The Scoop on Acne in Women

When it comes to acne in women, there's little doubt that women get the short end of the stick. Like it or not, women are judged on their looks more so than men. In addition, a woman's hormonal system makes her more likely to develop acne during certain times of her life. And to top it off, treatment options are typically more expensive for women.

The teenage years

As teenagers, girls have a tendency to develop acne earlier than boys. Most girls begin developing acne around age 11. Boys tend to do so around age 13. The reason is that girls, as a general rule, mature faster than boys. They hit puberty anywhere from a few months to a few of years before their male counterparts.

During the teenage years, the body experiences a sharp jump in hormone levels, including the commonly known hormones estrogen and testosterone. But it's the lesser known class of hormones called androgens that play a bigger role in the development of acne.

Click here for an amazing program that has helped other women beat acne breakouts.

Even though androgens are responsible for the development of certain male characteristics, these hormones exist in both sexes (just to a lesser degree in females). So even though girls reach puberty earlier, androgen levels are higher in boys. This accounts for the fact that teenage boys often develop more severe acne than girls.

Moving into adulthood

Statistics vary, but most teens will develop acne, at least a mild case, at some point during their teenage years. Unfortunately for females, acne typically lasts later in life, though it can come and go cyclically. When a woman reaches her 20s, hormone fluctuations that occur as part of her monthly menstrual cycle increase the chances of developing acne. The week before the onset of a woman’s period is the most likely time for acne flare ups.

The severity of acne in women follows about the same pattern. Inflammations, blackheads, and whiteheads all increase in severity between weeks 3 and 4 of the menstrual cycle.

The problem continues throughout a woman's reproductive years, but does decrease over time. Over half of all women will develop acne during their 20s. The numbers lower significantly for women in their 30s and even more so in their 40s. By the time a woman reaches her 50s, she runs about a 15% chance of continuing to battle acne. The numbers are even lower for men across the same 10-year periods, making acne in women more prevalent than for men in the same age group.

Acne and pregnancy

For certain women, pregnancy brings some relief. But in most cases, it simply changes the cyclical pattern. Instead of eliminating acne or following a predictable schedule, pregnancy often causes breakouts to occur at random. And some women who have never experienced acne suddenly find themselves battling blemishes.

Once again, the culprit causing acne in women who are pregnant is the change in hormone levels. Acne typically shows up in the first trimester. Not surprisingly, this is the time when hormone levels are changing most drastically. Problems usually subside upon delivery, but can continue in women who breastfeed.

Care should always be taken when it comes to medications, but generally most over the counter treatments are considered safe for treating acne in women who are pregnant. However, some studies have shown that tetracycline (doxycycline) and isotretinoin (Accutane) are best avoided during pregnancy. Both are treatments for severe acne, but could cause either developmental problems with the fetus or birth defects.

If you are pregnant or nursing, it's best to check with a dermatologist before starting any acne treatment.

Acne No More is a complete kit for battling acne in women. Not only do you get a valuable ebook, but you also get other helpful tools at no additional cost.

Click here to learn about this acne cure. It focuses on a healthy diet and lifestyle, so you not only end up looking great, you feel great.

The offer comes with a money-back guarantee, so there is nothing to lose.