why do i get hormonal acne on one side of my face
I am really trying to figure out this annoying issue I’ve been having with hormonal acne on one side of my face. Like, for the past few months, I keep gettin these breakouts mainly on my left cheek but my right side is pretty clear. It's super frustrating! I mean, I don't get it... why do I get hormonal acne on one side of my face, almost like it's picking a favorite side or something? I’ve been tracking my cycle and, of course, when I have PMS, that’s when the mess on that side seems to flare up. I've tried changing my skincare routine, but it doesn't seem to help much. I even went to a dermatologist, who mentioned it might be hormonal, but no one really explains where that comes from—like, does it have to do with stress, diet, or maybe sleeping positions? Is there any specific reason why do I get hormonal acne on one side of my face and how can I balance things out? I just want to get rid of this side thing! Feels like my confidence is slippn’ every time I look in the mirror. Any thoughts?
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Doctors' responses
Hormonal acne typically manifests due to fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens, which can lead to increased sebum production and clogged pores. Its appearance on one side of your face could be influenced by a variety of factors. Firstly, consider your sleeping habits. If you predominantly sleep on your left side, this can expose your skin to more friction or bacteria from pillowcases, which may contribute to localized breakouts. Ensuring you regularly change and wash your pillowcase can help mitigate this. Stress and diet also play key roles; stress can increase cortisol levels leading to hormonal imbalances, while a diet high in sugar and dairy products can exacerbate acne, including localized areas. Tracking your cycle is a great start, as hormone levels fluctuate throughout and can help you predict when these breakouts might occur. Topically, you might want to incorporate benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid which can help reduce inflammation and clear clogged pores — focus on your affected side more than the other. If these approaches don’t alleviate your symptoms, oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications prescribed by a doctor can stabilize hormone levels across the board. Consulting with a dermatologist for a tailored management plan may provide an effective treatment and address your concerns comprehensively. If breakouts worsen or new symptoms develop, follow up with your healthcare provider promptly to explore alternative treatments.
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