The development of acne is the most common skin condition globally and can be triggered by different factors. Nearly everyone, including newly born babies, has been a victim of acne at various stages of life. The leading causes of acne are bacterial infestation or hormonal changes in one’s body.
This blog will show you how to differentiate hormone-inflicted acnes from bacterial ones to evaluate which control and treatment measures to take. You can comfortably determine if that acne is hormonal or bacterial-inflicted and look for the proper medication. Whichever type of acne, you should never feel less confident over an inflammation because you’re still beautiful. Above all, seek treatment services from a reputable cosmetic clinic for the sake of your precious skin.
There are many ways to differentiate hormonal acne from bacterial ones. They include:
Cause of the Acne
Hormonal acne is primarily caused when sebum, the oily substance generated by the sebaceous glands, is affected by hormonal transformations in one’s body. When the level of hormone production rises, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum than usual, making the skin very oily and eventually resulting in acne development.
In contrast, bacterial acne, as the term suggests, occurs due to bacterial infection on one’s face. When the excess sebum blends with dead skin cells and other debris on a human’s body, it forms a plug easily infected by the slightest exposure to bacteria.
However, hormonal and bacterial acne can co-live in a single person whenever sebum and bacteria interact in different environments. For instance, hormonal acne can be an excellent attraction for bacteria, leading to the development of bacterial acne.
Frequency of Occurrence
If you experience acne breakouts nearly every two weeks or at the same time of the month, that’s probably hormonal. Hormonal acne will forcefully let itself in frequently due to various changes in your body. The case is most common in women during their periods.
Conversely, bacterial acne has no particular frequency of occurrence but instead emerges randomly and unpredictably. You might wake up with acne, wondering where it could have come from, and the next time you see such again might be in six or seven months- that’s how bacterial acne behaves.
However, it would help if you didn’t take their infrequency as a reason not to care for and manage them whenever they occur.
Genetic Factors
If your parents or one of your family members has a history of acne development or is battling the condition, there’s a high probability of hormonal imbalance. Unfortunately, genetics play a substantial role in the development of acne in one’s life and should never be overlooked when ascertaining reasons for your acne.
Contrary to that, bacterial acne is not directly connected to genetics but can only be termed genetic-oriented if they occur repeatedly.
Hormonal Factors
Besides puberty and menstruation, hormonal acne occurs when one is consuming hormone-changing medication, experiencing emotional turmoil, or battling certain illnesses. They can easily suffer from hormonal acne.
Bacterial acne is mainly catalyzed by consuming greasy foods rich in omega-6, added sugars, and high amounts of non-complex carbohydrates. Living in a polluted area accelerates the break out of bacterial acne due to air pollution.
The appearance of the Acne
The last characteristic you can use to differentiate hormonal acne from bacterial ones is appearance. Hormonal-inflicted acne tends to co-occur in a cluster, while bacterial ones break out individually and at different times.
Hormonal and bacterial-inflicted acne can appear like a cystic or inflammation above the skin. Therefore, you cannot use that feature to tell the difference between the two.
Prevention and Treatment for Hormonal and Bacterial Acne
Hormonal Acne
One of the best ways to shield yourself from hormonal acne is to create a regular skincare routine in readiness to fight back at any time. Experts advocate applying facial cleansing products at least every morning and night.
Additionally, you must reduce make-up application or, even better, learn about safe make-up products and techniques to keep your skin safe. If hormonal acne continues even after the above preventive measures, you can seek a dermatologist’s help with your skin.
Some experts may provide various practical treatments like extraction of white and blackheads, steroid injections, and light therapy, depending on the condition’s intensity. You can also look for hormone-balancing medication, especially for women during periods, but with a doctor’s prescription.
Bacterial Acne
Since prevention remains better than cure every day, you should keep yourself from conditions that can result in bacterial acne, such as living in polluted areas, messing around your diet, and neglecting your body hygiene.
However, the acne will still find its way into your face, and that’s when you should look out for treatment methods, including the application of benzoyl peroxide to fight bacteria.
You can also take some oral antibiotics strictly with a doctor’s prescription for more effective results. Dermatologists also advise individuals to seek advanced treatment options if the bacterial acne is followed by intense pain or gradually develops into a wound.
