Can High Testosterone Cause Acne?

In the guide below, we'll break down signs of testosterone causing acne, the testosterone-to-acne lifecycle, and ways to keep skin clean and glowing without causing aggravation.

Key Takeaways:

● Surging testosterone levels during puberty are usually responsible for acne during our teens.

● However, people with high testosterone due to medical conditions or genetics may experience acne breakouts throughout their lives.

● Testosterone triggers the release or sebum (oil) from the sebaceous glands.

● This excess oil can clog pores and collect bacteria to cause acne breakouts.

How Does High Testosterone Trigger Acne?

The connection between high testosterone and runaway acne breakouts has to do with your skin's sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands produce the natural oils or "sebums" that "waterproof" skin and keep it from drying out. When balanced, oils provide important protection for our skin.

Testosterone actually stimulates our skin's sebum production. While this creates balanced skin for most people, those with elevated testosterone levels may experience heavy sebum production that makes skin feel oily or greasy. This excess oil can get caught in our pores and hair follicles to cause buildup of dirt and bacteria that triggers breakouts. Additionally, the sebaceous glands themselves can become inflamed enough to trigger bumpy acne outbreaks.

How Hormones Can Cause Acne at Any Age

It's not a coincidence that acne breakouts begin for most people during puberty. This is when testosterone levels rise the most profoundly. While most people who experience acne during their teen years outgrow it, some people will continue to experience hormonal acne throughout adulthood.

What Does Acne Caused by High Testosterone Look Like?

There's no one telltale visual cue that your acne is hormonal. Forms of hormonal acne can include:

● Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)

● Blackheads (open clogged pores)

● Pustules (pus-filled bumps)

● Papules (pink or red bumps/lesions)

● Nodule/Cystic (Deep, pus-filled lesions)

What Does Acne Caused by High Testosterone Look Like

Triggers for Acne Caused by High Testosterone

Throughout the course of your life, there may be times when your risk for developing acne caused by high testosterone is higher. For women, things like pregnancy, monthly menstruation, and menopause can all be triggers. That news might have alarm bells ringing if you seem to always get acne breakouts right around your period. Certain medical conditions can also increase testosterone levels. This includes:

● Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): An estimated 5 million to 6 million women in the United States have PCOS. The hormonal shifts occurring in PCOS increase androgens (testosterone).

● Insulin Resistance: Excess insulin in the body signals to the ovaries and adrenal glands to produce more testosterone.

● Cushing Syndrome: Signaling that releases ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) by the pituitary gland, with Cushing syndrome also signals testosterone release.

What Skincare Routine Is Ideal for Acne Caused by High Testosterone?

It's important to tread lightly when using a skincare routine for acne caused by testosterone. By being too aggressive, you can irritate sebum glands and worsen risks for infection and irritation in your pores. Here's some guidance:

● Exfoliation: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a washcloth and mild chemical exfoliator for acne-prone skin. Tools like scrubbing brushes or scrubs that create friction may be too abrasive for acne-prone skin.

● Cleansing: Oil-in-water emulsions or moisturizing gels (hydrogels) can be ideal for acne-prone skin because they offer non-greasy formulations that don't clog pores.

● Moisturizers: Avoid products that contain fragrances or additives that can inflame skin and clog pores. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) can be a helpful ingredient for regulating oil, reducing inflammation, and minimizing pores while keeping a strong skin barrier. Lipids called ceramides can also be ideal for maintaining skin's barrier to protect against drying out from acne treatments.

● Supplementation: What you use on the inside can also help to brighten and tame acne-prone skin. For example, vitamins A, B3, C,.D, and E can help to brighten and hydrate skin while also fortifying its natural barrier. You can learn more about the best vitamins to make skin healthy and glowing here.

What Are Some Other Causes of Acne?

If you're wondering about the source of your acne, testosterone isn't the only potential factor. Acne happens when our pores are clogged with things like dead skin cells or excess oil. This "debris" leads to problems like bacteria growth, redness, inflammation, and infection. While elevated testosterone can be the culprit behind why your skin is producing more oil, it's not the only answer. Acne can also be caused by:

● Emotional stress

● Friction from tight helmets or clothing

● Medications like corticosteroids and anticonvulsants

● Using cosmetics and hair products contain heavy oils or comedogenic ingredients

Whether acne is caused by high testosterone or some other factor, practices that help to seal in moisture without clogging pores are essential. While constantly experimenting with creams and other products that force you to rub your skin can increase irritation during strong breakouts, supplementing with skin-beautifying products can be a good way to maintain balance. For example, a high-quality collagen product can help to boost elasticity and moisture to help keep skin balanced and minimize acne scarring.

Final Thoughts

Yes, high testosterone can give you acne. The increase in skin's oil production that occurs when testosterone is elevated can clog sebum glands and pores. By making smart skincare choices and being gentle with your skin, it's possible to minimize breakouts and prevent irritation.

FAQs

Can women get acne from high testosterone?

While testosterone is mostly associated with men, women can be prone to acne from testosterone. In fact, things like pregnancy and menstruation can increase your odds for experiencing hormonal acne.