Hey everyone, welcome back to Adolescence Acne. I’m Dr. Maya Linton, and as always, I’m joined by Dr. Jyoti Prasad Raj khowa. Today, we’re diving into the wild world of hormones and breakouts—basically, why your skin seems to have a mind of its own the minute puberty hits.Hi Maya, hi listeners! Yes, this is the episode where we finally talk about the real culprits—those sneaky hormones, especially androgens like testosterone. You know, Maya, I always tell my patients, “It’s not your fault, it’s your hormones.” Androgens ramp up during puberty, and they tell your oil glands—sebaceous glands—to go into overdrive.Exactly! And when those oil glands get the message, they start producing more sebum, which is just a fancy word for oil. That extra oil can mix with dead skin cells and, well, clog up your pores. Suddenly, you’ve got the perfect recipe for breakouts. It’s like your skin is throwing a party and forgot to invite you.And the severity of acne really depends on how sensitive your skin is to these hormonal changes. Some teens barely notice, while others—well, it can feel like a storm. I remember a 15-year-old patient, let’s call him Arjun. He came in with a sudden, severe flare-up. His parents were worried, thinking it was something he ate or maybe his face wash. But it turned out, he’d just hit early puberty, and his androgen levels had shot up almost overnight.That’s such a classic story. And it’s not just boys—girls get that surge too, right? Sometimes I think people forget that. And, you know, building on what we talked about in our first episode, it’s not about hygiene or “doing something wrong.” It’s biology doing its thing, even if it feels unfair.Absolutely. And sometimes, those hormonal ups and downs can make acne worse at certain times—like right before a period, or during growth spurts. It’s all connected.So, Jyoti, what about when hormones aren’t just surging, but actually out of balance? I mean, we see teens with acne that just won’t quit, no matter what they try. Sometimes, it’s a sign of something deeper, right?Yes, definitely. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome—PCOS—can really throw hormones out of whack, especially in girls. You might see persistent, stubborn acne, sometimes along with irregular periods or extra hair growth. It’s not super common, but it’s important for families to know when to look for these signs.I actually think about my brother here. He had these breakouts that just wouldn’t budge, and it was so frustrating for him. We tried everything—diet changes, new cleansers, you name it. But it wasn’t until a doctor checked his hormone levels that we realized there was an underlying issue. Once that was addressed, his skin finally started to clear. It was such a relief for him—and for me, honestly.That’s a great example. Sometimes, acne is the body’s way of waving a little red flag. If breakouts are severe, or if there are other symptoms—like changes in periods, or sudden hair growth—it’s worth talking to a doctor. Families shouldn’t feel like they’re overreacting. It’s better to check and be reassured than to miss something important.And, I mean, it’s not always a big medical issue, but it’s good to know what’s normal and what’s not. I always tell parents, “If you’re worried, ask.” There’s no harm in getting a professional opinion.So, let’s talk about what we can actually do when hormones are the main driver. There are treatments that target the source—like oral contraceptives for girls, or medications called anti-androgens. These can help balance out those hormone signals and reduce oil production.Yeah, and I know some people get nervous when they hear “hormonal treatment,” but for the right person, it can be life-changing. I always say, “Ask your dermatologist lots of questions.” Like—what are the side effects? How long does it take to work? Is this the best option for my skin and my body?Exactly. And it’s not a one-size-fits-all thing. I had a patient, Samira, who struggled with severe acne for years. We tried the usual creams and antibiotics, but nothing really worked. Once we started her on a tailored hormonal therapy, her skin improved dramatically. She told me she finally felt comfortable going out without makeup, which was a huge milestone for her.That’s so powerful. And, you know, as we’ve said in previous episodes, it’s about finding what works for you. Hormones are complicated, but understanding them gives you more options—and more hope.Absolutely. And if you’re listening and feeling overwhelmed, just remember—there are solutions, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.Alright, that’s all for today’s episode on hormones and breakouts. Thanks for joining us, Jyoti, and thank you to everyone listening. We’ll be back soon with more on navigating adolescence acne—so stay tuned, and take care of your skin and yourselves.Thank you, Maya. Always a pleasure. Goodbye everyone, and see you next time!

Episodes

Hormones and Breakouts