Which hormone is responsible for the condition of facial skin. What is progesterone, how does it affect women’s bodies and what are its norms?

Greetings, blog readers! At any age, a person is not immune from the appearance of pimples on the face and body, or, as they are also called, acne. This is a rather unpleasant phenomenon, which not only spoils the appearance, but also often indicates diseases of the internal organs.

In ordinary cases, external remedies (calendula tincture or aloe juice) will help save you from acne, but in cases where these remedies do not help, you should resort to more serious means of treatment. After reading the article to the end, you will find out whether hormonal pills help against acne, consumer reviews of which are mostly positive.

Types of medications for acne treatment

Any medications must be prescribed by a doctor strictly according to indications.

You can’t just buy a drug at a pharmacy and start taking it. After all, every remedy has contraindications and side effects. And not all of them cope equally well with rashes on the face and body.

It is simply impossible to guess which pills help and which are completely ineffective on your own.

If a rash suddenly appears that does not go away for a long time, you need to consult a dermatologist and undergo examination by specialized specialists.

It is important to exclude diseases of internal organs, infections, allergies and other pathologies that cause acne symptoms.

Antibiotics

Prescribed to eliminate bacterial skin lesions.

Acne is often caused by excessive activity of pathogenic microflora - staphylococci, streptococci, propionic organisms.

Modern antibiotics have a wide spectrum of action. Some of them prevent the proliferation of microbes, others simply destroy them.

In any case, they are dispensed according to a doctor’s prescription, and the dosage and course of administration are determined individually.

Photo: antibiotics are prescribed in the presence of bacterial infection

Depending on the degree of the disease, therapy lasts on average from 7 days to several months. Erythromycin is suitable for treating mild forms, but in advanced cases more powerful agents will be required.

Levomycetin

It is used when other antibiotics are powerless.

• It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, causative agents of purulent infections.
• Levomycetin inhibits protein synthesis, penetrating the cells of microorganisms, rarely causing resistance.

According to the instructions, adults are prescribed 1-2 tablets every 12 hours 30 minutes before meals. The daily dose should not exceed 2 g.

The product is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, fungal skin infections, eczema and psoriasis.

Trichopolum

The active ingredient is metronidazole, which has a detrimental effect on the life of not only bacteria, but also protozoa.

• The drug is taken with meals for 7 days. The dosage is determined depending on the type of infection.
• Usually 1–1.5 g per day is prescribed, divided into 3 times.

Trichopolum is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age, pregnant and lactating women.

During treatment, it is forbidden to drink alcohol, as headaches, fever, and stomach discomfort may occur. An analogue for external application is Metrogyl gel.

Doxycycline

Refers to semisynthetic antibiotics of the tetracycline group.

Photo: a doctor must prescribe antibiotic treatment

The daily dose is 200–100 mg (1–2 tablets) after meals. It is important to take the medication with enough water to reduce esophageal irritation.

• The drug is not prescribed to children under 9 years of age during tooth development, as it leads to irreversible darkening of the enamel.
• During therapy, do not expose the skin to ultraviolet radiation or be in direct sunlight.

READ ALSO: How to get rid of acne on the butt: 10 effective methods to quickly overcome the disease

Unidox Solutab

An analogue of Doxycycline, available in 100 mg tablets.

• It inhibits the metabolism and synthesis of bacteria, preventing their reproduction.
• The drug is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, so its maximum concentration in the blood is reached 2 hours after administration.

It is not prescribed during pregnancy due to impaired formation of fetal bone tissue.

Minolexin

Also belongs to the group of tetracyclines and is most often used to treat acne and other skin infections.

Take 1 tablet of 50 mg per day for 6–12 weeks.

Retinoids

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and its structural analogues.

• The composition of some of them is supplemented with an antibiotic. The drugs inhibit the growth of epithelial cells and the activity of the sebaceous glands, reducing the production of fatty secretions.
• They help with skin pathologies, but are also characterized by serious side effects. The patient may experience cracked and dry lips, pain in the muscles, joints and head, and bleeding from the nose.

The correct dose significantly reduces the risk of negative reactions.

Under no circumstances should you take retinoids uncontrolled.

Photo: retinoids are prescribed when other drugs are ineffective

The best of them are included in the list:

Medicines are not prescribed to pregnant women, breastfeeding, or simultaneously with alcohol and smoking.

Roaccutane

Stimulates the regeneration of skin cells, so it has proven itself in the treatment of acne.

It is prescribed when other drugs are no longer effective. Indications are cystic conglomerates, many purulent nodes and pustules prone to scarring.

