Just when you thought the years of painful red bumps on your face were behind you, they persist. While most commonly a problem for teenagers, acne follows many of us into adulthood. When someone over the age of 20 seeks acne-clearing treatment, we first target the root cause of the zits and pimples: hormones.
Fortunately, at McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, we have a true pimple specialist, also known as a dermatologist, to provide you with the best pimple treatment.
We offer a range of options for your hormonal pimple treatment in Plano. Whether you prefer topical or oral medications, lifestyle guidance, or a combination of all 3, we can help manage and clear persistent adult acne. Before we explain how our treatments and products work, let’s first discuss hormonal acne.
Let’s Talk About Acne
Acne results from clogged pores composed of dead skin cells and excess oil, creating a blockage that produces several forms of pimples that you’re probably familiar with, including:
- Blackheads – Open pores that look like tiny dark spots on your face.
- Whiteheads – Closed bumps on your skin that appear white or yellow.
- Cysts – Large and inflammatory pus-filled acne that lives deep under your skin.
Where Hormonal Acne Appears
Most patients come to McGuiness Dermatology to address acne in these locations:
- Lower face
- Jawline
- Neck
- Back
- Shoulders
- Chest
You might think that the most obvious treatment would simply be to wash your skin. Of course, any dermatologist would encourage this practice. In fact, in our shop, we sell a selection of cleansers, spot treatments, serums, and moisturizers to combat and prevent acne. However, our dermatologists are the ones who can help you find the right hormonal pimple treatment in Plano.
Let’s Talk About Hormones
While most notable for their roles in reproductive health, hormones also regulate the production of your skin’s oil, also known as sebum. Although this protective substance usually helps your skin retain moisture, too much of it can clog your pores, creating the inflamed bumps on your skin that take a toll on your self-esteem.
Women especially struggle with acne, as their hormones fluctuate more than men’s. During menstruation and even pregnancy, their levels of certain androgenic hormones rise, stimulating more sebum.
Stress and Hormones
Certain factors, like stress, can worsen pre-existing acne. Unfortunately, acne can also trigger stress, creating a 2-way relationship that results in acne-prone skin. It’s easy to say “meditate” or “reduce stress levels,” but it’s not always that easy.
When you’re stressed, your body produces the cortisol hormone, which does more than make your heart beat faster. Cortisol affects nearly every organ in your body, including your skin. Stressful situations can increase androgen levels and encourage your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Although stress isn’t a direct cause of hormonal acne, it’s an aggravating factor.
Your dermatologist can’t improve the stress in your personal life. However, with our hormonal pimple treatment in Plano, we can reduce the stress caused by acne.
Diet and Hormones
You may enjoy a pastry every morning, some chips in between meals, and fast food from time to time. While seemingly innocent, for some people, foods with a high glycemic index can spike blood sugar levels, increase inflammation, and trigger sebum production. Other foods like dairy products can also alter hormone levels, contributing to acne. Not everyone is susceptible to diet-induced acne. Your dermatologist may suggest keeping a food diary and noting when you experience flare-ups.
Find Solutions at McGuiness Dermatology
You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through online advice on how to clear your hormonal acne. Fortunately, at McGuiness Dermatology, it only takes 10 to 20 minutes. When you trust a board-certified dermatologist, you can guarantee a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
Often, trying out random skin care products can make acne worse, especially when you don’t understand the ingredients you’re putting on your face and how they can interact with your skin. But when you trust a specialist, they can tell which ingredients are right for your skin based on your skin’s condition and the type of pimples you have.
Skin Exam
A skin exam starts with a conversation. Your dermatologist will ask about your diet, skin care routine, and current medications. This helps us create an accurate diagnosis. Next, we assess the skin and determine the type (or types) of acne you have. Then we discuss the best prescription-based hormonal pimple treatment in Plano for you.
Medications For Hormonal Pimples
Persistent hormone-related acne requires stronger medication than over-the-counter options, which only help with mild cases. For hormonal acne, we utilize topical medications, oral medications, therapies, and other aesthetic skin care treatments.
