Hormonal acne is more than just a common skin concern—it’s a complex condition deeply influenced by our body’s fluctuating hormones and how those hormones interplay with environmental prompts. If you’ve been struggling with stubborn breakouts, it could be connected to your cycle, stress levels, or lifestyle.
What you will learn from CLEARSTEM is that your day-to-day habits have a direct impact on your hormones and that much of it is within your control!
Let’s dive into what hormonal acne is, why it happens, how it differs from other types of acne, and the most effective solutions for clear, healthy skin. You got this!
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne refers to acne triggered by hormonal fluctuations in the body. It often presents itself in people between the ages of 13 and 50 and is more common in women due to factors like the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. However, men can also experience hormonal acne, especially because androgen (“male hormones”) are a huge factor.
Different than fungal acne, hormonal acne typically appears in areas where your skin has more active oil glands like on your chin, jawline, neck, and lower face. These breakouts often manifest as deep, painful cysts but can also show up as whiteheads or blackheads.
How Hormonal Acne Differs From Other Types of Acne
While all acne can technically be influenced by hormones, hormonal acne is distinct in its causes, timing, and appearance. Non-hormonal acne, such as that caused by clogged pores, bacteria, or excessive oil production, can often be traced back to pore-clogging ingredients. (Since this topic is also critical, always stick to brands with non-comedogenic skincare products.)
Hormonal acne, on the other hand, is driven by internal factors and may not always respond to traditional topical treatments alone. Recognizing the difference is crucial because hormonal acne often requires a more holistic, strategic approach that addresses both the skin AND the root cause.
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
The main culprit behind hormonal acne is, unsurprisingly, hormones—specifically androgens and estrogen. Here’s how these hormones play a role:
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Androgens (like testosterone): Androgens are male hormones in both men and women. Elevated androgen levels increase the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. This excess oil can clog pores and create the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria, resulting in inflammation and breakouts.
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Estrogen and Progesterone: In women, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, especially around the menstrual cycle, can also trigger acne. These hormones affect the skin's oil glands and may contribute to the development of cystic or inflammatory acne.
Triggers That Can Worsen Hormonal Acne
While several factors can worsen hormonal acne by causing hormonal imbalances, here are common reasons:
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Menstrual cycle: Many women notice breakouts before or during their period due to hormone shifts, particularly higher testosterone presence.
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Stress: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production and exacerbate breakouts. It can also increase Sex Hormone Binding Globulin which directly affects our other hormones.
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Diet: Foods high in sugar and dairy have been linked to increased sebum production and inflammation. Dairy has hormones in it naturally that affect us when consumed.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition that elevates androgen levels, often leading to persistent acne. PCOS is also tied to insulin resistance and sugar plays an enormous role here as well.
Recognizing Symptoms of Hormonal Acne
Knowing how to identify hormonal acne can help you take the right steps toward effective treatment. Common symptoms include:
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Breakouts concentrated around the jawline and chin: These areas are highly responsive to hormonal changes.
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Cystic acne: Large, painful cysts are a telltale sign of hormonal influence.
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Worsening acne during certain times: If your acne tends to flare up around your menstrual cycle or during stressful periods, hormones are likely involved.
How To Treat Hormonal Acne
Addressing hormonal acne requires a comprehensive approach that targets both the internal hormonal imbalance and external skin needs.
Your skin’s health is directly influenced by what’s going on inside your body. Remember: Acne is internal AND external! Here’s how to reduce hormonal acne:
1. Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Using acne-safe, non-comedogenic skincare products that help regulate oil production and reduce inflammation is essential. Here’s what we recommend your skincare routine to look like--it doesn't need to be a complex routine, focus on the basics, and find what works best for your skin!
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Double Cleanse: Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to remove impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
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Exfoliate: Exfoliating regularly with a gentle scrub like VITAMINSCRUB can keep pores clear and scrub off dead skin cells, giving your skin a brighter, smoother appearance.
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Treatment Serums: Incorporate acne-safe, active serums. CLEARITY serum, for example, helps combat active breakouts while supporting your skin to reveal firmer, brighter skin overnight.
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Moisturize: Hydrate with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to maintain a balanced skin barrier.
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SPF: ALWAYS wear mineral sunscreen–even inside! This protects your skin from UV damage and reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
2. Modify Lifestyle Activities to Balance Hormones
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Manage Stress: Since stress can trigger hormonal acne, finding ways to manage stress is key. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can lower cortisol levels.
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Sleep Hygiene: Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours a night) can help regulate hormones and support skin repair. Don’t feel shame about getting extra sleep.
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Dietary Adjustments: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and dairy can worsen hormonal acne. Instead, focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and fiber to support balanced hormone levels. Anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids, can also improve skin health.
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Exercise: Regular exercise can help balance hormones, reduce stress, and improve blood circulation, all of which contribute to clearer skin.
3. Incorporate Supplements for Hormonal Support
Balancing your hormones from within is crucial for long-term skin health. That’s where MINDBODYSKIN comes in. This powerful supplement is designed to support clear skin from the inside out by addressing three major areas: gut health, hormonal balance, and inflammation.
With targeted ingredients like DIM, turmeric, and reishi mushroom, MINDBODYSKIN helps regulate hormones, reduce stress-induced inflammation, and optimize gut health—all key factors in fighting hormonal acne.
In addition to MINDBODYSKIN, consider:
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Zinc (but not in excess): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, zinc can support the skin and reduce acne severity. We recommend only taking roughly a 100% RDV as excessive zinc can actually backfire by stimulating testosterone.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats have anti-inflammatory effects that can calm hormonal acne.
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Inositol: inositol helps with blood sugar support, and PCOS, and can help alleviate the symptoms of hormonal acne for most people.
Embracing a Holistic Approach
Treating hormonal acne is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a multi-faceted approach. At CLEARSTEM, we believe in addressing both internal and external factors to promote clear, healthy skin. This means taking care of your body, managing stress, and using clean, acne-safe skincare products that support your skin's unique needs.
Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle. Hormonal acne is incredibly common, and finding what works for you might take some trial and error. Stay committed, be gentle with yourself, and know that a clearer, healthier complexion is possible.
If you're ready to start your skin health journey, explore our targeted skincare solutions like MINDBODYSKIN to support hormonal balance and promote clear skin from within. Healthy, radiant skin is within reach—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
For more personalized skincare tips, take CLEARSTEM’s Skin Quiz, and discover our acne-safe products tailored to your unique skin concerns.
