An in-depth look at how to treat hormonal acne with ClaraDerma+, a medical aesthetics and laser clinic in the Niagara Region, beginning with a skin consultation, product recommendation, and secondary treatment suggestions.
If there is one universal truth I am sure of is that everyone desires clear, glowing skin. The pursuit to achieving that desire can be confusing, expensive, and disappointing.
I can speak with certainty that my own desire for clear, healthy skin has been frustrating and expensive.
As you’ll know, the link between inner and outer wellness is something that I advocate strongly for. Take care of your body, your gut, and your mind and your outer body responds positively. I believe that whole-heartedly. If you’re a glowing skin junkie like me check out my tips for achieving glowing skin naturally with Dr. Commisso to start.
But, I also whole-heartedly believe in turning to experts when it’s time.
When it comes to skin, look no further than ClaraDerma+, a medical aesthetics and laser clinic in the Niagara Region dedicated to helping patients address their skin needs. How do they address your skin needs? Through preventative measures, corrective treatment, and ongoing patient education.
Are Hormones Causing my Acne?
Here’s where I found myself and maybe you have been or are right where I was.
Sometimes, I had that clear, glowing skin I longed for. I contribute that to choices like staying hydrated and eating nutritious skin-loving food.
Other times, my face can only be described as a hot mess. Big, sore, and red bumps spanning across my chin and up my jawline.
What in the hell!
So, one tip for getting glow skin naturally rings true here too: talk to a professional!
Feeling at a loss and knowing that my skin was impacting my confidence I booked a skin consultation with Alicia Yap, a medical aesthetician and skin enthusiast, as well as the co-founder of ClaraDerma+.
Alicia asked me about my current skincare routine, the products I was using, and about my acne.
Here’s the magic: Alicia informed me that my acne was, in fact, hormonal acne! Knowing the type of acne, I was experiencing allowed Alicia to break down how to treat hormonal acne with product recommendations and treatment options specific to my needs.
What triggers hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne refers to acne caused by the fluctuation in your hormones, mainly an increased level of testosterone.
Unlike acne in our years of puberty, adult hormonal acne tends to show up on your jawline. Bingo, for me!
Why? The increased levels of testosterone result in increased oil gland production and clogging of pores.
ClaraDerma+ can teach you How to Treat Hormonal Acne
Look no further, I’m going to break that all down here for you. First, book yourself a skin consultation!
If you’re in need clarity about your skin needs and expert advice on products suited for you, treatment options, and ongoing education, a skin consultation is for you.
Since I live in the Niagara Region I booked an appointment online to visit ClaraDerma+ in person.
Do you need to live in the Niagara Region? Heck NO! This service is available virtually to all Canadians! The medical grade products recommended during your consultation can be shipped across Canada – for free!!
Want to learn more about booking a virtual skin consultation with ClaraDerma+? Check out the video below.
Even virtually, your skin needs will be addressed by an authorized skincare professional and they will provide you with a customized recommendation of products for your specific skincare needs. All you need to do is fill out a form and share a selfie!
The Best Skincare Products for Hormonal Acne
During my skin consultation with ClaraDerma+ product recommendations were made to address my hormonal acne. The skincare routine recommended was from AlumierMD, a brand of medical grade, socially responsible products that are physician-dispensed to ensure patients are educated on how to care for their skin.
Admittedly, I had been spending money on products that weren’t necessarily the best for my skin concerns.
Why use AlumierMD products?
AlumierMD products are designed by a team of scientists carefully formulated to deliver therapeutic outcomes for problem areas such as acne. Each product is free from parabens, dyes, mineral oils, and sulfates.
As pioneers of Clean Science, their products incorporate medical-grade ingredients in the cleanest formulations with the best possible results. This means complete honesty and transparency about the ingredients in their products, clinically proven ingredients, in optimal dosages.
AlumierMD has also banned over 1,300 potentially harmful ingredients so you can rest assured knowing what you are putting on your skin isn’t unsafe.
Wondering what medical grade means? I get it, me too. The ingredients used in AlumierMD medical grade products are purer, more concentrated, and more active to penetrate the problem. It is because of the strength and quality of the ingredients they are unique.