After administration, the thickness of the stratum corneum of the epidermis decreases, which facilitates the penetration of the active substance deeper into the dermis.

In the infected area, inflammation decreases, the size of the sebaceous glands decreases, and comedones do not form.

Tetracyclines, vitamin A and some other drugs are not prescribed simultaneously with Roaccutane.

The daily norm is 0.5 mg/kg, but for body acne it is increased to 2 mg/kg.

Brewer's yeast

The safest anti-acne pills.

This beneficial supplement is suitable for teenagers, children over 12 years of age and adults. The composition includes carbohydrates, proteins, 14 vitamins, fatty acids, enzymes and minerals. It is a storehouse of zinc, iron, magnesium, folic acid, thiamine.

Photo: Brewer's yeast is often prescribed to teenagers

It is impossible to say with certainty whether beer shakes help with rashes.

But it is known for sure that as part of complex therapy they have a beneficial effect not only on the condition of the skin, but also on the health of the entire body:

• strengthen the immune system;
• increase resistance to infections;
• improve digestion and absorption of food;
• help eliminate harmful toxins.

You need to take the supplement 5 tablets 3 times a day 10 minutes before meals for a month, then it is recommended to take a break.

Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic acid does not get rid of acne if taken orally.

Photo: aspirin is effective when used externally

But when used externally, it has a therapeutic effect against acne.

• The tablets are crushed into powder, diluted with water to a thick paste and applied to problem areas.
• Leave the mask on for 15–20 minutes, then wash off.
• You can add honey, lemon juice, white or green clay, yogurt or kefir to the composition.

READ ALSO: Pimples on the chin, nose and forehead, causes - Benefits and harms for the human body

To cleanse the body

Unbalanced, poor-quality nutrition causes toxins to form on the intestinal walls.

They are absorbed into the blood and disrupt digestion. The skin tries to remove them through the pores, but in case of systematic poisoning it fails. The excretory ducts become clogged, and comedones and pimples form.

When treating acne, it is important to first cleanse the body of harmful substances.

There are special drugs for this.

Coal

Photo: mask with activated carbon

The sorbent is taken on an empty stomach at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight.

It has no serious contraindications or adverse reactions.

Masks made from 2-3 tablets of charcoal, white clay and water absorb impurities from the surface of the skin well. The thick mixture is applied for 20–30 minutes and then washed off.

Lactofiltrum

Photo: colon cleanser

The composition includes lactulose and lignin, which promote digestion and elimination of breakdown products, normalizing peristalsis and stool.

Lactofiltrum stimulates the growth of beneficial microflora in the intestines and prevents fermentation and rotting of food.

The tablet is taken an hour before meals 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2–3 weeks.

Analogs are Smecta, Sorbex, Polysorb, Enterosgel.

When are hormonal pills prescribed for acne?

It turns out that hormonal drugs not only protect against unwanted pregnancy, but also cure acne.

After long-term use, the oiliness of the skin and hair decreases, the menstrual cycle normalizes, and the intensity of bleeding decreases.

But they are indicated only when the rash is caused by hormonal imbalances in the body.

If the cause of acne is different, then there will be no effect on the skin.

• Modern tablets are micro- or low-dose, so they do not lead to the development of such serious effects.
• They do not cause weight gain and hair loss.

These are Jess, Yarina, Janine, Diane-35, Belara, Mediana, Rigevidon, Logest and others.

For men

Hormonal pills for acne on the face are not prescribed to men.

• Contraceptives are not intended to treat acne.
• Indirectly, they have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands.
• But an excess of female hormones in a man’s body can lead to serious consequences.

What to do if a pimple appears on the labia minora? Find out here.

For women

For girls who have never had menstruation, such drugs are also not prescribed.

They are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The most popular combination drug that suits most women.

It neutralizes sperm that have penetrated the cervix. Although ethinyl estradiol leads to weight gain and swelling, drospirenone reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions, relieves PMS, and reduces oily hair and skin.

Yarina

They are considered the most effective with a minimum of adverse reactions.

Photo: modern contraceptive

Thanks to the combination of two active substances, ovulation is inhibited and the viscosity of the uterine mucus increases.

As a result, the egg does not attach to the endometrium, and pregnancy does not occur.

The drug is modern and meets all quality standards.

It normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands and prevents swelling of the face.

Janine

Low-dose hormonal drug with dienogest and ethinyl estradiol.

• Prescribed for pathologies of the reproductive system, accompanied by a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
• Like many other similar drugs, it provides contraception, regulates the menstrual cycle, reduces the intensity of bleeding, and the risk of iron deficiency anemia in women.