Spironolactone
This oral diuretic was originally used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure by increasing urination to get rid of excess fluid and salt. However, spironolactone also regulates androgen production, which is responsible for excess sebum and acne. We often recommend hormonal acne treatments to female patients, especially when diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Because this medication increases urination, we suggest taking it in the morning, so your sleep isn’t impacted. We can discuss the benefits and potential side effects during your skin exam. It may take up to a few weeks before you notice fewer breakouts and less oily skin. With patience, you can see full results up to 5 months after starting this medication.
Retinoids
Retinoids refer to skin care products that use Vitamin A, which can be prescribed in topical forms like gels or creams. These products can help cure surface-level acne by exfoliating the top layer of skin and revealing a new, healthier layer beneath. For whiteheads and blackheads, this hormonal pimple treatment in Plano removes the dead skin cells that accumulate in your pores and cause acne.
Immediately, retinoids trigger cellular regeneration (replacing old cells with new, healthy ones). However, results may not appear for a few weeks. In some cases, your skin may purge and look worse before clear skin appears. Be patient, and we will check in on your progress as you begin treatment.
Accutane Therapy
A common treatment for hormonal acne is isotretinoin capsules, also known as Accutane. This hormonal treatment works when other topical retinoids and oral medications fail to clear your skin and reduce sebum production. While Accutane is another retinol, it works internally to reduce oily skin, preventing blocked pores from ever occurring. This powerful medication comes with side effects that we will inform you on during the consultation, and monitor throughout your treatment.
Scarring From Acne
Acne is no fun, but the scarring can sometimes feel worse. Some hormonal acne, like cysts, can leave raised or indented scars on your skin even after the acne itself is gone. These scars form from your body’s natural healing processes, which trigger inflammation in the area and stimulate collagen. Collagen is a major protein involved in replacing dead skin cells and providing your skin with structure, support, and strength. When scars form during or after your hormonal pimple treatment in Plano, it’s because your body either produced too much or too little collagen. Our solution is stimulating this protein again, but with more control. For your pimple scar treatment, we offer plenty of options for all skin types.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using a specialized tool fitted with tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the top layer of your skin. These wounds, unnoticeable to the human eye, make a big impact on your body’s natural healing ability. Immediately, it stimulates collagen production, and your body begins generating new, healthy skin cells to replace the damaged ones.
For acne scars, this process also breaks up the scar tissue and either smooths or fills in the raised or indented spots over time. Any skin tone can benefit from microneedling, and it works on your face, abdomen, legs, and more.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
We can also improve acne scars with laser skin treatments and broadband light.
- Halo Laser – Using both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths, the Halo laser treats raised acne scars caused by hormonal pimple treatment in Plano. The ablative settings exfoliate the top layer of skin, while the non-ablative wavelengths penetrate deeper layers of the skin. With this dual technology, it reveals healthy, smooth skin.
- Ultralase – This non-ablative laser can help fill indented scars by stimulating collagen production in the dermis. Beyond acne scars, it also treats skin irregularities and wrinkles.
- Broadband Light – Broadband light (BBL) treats both acne and acne scars. By producing visible and infrared light pulses, this energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed into the tissue. This process creates controlled cellular damage and initiates the cellular turnover process.
Chemical Peels
If you haven’t noticed, the power of exfoliation is very effective when targeting acne scars, especially with chemical peels. This process starts with a thorough cleansing to remove excess oils. Next, your provider places a chemical solution on your skin. Typically, this includes ingredients like glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid. This peel reaches the deeper layers of your skin, revealing a healthier complexion by boosting collagen.
HydraFacial
Using the 3-step HydraFacial process, we can not only clear acne but also help diminish the appearance of scars. This customizable facial involves cleansing, exfoliating, and manually extracting debris from your pores. The last step saturates your skin with personalized serums to combat your biggest concerns, like scarring.
Reveal Smooth Skin
Not all hormonal pimple treatments in Plano are the same, so that’s why you should trust a dermatologist. With our range of knowledge and access to powerful medications, we help you reveal clearer, smoother skin. It all starts with a consultation.
You can use this link to book an appointment, whether you’re a new or returning patient.
To streamline the process, you can start by using our treatment planning tool. This allows you to pinpoint specific areas of the body where you notice hormonal acne.
