Hormonal Acne: What It Is, What Can Trigger It & How to Build a Skincare Routine 🌿

Breakouts that seem to appear at the same time every month? Persistent pimples around the chin and jawline? Your hormones may be playing a role.

Hormonal changes can influence oil production and inflammation, which can contribute to acne. But "hormonal acne" isn't a completely separate type of acne—and not every breakout on the lower face is necessarily hormonal.

The good news? A thoughtful, consistent skincare routine can help support acne-prone skin while you work out what your skin needs.

Let's take a closer look.

💡 1. What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne generally refers to acne that is influenced by hormonal fluctuations.

Hormones called androgens, including testosterone, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil). Increased oil production, combined with dead skin cells, changes in the follicle and inflammation, can contribute to clogged pores and pimples.

Hormonal fluctuations can occur during:

• Puberty
• Menstrual cycles
• Pregnancy
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Starting or stopping certain hormonal medications
• Hormone-related medical conditions
• Testosterone therapy

However, acne usually has multiple contributing factors, so it isn't always possible to identify hormones as the only cause.

👩 2. At What Age Can Hormonal Acne Happen?

Hormonal influences can contribute to acne at almost any age.

Teenagers

During puberty, rising androgen levels can increase sebum production and contribute to acne.

Adults

Adult acne is particularly common in women, and hormonal fluctuations can contribute to recurring breakouts.

You may notice acne:

• Around the chin
• Along the jawline
• On the lower cheeks
• Around the mouth
• Sometimes on the neck

Some people also notice that breakouts become more predictable around their menstrual cycle.

30s, 40s and beyond

Hormonal changes don't necessarily stop after adolescence. Some people experience persistent or newly developing acne during adulthood, including around perimenopause.

Age alone doesn't tell us whether acne is hormonal. The pattern, timing and other symptoms are more informative.

🔍 3. What Can Make Hormonal-Pattern Acne More Likely?

Hormones are only one piece of the puzzle, but several factors can contribute to acne or make existing acne more noticeable.

🧬 Genetics

If acne runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it.

🔄 Hormonal fluctuations

Changes associated with puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause or certain medications can influence sebum production and inflammation.

💊 Certain medications

Some medications can contribute to acne. If you notice a significant change after starting a medication, speak with your doctor rather than stopping prescribed medication yourself.

🧴 Comedogenic or irritating products

Some cosmetics, hair products and skincare products can contribute to clogged pores or irritation in susceptible people.

😰 Stress

Stress doesn't necessarily "cause" acne by itself, but it can contribute to worsening acne in some people.

🧪 Underlying hormonal conditions

Persistent acne alongside symptoms such as irregular periods, excess facial or body hair or other hormonal changes may warrant a medical assessment.

📈 4. What Can Make Acne Worse?

Sometimes the instinct is to attack acne with as many products as possible.

Unfortunately, more isn't always better.

❌ Over-exfoliating

Using multiple exfoliating acids, scrubs or strong treatments too frequently can irritate the skin.

❌ Stripping the skin

Harsh cleansers and excessive cleansing can leave skin dry and irritated.

❌ Picking or squeezing

Picking can increase inflammation and increase the risk of post-inflammatory marks and scarring.

❌ Constantly changing products

Acne treatments usually need time to work. Frequently switching between products can irritate the skin and make it difficult to know what's actually helping.

❌ Heavy or unsuitable cosmetics

Some makeup, skincare and hair products can contribute to breakouts in acne-prone individuals. Look for products labelled non-comedogenic where appropriate.

❌ Neglecting moisturiser

This might sound surprising, but acne-prone skin still needs moisturising.

Many acne treatments can cause dryness and irritation. A suitable moisturiser can help support the skin barrier and improve tolerance of acne treatments.

🌿 5. What Can Help Improve Acne-Prone Skin?

The goal isn't to completely strip away oil.

Instead, think:

Cleanse gently → Treat consistently → Moisturise → Protect

💧 Keep the skin barrier comfortable

A gentle cleanser and suitable moisturiser can help reduce unnecessary irritation.

🧴 Choose non-comedogenic products where possible

This can be particularly useful when choosing moisturisers, sunscreen and makeup.

🎯 Use targeted active ingredients

Choose ingredients based on the type of acne you're experiencing rather than using every active at once.

☀️ Use sunscreen every morning

Acne and inflammation can leave dark marks behind. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is an important part of a skincare routine and helps protect skin from UV damage.

🧪 6. Skincare Ingredients to Consider

Here are some of the most useful ingredients to know when shopping for acne-prone skin.

