Are Thyroid Issues Causing Your Acne?

Are thyroid issues causing your acne?

A quick look in the mirror reveals another acne breakout. You’re over 25, so what gives? Several things might be the culprit, but you wonder: Could a thyroid problem be to blame?

Acne vulgaris is the medical term for chronic inflammation of the hair follicles in your skin. Dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria block the follicles. While there are many reasons acne develops, the leading cause of post-adolescent acne is hormone imbalance.

Can hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems cause acne?

Located at the base of your neck, the thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland with a significant role. It’s responsible for secreting the hormones that control your metabolism, which is how your body uses energy. And it also regulates skin function, such as how much oxygen the skin absorbs.

The skin is one of the first organs where thyroid hormone imbalances start to show. Dermatologists often suspect thyroid disorders when people have certain skin conditions, such as alopecia and vitiligo. Alopecia is when your hair falls off in patches. Vitiligo is when you lose pigment cells, so your skin can look discolored in places.

But acne vulgaris isn’t usually one of the skin conditions related to a thyroid disorder. Thyroid hormones can affect the hair follicles, but there isn’t any evidence that thyroid hormone levels cause acne.

Hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid, can lead to dry skin. If you have dry skin, debris might accumulate. It could clog pores and lead to acne. However, acne is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism.

Can thyroid medications cause acne?

Thyroid medications don’t typically cause acne either unless you’re allergic to an ingredient they contain. But some acne medications can affect thyroid tests.

So now that your thyroid is off the hook for causing your acne breakouts, what is the cause?

It could be changing hormone levels, makeup products you use, a medication side effect, stress, or simply too much oil. Cleaning your face twice a day, putting on proper moisturizing lotions, and avoiding pore-clogging makeup should help prevent it.

Getting rid of acne starts with the right treatments. We have an array of effective treatments for acne at Shinagawa Aesthetics. Whatever age you may be, we can help you deal with your stubborn acne problems!

Talk to our dermatologists about the best way to treat these unwanted facial guests.

Please schedule a consultation with our skin experts! Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://www.shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.