painful is the word here. Because they’re deeper, they often come with a throbbing or painful sensation.
• Bacterial Acne: More irritating than painful. They can be itchy or slightly sore but rarely have that deep, painful feeling.

The most reliable way to figure out whether you’re dealing with hormonal or bacterial acne is to book an appointment with your dermatologist.

They’ll take a good look at your skin, give it a thorough examination, and consider your medical history. This way, you’re not just guessing; you’re getting a professional diagnosis and the right treatment plan.

Treatment Options For Hormonal Acne

Let’s delve into some treatment options that can help you achieve clearer skin.

Hormone Control

When it comes to hormonal acne, it’s all about addressing the root cause: hormones.

Dermatologists often prescribe birth control pills or Spironolactone to tackle this condition. Birth control pills serve a dual purpose – not only as contraception but also as an effective treatment for hormonal acne. By regulating menstrual cycles and stabilizing hormone levels, they help reduce testosterone and prevent those pesky acne breakouts.

On the other hand, Spironolactone, originally a diuretic, helps stabilize hormones and reduce testosterone. By inhibiting androgens like testosterone, it effectively controls sebum production, resulting in fewer clogged pores and less acne-causing bacteria. So, these treatments can make a difference in managing hormonal acne.

Topical Acne Treatments

Topical acne-fighting ingredients – such as retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide – can help reduce clogged pores and reduce your breakouts. To get rid of pimple redness quickly, use ice packs and apply anti-inflammatory creams like aloe vera or green tea extract or spot treat with benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, or sulfur.

To remove dark spots caused by pimples, look for skincare products with vitamin C, retinol, or glycolic acid. These ingredients help brighten and even out skin tone over time.  The best way to use vitamin C serums in your routine is to apply it in the morning because it can help protect your skin thought the day.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to using topical treatments, making some lifestyle changes can also help you manage bacterial acne.

Here are a few things you could try:

Watch Your Diet: Eating a balanced and healthy diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains can do wonders for your skin. And hey, avoiding sugary and processed foods can also help keep inflammation (a big acne culprit) at bay. Did you know that recent studies suggest that dairy, particularly fat-free and skim milk, may aggravate acne by stimulating testosterone. These dairy products are quickly absorbed, leading to hormonal fluctuations that can trigger acne.

Reduce Your Stress: Stress can mess with your hormones and make your skin produce more oil, leading to more breakouts. So it’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress, like getting some exercise or trying out relaxation techniques, to help keep those pesky pimples in check.

Don’t Touch Your Face: Wash your face twice a day and avoid touching it with dirty hands. This can help prevent bacteria from spreading and causing even more breakouts.

Treatment Options For Bacterial Acne

Unlike hormonal acne, bacterial acne responds better to topical treatments. These include:

Benzoyl Peroxide: The go-to ingredient for fighting bacteria. It works by killing the bacteria that contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.

Salicylic Acid: This exfoliating ingredient helps unclog pores and reduces inflammation. It also has anti-bacterial properties, making it a great option for treating bacterial acne.

Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives help to speed up cell turnover, preventing pore blockages and reducing the appearance of acne scars. They can also help treat blackheads and whiteheads.

Azelaic Acid: This ingredient helps to kill an acne-causing bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling associated with breakouts.

Tea Tree Oil: A natural alternative to chemical ingredients, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help fight acne-causing bacteria. It can be found in many skincare products, but it’s important to dilute it properly as it can cause skin irritation if used at full strength.

When creating a skincare routine for acne, here are a few examples of how you can use the above skincare actives to treat bacterial acne:

Option 1: Retinol and Salicylic Acid: unclogs your pores, increases cell turnover, and improves skin texture and tone to prevent future breakouts. For example, use a retinol like adapaline 2-3 times a week in your evening routine, and go for a Korean cleanser with salicylic acid. Another option is you use a salicylic acid exfoliant 1-2 times a week on the days you skip the retinol.

Option 2: Azelaic Acid and Retinol: Increase cell turnover while reducing redness and treat post-acne dark spots for a clear and even skin tone. Use Azelaic acid in your morning routine and retinol 2-3 times a week in your evening routine.

Option 3: Niacinamide and salicylic acid; By reducing inflammation, regulating oil production, and enhancing skin exfoliation, it effectively treats and prevents acne breakouts. You can choose a serum or a Korean moisturizer with Niacinamide to use daily and either choose a Korean cleanser with salicylic acid or use a salicylic acid exfoliant 1-2 times a week.

Here’s another tip for you: try combining hydrating and calming Korean serums with stronger acne treatments to minimize those irritating side effects. Korean products are great because they often contain ingredients like snail mucin, cica, niacinamide, and squalane. These ingredients help protect your skin barrier and reduce irritation.

Oh, and did you know that hyaluronic acid can help with acne? By hydrating your skin, it helps prevent the overproduction of oil that can lead to more breakouts.

The Importance Of Staying Consistent

When it comes to treating acne, there’s one golden rule: stay consistent. Ever heard of microcomedones? These little troublemakers may be tiny, but they play a big role in acne formation. Imagine these tiny pouches hiding within your pores, filled with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. However, you can’t see them with the naked eye.

Here’s the kicker: if you have acne-prone skin, up to 30% of your seemingly clear skin areas could be harboring these microcomedones. And guess what? Even in severe cases, only about 0.25% of your facial pores are involved in visible acne.

Now, why does this matter? Don’t let your guard down just because your skin looks clear. Consistency is key when using your Korean skincare products for acne. Be sure to cleanse your face twice daily and protect your skin with a Korean sunscreen. And remember, less is more when it comes to acne products. Using them excessively can lead to skin irritation and dryness.

Conclusion

Acne, whether hormonal or bacterial, can be frustrating to deal with. However, there are effective treatment options available that can help you achieve clearer and healthier skin. By combining medication, a solid skincare routine, and making lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively manage the hormonal fluctuations that impact your skin.

Remember to consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations and stick to a consistent skincare routine. With some patience and dedication, you can combat acne and achieve your desired results