The Science Behind Hormonal Acne & How to Manage It
Hormonal acne is one of the most frustrating and persistent types of breakouts. Unlike occasional pimples caused by clogged pores or poor skincare habits, hormonal acne is deeply tied to your body’s internal balance—making it more challenging to control with traditional acne treatments alone.
If you’ve ever noticed breakouts around your jawline, chin, or lower cheeks, especially around your menstrual cycle, you may be dealing with hormonal acne. But what exactly causes it, and how can you manage it effectively? Let’s dive into the science behind hormonal acne and the best strategies for achieving clearer, healthier skin.
What Is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne occurs when hormone fluctuations trigger excess oil production, leading to clogged pores, inflammation, and breakouts. It typically affects:
✔️ Teenagers going through puberty
✔️ Women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
✔️ People with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
✔️ Those experiencing high stress levels
Unlike surface-level acne, hormonal acne often develops deeper under the skin, causing painful cystic breakouts that can be stubborn and long-lasting.
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
1. Androgens & Oil Production
Hormonal acne is heavily influenced by androgens (male hormones like testosterone), which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil (sebum). When too much oil is produced, it clogs pores, leading to acne.
2. Menstrual Cycle Fluctuations
For women, acne breakouts often worsen around 7-10 days before their period. This is because progesterone and testosterone levels rise, increasing oil production and inflammation.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Hormonal Imbalances
PCOS is a condition that elevates androgen levels, leading to persistent acne, irregular periods, and excess facial hair. If your breakouts are accompanied by other symptoms like hair thinning or irregular cycles, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider.
4. Stress & Cortisol Spikes
High stress triggers cortisol, the stress hormone, which increases oil production and inflammation, making breakouts worse. This is why you may notice more breakouts during stressful times.
5. Diet & Insulin Spikes
Foods with a high glycemic index (sugar, dairy, processed carbs) cause insulin spikes, which in turn boost androgen activity—leading to breakouts. Studies suggest that dairy and sugar can trigger hormonal acne in some individuals.
How to Identify Hormonal Acne
✔️ Location – Mostly appears around the jawline, chin, cheeks, and neck
✔️ Type – Deep, painful cysts or large red bumps that don’t come to a head
✔️ Timing – Flares up before menstruation or during hormonal shifts
✔️ Persistence – Recurring breakouts despite a consistent skincare routine
If this sounds familiar, hormonal fluctuations are likely playing a role in your acne.
How to Manage & Treat Hormonal Acne
1. Topical Treatments for Hormonal Acne
Although hormonal acne originates internally, the right skincare routine can help control oil, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation.
✔️ Salicylic Acid – Exfoliates inside the pores, keeping them clear.
✔️ Retinoids (Retinol/Tretinoin) – Speeds up skin cell turnover to prevent clogged pores.
✔️ Niacinamide – Reduces redness and regulates oil production.
✔️ Benzoyl Peroxide – Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
✔️ Sulfur Treatments – Helps absorb excess oil and calm inflammation.
2. Hormonal Treatments & Supplements
Since hormonal acne is triggered by internal imbalances, addressing the root cause is key for long-term control.
💊 Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives)
Certain birth control pills (like Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Estrostep) help regulate hormones and reduce acne.
Best for women with hormonal fluctuations linked to their menstrual cycle.
💊 Spironolactone (Prescription Only)
A medication that blocks androgen receptors, reducing oil production.
Ideal for persistent jawline and chin acne in adult women.
🌿 Zinc Supplements
Helps control inflammation and supports immune function.
Works as a natural DHT (androgen) blocker to help balance hormones.
🌿 Spearmint Tea
Lowers androgen levels naturally, reducing hormonal breakouts.
Drinking one or two cups daily may improve acne over time.
3. Lifestyle & Diet Adjustments
Since diet and lifestyle play a huge role in hormonal balance, making small changes can significantly improve breakouts.
🥗 Reduce Dairy & Sugar – Dairy contains hormones that may worsen acne, and sugar spikes insulin, increasing oil production.
💧 Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water supports healthy skin function.
🧘 Manage Stress – Practice meditation, yoga, or exercise to keep cortisol levels in check.
😴 Prioritize Sleep – Lack of sleep increases inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
🍵 Try Hormone-Balancing Teas – Spearmint, green tea, and chamomile help regulate androgens.
Professional Treatments for Hormonal Acne
If at-home treatments and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, professional treatments can provide faster, more dramatic results.
💆♀️ Acne Facials – Includes deep cleansing, extractions, and calming masks to soothe breakouts.
🧴 Chemical Peels (Salicylic, Lactic, or BioRePeel) – Exfoliates, fades scars, and unclogs pores.
💡 LED Light Therapy – Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria, red light reduces inflammation.
💉 Microneedling with Peels – Stimulates collagen and improves acne scars over time.
✨ Face Reality Acne Program – A customized acne treatment plan to clear hormonal breakouts without harsh medications.
Final Thoughts: Managing Hormonal Acne Long-Term
Hormonal acne can’t always be cured overnight, but with the right combination of skincare, hormonal balance, and professional treatments, it can be managed effectively.
If you’re struggling with persistent acne and aren’t sure what’s triggering it, booking a professional skin consultation can help create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
✨ Let’s take control of your skin together—book an acne consultation today and start your journey to clear, confident skin! ✨
📅 Schedule Your Acne Consultation Now!