READ ALSO: Acne on the thighs in women and men - causes and how to get rid of them

Reproductive hormones

Hormones, as you know, are chemical “messengers” that have a specific effect on certain cells of the body. They enter the bloodstream, through which they are delivered to various parts of the body. But they only affect those cells that have a specific unique structure specifically for this type of hormone. Therefore, hormones have an effect only if they enter the correct receptor. The skin has several types of receptors for different hormones:

• ESTROGENIC HORMONES of female action;
• ANDROGENIC HORMONES of male action;
• PROGESTERONE is a precursor of androgens and estrogens. Has a regulatory effect.

Other means

Photo: vitamins are prescribed as part of complex treatment

Vitamins and mineral supplements are prescribed as part of complex treatment.

• Zinc sulfate is necessary to normalize metabolic processes in tissues, accelerate wound healing, and eliminate inflammation. The trade name of the supplement is Zincteral.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the body, improving the overall condition of the skin and reducing sebum production.

It is difficult to meet the daily requirement with food, so it is better to purchase capsules from the Evalar, Medicolight, and Doppelgerz brands.

DIAGNOSTICS

To begin, I recommend that you find a doctor who has completed additional specialization in Functional and Integrative Medicine. The doctor, after a detailed questioning and examination, measuring your blood pressure, will recommend that you undergo a series of tests. You will need to check the levels of sex hormones, glucose, insulin, and rule out deficiencies of certain vitamins and microelements. Don't be surprised if your doctor asks you to have a gynecological ultrasound.

Considering the above, with acne, women and girls first need to get tested for hormones:

1. Testosterone free and bound
2. DHT (dihydrotestosterone)
3. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)
4. Estradiol
5. Androstenedione
6. Cortisol
7. Insulin
8. Thyroid hormones

Price

Table comparing the cost of hormonal acne pills in Moscow pharmacies

Questions and answers

Despite the fact that it is strictly not recommended to self-medicate, many people go to the pharmacy rather than to the doctor for advice.

The reasons for this vary from lack of time to simple laziness.

But it is important to remember that many drugs should not be combined with each other.

Most of them are dangerous in case of individual intolerance or hypersensitivity.

Some, such as antibiotics, are addictive. And this can cause an increase in rash lesions. That's why you should think carefully before treating acne at home.

How to take hormonal pills

Start taking contraceptives from the 1st day of the cycle, that is, from the first day of the onset of menstruation.

Usually, the days of the week are already written on the back of the package for convenience. The tablet is drunk at the same time.

• If suddenly a dose is missed, then the girl, as soon as she remembers, should swallow the next dose. Even if you have to take two pills in a row at once.
• After 21 days, it is recommended to take a week break. For this purpose, in some packs 7 tablets out of 28 are placebo. Lasting results appear after six months or a year.

Which ones are better

It is impossible to say which hormonal agents are better, since each body is individual.

You should not buy the first drug you come across on the advice of a friend, even if she has the same symptoms.

You need to go to a gynecologist and together choose the most suitable one.

The doctor will observe whether the pills are suitable and whether there are any side effects.

If something is wrong, he will stop the medicine and recommend something else.

Reviews

Girls highly praise hormonal contraceptives, as they have helped many get rid of acne and restore a healthy appearance to the skin.

Photo: review of the use of Diane-35

• I especially liked Jess, there were a lot of positive reviews. The drug is affordable for people with average incomes; it can be easily purchased at any pharmacy. There are complaints about Janine's pills: they cause hair loss.

Photo: review of the use of brewer's yeast

• After taking brewer's yeast, 80% of patients noted an improvement in the functioning of the digestive system, strengthening the structure of hair and nails, and increasing their growth. Self-treatment with antibiotics in half of the users led to the development of intestinal or vaginal dysbiosis and an increase in the number of rashes.

How to get rid of acne with aspirin? Find out here.

Is it possible to use Levomekol for acne on the face? Read on.

And during therapy, it is important to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations, not to exceed the prescribed dosage, and to complete the entire course. Only if these conditions are met will it be possible to defeat the hated acne for a long time.

The role of fat metabolism disorders in the development of acne

Elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and other fats in the blood strain blood vessels and increase the risk of acne. The fat content in cuts can only be determined through laboratory tests. The cause of fat metabolism disorders may be:

• heredity;
• poor nutrition;
• diabetes;
• obesity;
• alcohol abuse;
• menopause;
• taking certain medications and hormonal contraceptives.