How to Get Rid Of Acne – The Link Between Testosterone and Acne

Friday, December 23rd, 2011 at 6:17 pm

How to Get Rid of Acne

Testosterone and Acne

One of the most bothersome problems experienced by both men and women is acne. People usually begin to get bothered by this skin problem from the age of puberty and some even suffer with acne up to their forties. People have and are still looking for different ways of how to get rid of acne from the use of beauty products, tools to popping the zits, and even natural remedies to manage acne – but there are still some people who have skin that does not respond well to acne remedies.

The imbalance of hormones is said to be one of the greatest culprits for hard to resolve acne. This can be manifested by the most frequent episode of acne occurring in women before and after menstruation, while most men experience severe bouts of acne during growth spurts during puberty.

Testosterone is one of these hormones. According to recent studies, testosterone and acne seem to have a close relationship, which makes it difficult when trying to get rid of acne. Better known to many people as the male hormone, testosterone, is a hormone produced and released by both the female and male reproductive organs in significant amounts so as to perform certain functions. The development of the secondary sex characteristics, sexual drive, and maintenance of moisture of the skin are just some of the functions of androgen.

Usually, the body produces the right amount of this hormone so that the skin would have enough oil to keep it moisturized by sealing in the water contained within in it, and creates a film layer that serves as a protection for the skin. However, testosterone and acne begin their journey when the body experiences an imbalance of these hormones – causing the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous gland to be more than the amount needed. Since the sebum cannot be absorbed by the skin, it will be going to the pores and blocking its openings, hence, bacteria and oil are trapped inside the pores causing inflammation and infection.

Understanding the link between testosterone and acne helps when looking for new ways of how to get rid of acne through directly addressing the problem of too much hormone stimulating release of oil in the skin.

A commonly recommended regimen to minimize the problem associated with testosterone and acne would be to adapt a healthy diet. There are foods that contain chemicals that mimic the hormones such as found in livestock so that more milk is produced and even poultry so that these animals can grow and mature faster. At times, these substances are not destroyed by cooking that they tend to be absorbed in the body causing further increases in the production of testosterone.

There are also available beauty products that treat severe acne but they are not advised since their long term effects and safety has not been fully established yet.