1. What is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne occurs when hormonal fluctuations influence sebum production and cause inflammation of the skin. Especially in women, hormonal changes can occur at certain times of life, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Although hormonal acne can occur at any age, it is more common in adults and mainly affects the lower face: the chin, jawline, and neck. The problem is caused by androgen hormones, such as testosterone, which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
Excess sebum clogs pores and leads to the appearance of pimples, blackheads, and pustules.
How do hormonal imbalances affect the skin?
Hormonal imbalances can cause the sebaceous glands to become overactive, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to inflammation. Also, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other hormonal imbalance factors are more prone to severe hormonal acne.
It is important to understand that hormonal acne is not just a cosmetic problem – it can also indicate an internal imbalance. Therefore, the treatment of this condition must be approached both externally and internally, through hormone regulation and proper skin care.
2. Causes of hormonal acne
Hormonal acne is triggered by hormonal imbalances that directly affect the health of the skin. These hormones, especially androgens like testosterone, can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and inflammation. In addition, there are other factors that contribute to the worsening of this condition.
Hormonal imbalances and lifestyle
Hormonal imbalances can be caused by numerous factors, including:
• Menstrual cycle : During the premenstrual period, progesterone levels increase, which leads to excessive sebum production and, implicitly, the appearance of pimples.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding : Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can cause acne to appear or worsen.
• Menopause : During menopause, estrogen decreases and androgen levels can increase, leading to acne even in women who have not had problems in the past.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) : This common condition in women affects hormonal balance and is a common cause of acne.
Foods and triggers
Diet and daily habits play a key role in controlling hormonal acne. Certain foods and external factors can worsen symptoms:
• Dairy and sugar : These stimulate insulin production and can lead to inflammation and excess sebum.
• Stress : Cortisol, the stress hormone, can also disrupt hormonal balance, worsening acne.
• Insufficient sleep : Lack of sleep can disrupt circadian rhythms and increase skin inflammation.
For a more detailed understanding of the causes and treatments of acne, read our full article: All About Acne: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention .
3. How do you identify hormonal acne?
Recognizing hormonal acne is essential to choosing the right treatment. It differs from other forms of acne in the way it appears and the areas affected. Here are some signs that can help you identify hormonal acne:
Symptoms of hormonal acne
• Specific location : Hormonal acne commonly appears on the lower face, especially the chin, jawline, and neck. This is the area associated with hormonal fluctuations.
• Deep, painful pimples : Unlike blackheads or superficial pimples, hormonal acne often manifests as deep, painful nodules that are more difficult to treat.
• Cyclical occurrence : If you notice that acne appears and disappears regularly, especially around your menstrual period, it is a clear sign that hormones play a role.
• Pustules and cysts : Hormonal acne tends to cause large, swollen pustules that can leave scars if not treated properly.
Common areas affected
• Chin and jawline : These are the main areas affected, as they are very sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.
• Back and chest : In more severe cases, hormonal acne can also spread to the body, affecting areas such as the back and chest.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is very possible that you have hormonal acne. Correct identification will help you choose the most effective treatment solutions, which we will explore in the next section.
4. Hormonal acne effective treatment
Treating hormonal acne requires a balanced approach that includes both medical solutions and natural remedies. The goal is to control hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and prevent new pimples from forming.
Medical treatments for hormonal acne
If you suffer from severe hormonal acne, your dermatologist can recommend treatments that can help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms. Some of the most effective options include:
• Hormonal medication (oral contraceptives) : These can regulate hormones and reduce sebum production. They are often recommended for women who suffer from acne due to hormonal fluctuations.
• Antiandrogens : Medications such as spironolactone block the effects of androgen hormones, which contribute to excess sebum.
• Retinoids : Topical retinoids are an effective treatment to prevent clogged pores and stimulate cell regeneration.
Natural treatments for hormonal acne
If you prefer a more natural approach, there are also effective solutions to treat hormonal acne without resorting to strong medications. Some of the most popular natural treatments include:
• Anti-Acne Lotion – Salicylic Acid, Calendula, Lavender 100ml : This product based on natural ingredients is ideal for treating acne. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores and reduces inflammation, while calendula extract soothes irritated skin and lavender has antibacterial effects. Learn more about the lotion here .
• Teas and supplements : Certain herbal teas, such as peppermint or dandelion tea, can help balance hormones and detoxify the body.
• Essential oils : Tea tree and lavender oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe acne and help heal pimples quickly.
These natural treatments can be used either as a preventive method or as a complementary solution to medical treatments.
5. Preventing hormonal acne
Preventing hormonal acne isn't always easy, but by adopting healthy habits and taking proper skin care, you can reduce your risk of developing the condition. Here are some essential steps you can take:
Balanced diet for hormonal health
Diet plays a key role in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance. Here are some recommendations for preventing hormonal acne:
• Eat foods rich in fiber : Green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains help eliminate excess hormones from the body and regulate digestion.
• Avoid sugar and processed foods : These can trigger fluctuations in insulin levels, which can worsen acne.
• Include healthy fats in your diet : Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flaxseed, can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Proper skin care for acne-prone skin
A daily skin care routine is essential to prevent clogged pores and oil buildup. Here are some tips to keep your skin clean and healthy:
• Cleanse your face twice a day : Use a gentle but effective cleansing gel that removes excess sebum and impurities.
• Exfoliate regularly : A gentle exfoliant, such as salicylic acid, helps to deeply cleanse pores. Anti-Acne Lotion – Salicylic Acid, Calendula, Lavender 100ml is an excellent choice for this step. See product details here .
• Use non-comedogenic creams : Choose moisturizing products that don't clog pores and avoid heavy oil-based products.
Avoid triggers
In addition to diet and care, it is important to identify and avoid factors that can trigger hormonal acne. These include:
• Stress : Learn to manage stress through relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
• Insufficient sleep : Make sure you sleep at least 7-8 hours a night to allow your body to regenerate.
• Excessive use of makeup : Avoid heavy makeup products and choose non-comedogenic formulas that let the skin breathe.
6. Long-term maintenance solutions
To keep hormonal acne under control in the long term, it's essential to adopt healthy habits and follow a consistent skincare regimen. Hormonal acne can come and go depending on hormonal fluctuations, so prevention and maintenance are just as important as treatment.
Stress reduction and its impact on hormones
Stress is one of the biggest factors that influence hormone levels in the body. Therefore, adopting stress reduction techniques can help prevent acne breakouts. Here are some effective ways:
• Meditation and deep breathing : These techniques help lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can worsen acne.
• Regular physical activity : Physical exercise not only reduces stress, but also improves blood circulation, contributing to healthier skin.
Long-term care routine
Maintaining a consistent skin care routine is crucial to preventing hormonal acne from returning. In addition to daily cleansing and regular exfoliation, it's important to use products appropriate for your skin type:
• Specific lotions and treatments : Continue to use products that control sebum production and reduce inflammation. Anti-acne lotion – Salicylic Acid, Calendula, Lavender 100ml can be used long-term to prevent pimples and keep pores clean. Learn more about the lotion here .
• Avoid harsh products : Try to use products that don't overly dry out the skin, as dehydration can stimulate sebum production, worsening acne.
Lifestyle monitoring
In addition to your skin care routine, monitoring your daily habits can help maintain hormonal balance and prevent acne:
• Balanced diet : Continue to eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals that support hormonal health.
• Proper hydration : Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated and support your body's natural detoxification functions.