Have you ever felt like your acne has a mind of its own – and always has a habit of showing up at the worst possible moment? Maybe you’ve tried every cream and cleanser on the market, and you still can’t seem to keep the breakouts at bay.
Here’s the good news: it may not be all your fault. If you want something to blame, maybe you should blame biology!
A staggering 80% of people between ages 11-30 experience acne outbreaks, and for many – particularly those 76% of adult acne patients who are women – these breakouts persist long past the teenage years.
Understanding how our hormones and acne interact can help supercharge your skincare journey – and once you know what’s really triggering those deep, painful breakouts, you can target the root cause instead of just treating the surface symptoms.
How To Tell If Your Acne Is Hormonal
If you feel like some places on your face seem to act as breakout magnets, it may be your hormones sending you signals.
Hormonal breakouts have a favorite hangout spot – they typically cluster around your lower face, particularly around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. Unlike teenage acne – which often appears on the forehead and nose – these hormone-triggered spots are a bit more pesky and difficult to manage to topical solutions.
Breakout Types & Their Timing
Hormonal acne isn’t like an average pimple. These types of breakouts tend to be deeper, more painful, and more stubborn than typical acne. These can include cystic bumps that feel much deeper under the skin than surface blemishes.
Do you find that your breakouts follow a predictable pattern? Hormonal acne often plays by a schedule, usually flaring up:
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Right before or during your monthly cycle
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During high-stress periods at work or in life
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During major hormonal shifts like pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause
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When starting or stopping birth control pills
How Hormones Trigger Breakouts
Let’s look at the science behind why your skin is breaking out with your hormones. Knowing what’s happening beneath your skin can help you make sense of those persistent breakouts.
The Androgen Effect
The first thing to know about hormonal acne involves androgens. Think of androgens (like testosterone) as your skin's oil producers.
Everyone has these hormones, but when they're elevated (or your skin is particularly sensitive to them), they can trigger your oil glands to go into overdrive. This excess oil (known as sebum) creates the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.
Hormones & Their Interactions
But we can’t blame everything on one culprit. Your skin's health isn't controlled by just one hormone – it's influenced by a much more complicated interplay of various hormones within your body:
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Testosterone and DHT: These androgens stimulate oil production and can trigger inflammation
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Estrogen: Generally helps keep your skin clear by counterbalancing androgens
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Cortisol: Your stress hormone that can increase oil production and inflammation
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Insulin: Can amplify androgen effects, especially if you're insulin-resistant
As you can imagine, when one hormone gets out of sync, it can create a domino effect that shows up on your skin. This is why simple spot treatments often fall short of helping you out – they're not addressing the internal hormonal triggers that started the problem in the first place.
Building a Plan For Fighting Hormonal Acne
So, what can you do to fight back against those hormonal acne breakouts? While it may take a bit of personal health introspection, you can build a system to help you make a true difference in your skin.
Oral Medications
You can work with your healthcare provider to find a solution to help balance your hormones.
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Birth control pills containing both estrogen and progestin can help regulate hormonal fluctuations
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Spironolactone (50-150 mg daily) is particularly effective for women with stubborn hormonal acne, working as an anti-androgen to reduce oil production
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Anti-androgen medications like cyproterone acetate may be recommended in specific cases
As with any oral medication treatment, always work with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are taking the right dosage and monitor for any potential side effects.
Topical Treatments
When oral treatments aren’t part of your plan, topical treatments can help control hormonal acne by reducing oil production and inflammation.
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Clascoterone, an FDA-approved topical treatment, has been shown to specifically block androgen receptors in your skin
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Retinoids remain a gold standard for preventing clogged pores and reducing inflammation
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Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can help manage oil production and bacteria
Topical treatments – like any acne treatment – should be used consistently for the best results. This is where finding the best skincare for your skin and hormone type really comes into play. If you’re unsure about which topical treatment to use, consult with a dermatologist who can recommend the best option for your specific needs.
Lifestyle Changes
One of the most underrated but effective ways to manage acne is through lifestyle changes. While it may not be a quick fix, making healthy choices in your diet and daily routine can really improve the appearance of your skin.
Stress Management: Remember, your body’s hormones are often sent into overdrive by stress – so find ways to reduce stress in your life. This can include incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation into your daily routine, finding a creative outlet for stress relief, and getting enough sleep each night.
Diet Modifications: While there’s no single food that has been shown to cause acne, there are some dietary modifications you can make to help your breakouts.
Limit your high-glycemic foods that can spike insulin levels, and try to incorporate more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Zinc also helps, as does getting plenty of water!
Manage Your Skincare Routine: You can adjust your skincare routine to match the needs of your hormonal cycle. One way to do this is by tracking your breakouts to see if you can identify any patterns and connections between your acne and your hormones.
Use non-comedogenic products that won't clog your pores, and consider using oil-absorbing ingredients like face masks during the oily phases of your cycle.
When To Seek Extra Help In Your Skincare Journey
While hormonal acne can feel like a solo battle, there may be times when you need to call in for some backup. Here are some red flags that signal that you’ll want to meet with your dermatologists to find a solution
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Your acne persists despite 3 months of over-the-counter treatments
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You're developing scars or dark spots from your breakouts
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Your acne is affecting your mental health and confidence
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You suspect underlying conditions like PCOS (especially if you have irregular periods or excess facial hair)
Remember, hormonal acne isn't just about what you see in the mirror—it's about understanding and working with your body's natural processes. While there's no overnight cure, combining the right medical treatments with lifestyle changes can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Start small: pick one or two strategies from this guide and give them time to work. Track your progress, and most importantly, be patient with your skin as you find what works for you.
Ready to take control of your hormonal acne? Try Eva Naturals' Skin Clearing Blemish Spot Treatment and Mask, specially formulated with acne-fighting ingredients to help balance your skin. Get started on your clear skin journey today with 25% off your first order!
FAQ
How do you know if acne is caused by hormones?
Hormonal acne typically appears on the lower face (jawline and chin), tends to flare up around your menstrual cycle, and often presents as deep, painful cysts rather than surface-level pimples.
How long does it take to clear hormonal acne?
Most treatments take 2-3 months to show significant improvement. Prescription medications might show results within 3-6 months of consistent use.
Can hormonal acne go away on its own?
While hormonal acne can improve with hormonal changes, most people need targeted treatment for lasting results. Without treatment, it may persist for years.
What foods help with hormonal acne?
Anti-inflammatory foods, low-glycemic options, and foods rich in omega-3s can help. Focus on whole grains, leafy greens, fatty fish, and nuts while limiting dairy and high-sugar foods.
Does stress really affect hormonal acne?
Yes, stress releases cortisol, which can increase oil production and inflammation. Stress management is a crucial part of hormonal acne treatment.