The truth is, male and female skin is different and each gender’s acne is affected by these differences. Male skin is approximately 25% thicker than female’s skin, lipid composition is dramatically different, and testosterone hormonal levels and by-products are significantly greater.
A common misunderstanding is that men have testosterone and women estrogen and progesterone; when in reality both sexes have levels of all three. Males have obviously more testosterone than females, while women have more estrogen and progesterone than men. In both sexes, these hormones are the natural triggers of acne.
Male hormones, in particular testosterone, and the more aggressive androgen derived DHT (Dihydro Testosterone) are the culprits of both male and female acne.
The stage of development where the adrenal glands accelerate production of these hormones is at the onset of puberty. This scientific fact helps explain why oily skin and acne are so prevalent among teenagers. Naturally, since boys have more "male" hormones, teen acne tends to be more severe in males, with 85% of males teens experiencing acne.
Another truth - the onset of acne usually occurs earlier in female than males due to the earlier onset of puberty with in females. The peak incidence and severity occur between the ages of fourteen and seventeen in females; and years sixteen and nineteen in males, and 40% and 35% in these age groups are affected respectively (1).
For women, one of the most likely times to develop acne other than pregnancy is during menstruation. It is very common for females to have breakouts of acne during menstruation, and this usually occurs on the lower face, chin and jaw line. Acne during menstruation is mainly caused due to hormonal fluctuations that occur within females during the menstrual cycle. Many women may feel embarrassed about this condition because they don't want a sign for everyone telling them 'it's that time' again. This is especially true for women who only develop acne during the menstrual cycle.
Recent studies have shown that some prescription-only oral contraceptives are effective for treating acne in women, especially those with mild to moderate acne as they have shown to reduce the effect of the androgen hormones on the sebaceous glands - minimizing the amount of oil glands produce, which means that a females pores are far less likely to get blocked.
The TRUTH is that hormones drive acne more than any other cause.
References 1: Burton JL, Cunlitfe WJ, Stafford et al, The prevalence of acne vulgaris in adolescence. Br J Dermatol1971 ; 85:85 119-26.Acne is affected by gender - males experience acne diffeent than females.
Testosterone is found in both males and females.
Testosterone leads to DHT (Dihydro Testosterone) production, which clogs pores, leading to acne.
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