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Common Acne Treatments for Women

Acne treatments for women are usually of the standard type, such as topical antibiotics and antibacterials. Women beyond the age of 20 sometimes do not react favorably to topical medications or build a resistance against them over time. In cases like these, hormonal therapies are usually employed.

Acne treatments for women are more varied and specific than general solutions due to factors such as menstruation, menopause and pregnancy; conditions that sometimes coincide with pimple breakouts. To get a better idea of what options are open to women, here is a brief discussion.

Acne in women, particularly if it happens beyond their teenage years, is mostly caused by hormonal imbalance. Some women experience an onset of pimples a week or a few days before their monthly period due to the unbalanced production of hormones. The same thing can occur if a woman is in the menopausal stage. In other cases, pregnancy causes the breakout of zits which, again, can be attributed to changes in hormone levels.

Although more men suffer from acne than women, the latter are usually the ones who are likely to suffer from this skin condition beyond the period of adolescence. Medical experts believe that this is so because women's hormones are more likely to be off than men's. Some studies have even identified stress as a major culprit, arguing that women are more likely to suffer from it. Research has claimed that most adult women who have acne are those who are more exposed to stress, like executives and women juggling a career and a family.

For basic treatments, women are usually prescribed with topical medications like products with benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin and tretinoin. If these medications fail to do their job, hormonal treatment is often recommended. They can be in the form of contraceptives or anti-androgens. These treatments are designed to reduce the levels of androgenic hormones and balance the hormone level of the patient.

Another option that is gaining popularity in treating acne in women is spironolactone. This diuretic is more commonly used in treating liver diseases and hypertension, but has recently been found to be effective in treating acne and even hair loss in men. Spironolactone acts against androgens by binding to the androgen receptor. It is also said to have the ability to inhibit aldosterone and incite the production of water in the body.

For pregnant women, topical solutions are often recommended by skin specialists, although a thorough assessment of the patient's health and medical history is done first to avoid the risk of adverse reactions. Treating acne during pregnancy is a more sensitive process than treating the condition in women who are not pregnant. The risks to the mother and to the baby are often the deciding factors when it comes to choosing the solution for the patient. The important thing about treating acne during pregnancy is that if there is any doubt, no matter how small, of the safety of the chosen treatment, then it should not be used at all. The treatment can be done after the mother has delivered the baby.

Acne treatments for women vary in the method by which they work. Since women have more concerns when it comes to medication, a consultation with a physician before using any cure is justly needed.

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