If you’ve been struggling with acne that flares up during certain times of the month or sticks around no matter what skincare products you try, you may be dealing with hormonal acne. Unlike regular acne, hormonal acne is triggered by changes in your hormones and is often more stubborn to treat. In this guide, we’ll cover what hormonal acne is, what causes it, and effective ways to get rid of it—including lifestyle tips and hormonal acne supplements
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is acne caused by fluctuations in hormones. It’s common among teenagers going through puberty, but it can also affect adults, especially women. Many women experience hormonal acne flare-ups around their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or even during menopause. For some, it appears as cystic acne, which is deeper, more inflamed, and often painful.
Hormonal acne typically appears on the lower face—around the chin, jawline, and neck. These breakouts can include painful cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads, and they can leave behind dark spots or scars.
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is mainly caused by fluctuations in hormones, specifically an increase in androgens, like testosterone. Here are some common triggers:
- Menstrual Cycle: Many women notice their acne worsening in the days leading up to their period due to hormone fluctuations.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women that often causes an increase in androgen levels, leading to acne and other symptoms.
- Stress: Stress can cause the body to release cortisol, a hormone that may trigger increased oil production, leading to more acne breakouts.
- Diet: Some studies suggest that high-sugar foods and dairy may trigger acne by increasing inflammation and affecting hormone levels.
How to Get Rid of Hormonal Acne
While hormonal acne can be stubborn, there are effective ways to treat and manage it. Here’s a breakdown of the best hormonal acne treatments:
1. Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are products you apply directly to the skin to help reduce acne. They can be helpful for hormonal acne, but they might not work alone if your breakouts are deep and cystic. Here are a few options:
- Retinoids: Retinoids, like adapalene or tretinoin, are derived from Vitamin A and help speed up cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. They can be strong, so start with a low dose and apply it every other night until your skin adjusts.
- Salicylic Acid: This is a popular ingredient for acne treatment. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and keeps pores clear, which can prevent new pimples from forming.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient that kills acne-causing bacteria. It’s available in different strengths, so start with a lower concentration to avoid irritation.
2. Hormonal Acne Supplements
Supplements can help support hormonal balance and reduce acne by targeting the underlying cause. Here are a few hormonal acne supplements that may help:
- DIM (Diindolylmethane): Found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, DIM helps balance estrogen levels in the body, which can be particularly helpful for women with estrogen dominance. Many find that DIM reduces acne breakouts and supports hormonal balance over time.
- Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that helps reduce inflammation, supports immune health, and may help reduce acne severity. Studies suggest zinc may be especially helpful for treating hormonal and cystic acne.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, found in fish oil or flaxseed oil, help reduce inflammation in the body. They may improve skin health and reduce redness and swelling associated with hormonal acne.
- Probiotics: Gut health plays a role in skin health. Taking a probiotic supplement can help balance the gut microbiome, which may reduce inflammation and improve skin clarity.
- Vitamin B6: B6 has been found to help reduce premenstrual acne flare-ups in some women by balancing hormone levels. Taking it before your period might help reduce acne triggered by hormonal shifts.
3. Oral Medications
For persistent hormonal acne, a dermatologist may recommend oral medications. These are particularly helpful for moderate to severe cases:
- Birth Control Pills: Birth control pills can help regulate hormones, reducing acne breakouts. They work by balancing estrogen and progesterone levels, which can decrease the amount of androgen in the body. However, birth control pills are a long-term commitment, so discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
- Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a medication commonly prescribed to treat hormonal acne. It works by blocking androgen receptors, reducing the effect of androgens on oil glands. This helps reduce oil production, which can prevent new acne from forming.
- Oral Antibiotics: If acne is inflamed, a doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation. Antibiotics are typically used in the short term, often alongside other treatments.
4. Lifestyle Changes
While treatments and supplements can help, lifestyle changes also play a big role in managing hormonal acne. Here are some lifestyle adjustments that can support clear skin:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Certain foods, especially those high in sugar and dairy, can affect your hormones and trigger acne. Try eating more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and reduce processed foods and added sugars.
- Manage Stress: Stress management can help keep hormones balanced. Practicing stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise can lower cortisol levels, which may reduce breakouts.
- Get Enough Sleep: Good-quality sleep allows the body to repair itself and balance hormone levels. Aim for 7-8 hours per night to support overall health and reduce stress.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps your skin hydrated and helps flush out toxins that might contribute to acne.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Patience is key when treating hormonal acne. Since hormones are deeply connected to our body systems, it can take time for treatments, supplements, and lifestyle changes to show results. Topical treatments and lifestyle changes may show noticeable improvements within 4-6 weeks, while supplements might take up to 3 months to have a full effect.
If you’re trying a new supplement or treatment, give it time to work. Sticking to a consistent routine is essential for seeing results and managing hormonal acne effectively.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments, lifestyle changes, and supplements but still aren’t seeing an improvement, it may be time to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help diagnose your acne type and suggest more personalized treatments, including prescription medications that may be more effective.
Final Thoughts on Treating Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne can be frustrating, but there are ways to get it under control. From targeted topical treatments to hormonal acne supplements and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage hormonal acne and improve your skin over time. Remember, consistency is key, and finding the right combination of treatments may take some experimentation.
If you’re looking to improve your skin, consider starting with small changes, like adding a zinc supplement or cutting back on sugary foods. These small steps can add up to big changes in managing hormonal acne and achieving clearer, healthier skin.
