Hypothyroidism is a health condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough crucial hormones. When hypothyroidism is left untreated for a long time, it can cause a variety of health issues like joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. According to statistics, around 20 million Americans suffer from some form of a thyroid condition. This blog discusses how to prevent acne and whether your thyroid levels can cause the problem.
Can Hypothyroidism Cause Acne?
Acne is usually caused by dead skin cells, pore inflammation, excess oil, and bacteria. Apart from the surface of the skin, it’s often a reflection of an underlying issue that occurs inside the body as well. Internal balances can also be responsible for it. Scientific proof has shown that there is a strong correlation between hypothyroidism and acne. If the thyroid hormones behave abnormally, it can negatively affect the body, including skin issues. Many symptoms can resolve themselves when the thyroid levels are rebalanced. However, some symptoms like acne can persist. In short, hypothyroidism and skin problems are related.
Are Thyroid Issues Causing Your Acne?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck mainly responsible for releasing hormones that control the metabolism (this is how the body uses the energy). It even regulates the skin functions like oxygen absorption. According to medical experts, the skin is one of the first organs that help indicate thyroid hormone imbalances. Therefore, many dermatologists often suspect thyroid disorders when people suffer from specific skin conditions like vitiligo (the skin becomes discolored in places due to loss of pigment cells). Thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism can also affect the hair follicles and clog pores, leading to acne. However, acne is not a general symptom of hypothyroidism.
Can Thyroid Medications Cause Acne?
Unless a person is allergic to an ingredient present in thyroid medications, it typically doesn’t cause acne. However, some acne medications can affect thyroid tests like retinoids which can cause abnormalities in the TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone). See Also: Can I Still Have Laser Skin Treatment If I Have Sensitive Skin?
Five Steps to Treating Acne
1. Fix the Gut
Thyroid hormone promotes motion of the GI tract (peristalsis). However, hypothyroidism promotes slow GI tract movement, which can lead to many problems such as causing skin changes like acne. For instance, constipation may be a sign of SIFO/SIBO, but you can treat it with herbal antibiotics. Almost half of the hypothyroid patients may not even know that they have this condition.
2. Balance Estrogen and Progesterone Levels
You are more likely to develop acne if your estrogen levels are high. Focus on balancing your progesterone levels and increasing the metabolism of estrogen in the body. Try to balance estrogen levels to minimize the chances of acne.
3. Balance Androgens (Dhea and Testosterone)
Many women suffer from high testosterone levels due to changes in insulin levels, leading to acne. Addressing insulin resistance and improving testosterone metabolism away from DHT can help treat acne.
4. Supplements for Skin Nourishment
Many nutrient deficiencies can prevent proper skin functioning. You can take certain supplements that are touted as the best natural acne supplement.
5. Change Your Lifestyle
Manage certain lifestyle factors like choosing organic food over processed food that can help reduce acne. Other lifestyle changes to promote skin health include:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating foods like almonds, blueberries, avocados, etc., to promote skin health
- Using skin-friendly makeup that suits you
- Removing your makeup before bedtime to maintain skin health
See Also: What Do You Need To Know About Hormonal Replacement Treatment (HRT)?
How the Youth Fountain Can Help Talk to Our Experts
If you’re facing hypothyroidism, talk to our skin professionals and hormone experts to manage the condition. We can help treat thyroid issues and improve your skin health to control acne and its lingering effects. Our team will use a two-pronged approach to treat your acne. Our Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy can help control your thyroid levels to balance your hormone levels and reduce their occurrence. On the other hand, our skin experts can help eliminate any lingering effects of acne to rejuvenate your skin and restore your skin health and appearance. If you’re looking for the best hormone replacement therapy and cure for the effects of acne on your skin, we are at your service. Contact us to book a session today! We can create a personalized treatment plan to revitalize your skin and restore your hormonal balance.
