Breaking the chain of hormones, stress, and acne in Portland
School is back in session. That means plenty of opportunities for sports, music, and socializing. It also means raging hormones and sky-rocketing stress levels for many Portland area teens . . . and their parents.
The majority of teenager will have some form of acne from puberty throughout young adult years. The term “acne” encompasses the whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, and cysts that occur when hair follicles become plugged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria thrive in that environment and form pockets of inflammation.
What causes sebaceous glands to produce too much oil? Hormonal changes play a big role. Hormones are chemicals produced by cells. They act as messengers, regulating systems by carrying information from one part of the body to another. During teen years, the body produces a myriad of extra hormones like testosterone and estrogen to help a boys and girls physically mature and begin to produce sperm and eggs. During this process, sebaceous glands enlarge, resulting in oily skin and hair.
Emotional stress is also a significant factor in oil production. Cells that produce sebum have receptors that sense stress hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine. While medical science doesn’t yet have a full understanding of the reason, we know that a glut of stress hormones causes the body to produce more oils. The process becomes an acne producing chain:
- School work, exams, grades, sports performance, and social drama = stress.
- Stress + maturing bodies = increased hormonal activity.
- Changes in hormone levels = excess oil production.
- Oil production = blocked hair follicles and acne.
- Acne = more stress . . . and the cycle repeats.
Bear in mind that adults get acne, too, and these tumultuous teen years may occur while mom is having her own hormone fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause. Untreated acne can leave emotional and physical scars in its wake. It is time to break the chain with effective treatment solutions.
Dr. Adam Maddox and the skin care team at Thrive customize treatment, utilizing professional formulations and techniques such as:
- Medical grade skin care products.
- A variety of chemical peel options.
- IPL (intense pulsed light), blue, and red light therapies.
- PDT – photodynamic therapy.
- RevLite laser therapy.
Don’t let stress mess with your kid’s complexion or your own. Call Thrive today at (503) 928-6505 for acne treatment that works.
