When considering acne treatment, what role does hormonal imbalance play?

Hormonal imbalance plays a significant role in acne treatment because it can indeed contribute to the development of acne. Hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, can lead to increased oil production in the skin when they are elevated. This excess oil can clog pores and create an environment conducive to the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria.

In both males and females, fluctuations in hormones—such as those occurring during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)—can trigger or worsen acne. Therefore, addressing hormonal imbalances may be an important aspect of comprehensive acne treatment for certain individuals.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of evaluating hormonal levels as part of the assessment and management of acne, highlighting that it is a relevant factor rather than something that is merely incidental or limited to specific populations.