Since AlumierMD products are medical grade you need to see a skincare physician who is able to prescribe based on your specific needs. Say goodbye to one size fits all treatment.
Recommendations for treating my hormonal acne with AlumierMD
Prior to my consultation I was using an oil cleanser and a series of products from The Ordinary. I learned that the oil cleanser was contributing to my hormonal acne and that, while there is nothing wrong with the products I was using from The Ordinary, those products were more individual ingredients than a complete solution. This is why these products are so inexpensive.
Did you know that toner strips your skin causing it to create more oil which contributes to acne like mine? Me neither. The education component of personalized skincare is key.
For me, the Purifying Gel Cleanser and Acne Balancing Serum was recommended. The Purifying Gel Cleanser is a pH-balanced foaming cleanser that gently cleans skin and effectively removed impurities and excessive oil. The Acne Balancing Serum penetrates pores to reduce acne, heals, and prevents new breakouts.
Here’s an example of why The Ordinary products are more a single ingredient where this serum from AlumierMD is a complete solution. Prior to my consultation, I was using The Ordinary niacinamide acid which is only one of the ingredients in the AlumierMD Acne Balancing Serum.
From one consumer to another, I appreciated that during my consultation I wasn’t instructed to throw out all my existing skincare products. I was educated about which ones were working well for my skin concerns and which products would better address those needs. For example, I have been using the Restorative Hydration Facial Moisturizer from Garden City Essentials, a small batch skincare company in the Niagara region. This moisturizer was still a good fit for my skincare routine in addition to the AlumierMD products recommended.
What is the best treatment for hormonal acne?
In addition to product recommendation, I learned about secondary treatment options for how to treat my hormonal acne.
I say secondary treatment because they are beneficial but the biggest bang for my buck was making changes to the skincare products I use.
For treating my hormonal acne, a series of chemical peels were suggested.
A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the look and health of your skin. A peel can be used to treat active acne, acne scarring, aging skin, and sun damage. When the skin turns over, or begins to peel, your skin will be left looking smoother and healthier.
AlumierMD offers five different types of peels which your medical aesthetician will choose based on the needs your skin, as well as the strength of the peel.
For me, the AlumierMD Glow peel was selected to treat both the active spots of acne and the acne scarring, as well as to improve the overall health of the skin on my face.
What the Chemical Peel was like
If you are local to the Niagara Region, I highly recommend you make an appointment for an in-person treatment at ClaraDerma+. Don’t let the ‘medical’ part of their business fool you because the ‘spa’ atmosphere is there!
First, my skin was cleansed and toned. Then Alicia applied a series of peels and serums, and then a moisturizer and sunscreen.
I’ll admit, things get a little spicy on the surface of your skin and the peel and serums are working their magic but that feeling isn’t long lasting and a fan is used to cool things down.
I left with an AlumierMD post-treatment skincare routine to use for five to seven days. Easy peasy!
Immediately following my peel my skin felt soft and plump. I didn’t experience too much peeling and the post-treatment products soothed any irritation I experienced. In the days following I saw and noticeable reduction in the active acne and in the dark spots from acne scarring. I also was pleasantly surprised with how soft and tight my skin was.
Are you interested in How to Treat Hormonal Acne?
If you’ve been battling it out with your skin concerns, call in the experts at ClaraDerma+. Book a skin consultation in-person or virtually and start your journey to healthy, glowing skin.
My expectations were far surpassed with small changes to the products I was using to target my skin needs. The chemical peel kicked it up a notch!
Since switching up my skincare products and having only one chemical peel I have been wearing only a tinted sunscreen and applying concealer to only a few spots.In a few weeks, I’ll be back visiting ClaraDerma+ for a second chemical peel. This peel will continue to help with the acne scarring and overall health of my skin. Not to mention leave me glowing and smiling ear to ear. Stay tuned for the results!!
This post was sponsored by ClaraDerma+ but the experience and opinions are my own. The products and treatments discussed were chosen for my needs. Please consult a professional to if you have any questions about how to treat your skin needs.
References
https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/symptoms-and-diseases/hormonal-acne
https://www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/news-events-media/news/web/womens-health/acne-at-30