⭐ Salicylic Acid

What it does: Helps exfoliate inside pores and can be particularly useful for blackheads, whiteheads and congestion.

Best for: Oily, congested and comedone-prone skin.

Salicylic acid is a well-established acne ingredient and is available in cleansers and leave-on products.

Beauty tip: Start slowly rather than using multiple exfoliating products at the same time..

⭐ Retinoids

What they do: Help prevent pores from becoming clogged and can treat different forms of acne.

Prescription retinoids include tretinoin and adapalene in some markets, while retinol is a cosmetic retinoid commonly found in skincare products.

Topical retinoids are among the established treatments for acne.

Best for: Recurring congestion, blackheads, whiteheads and acne prevention.

Important: Retinoid products are not suitable during pregnancy, and anyone who is pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should check with their doctor or pharmacist about which acne ingredients are appropriate.

⭐ Azelaic Acid

What it does: Helps with acne and inflammation and can also help improve the appearance of post-acne dark marks.

Best for: Acne-prone skin with redness or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Azelaic acid is recognised as an acne treatment and can address both acne and some of the pigmentation left behind after breakouts.

⭐ Niacinamide

Niacinamide is not a primary acne medication in the same way as benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids, but it can be a useful supporting skincare ingredient.

It can help support the skin barrier and is commonly found in products formulated for oily or blemish-prone skin.

Best for: Supporting an overall routine, particularly when the skin is also experiencing oiliness or sensitivity.

💧 Humectants & Barrier-Supporting Ingredients

Don't forget hydration.

Ingredients such as:

• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Panthenol
• Beta-glucan
• Ceramides

can help support comfortable, hydrated skin.

This is especially useful when you're using acne treatments that may cause dryness.

A moisturiser isn't the enemy of acne-prone skin—it can actually help your skin tolerate acne treatments better.

🧴 7. How to Choose Skincare for Hormonal-Pattern Acne

Instead of choosing products based solely on the words "acne", "oil control" or "pore care", look at the whole routine.

Choose a cleanser that is:

✔️ Gentle
✔️ Non-stripping
✔️ Suitable for acne-prone skin
✔️ Easy to use consistently

You don't need to scrub your skin aggressively to remove oil.

Choose a treatment serum based on your skin concern

Congestion → Salicylic acid

Recurring clogged pores → Retinoid/retinoid-based acne treatment

Acne + dark marks → Azelaic acid

Dehydrated or irritated skin → Hydrating/barrier-supporting ingredients

You don't necessarily need all of these.

One well-chosen active used consistently is often a better starting point than five strong products used together.

☀️ 8. Don't Skip Moisturiser or Sunscreen

A simple acne-friendly routine could look like this:

🌞 Morning

Gentle cleanser

↓

Niacinamide or other suitable serum

↓

Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser

↓

Broad-spectrum sunscreen

🌙 Evening

Gentle cleanser

↓

One targeted acne active

↓

Moisturiser

If your chosen active is drying, you may need to simplify the rest of your routine even further.

And if you're using several acne medications, follow the directions from your doctor, pharmacist or product label rather than creating a complicated combination yourself.

⚠️ 9. Be Careful With "Hormonal Acne" Skincare Claims

This is particularly important when shopping online.

A skincare serum cannot necessarily "balance your hormones" or "cure hormonal acne."

Cosmetic skincare can support acne-prone skin, but persistent hormonal-pattern acne may require medical treatment.

For example, dermatologists may consider hormonal treatments such as combined oral contraceptives or spironolactone for appropriate patients. These are medical treatments and require professional assessment rather than being DIY skincare solutions.

So when choosing beauty products, look for realistic claims such as:

"For acne-prone skin"

"Helps unclog pores"

"Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes"

"Supports the skin barrier"

rather than promises to "rebalance hormones" or permanently cure acne.

🩺 10. When Should You See a Doctor or Dermatologist?

Skincare may be enough for some people with mild acne, but it isn't the right solution for everyone.

Consider professional advice if you have:

• Large, painful or deep pimples
• Nodules or cysts
• Acne that is leaving scars
• Acne that isn't improving with consistent skincare
• Sudden or severe adult-onset acne
• Acne accompanied by irregular periods or other signs of hormonal imbalance
• Acne that is significantly affecting your confidence or wellbeing

Deep or scarring acne is particularly important to address early because over-the-counter skincare may not be enough.

💙 The Bottom Line

Hormonal changes can be an important contributor to acne, particularly when breakouts repeatedly appear around the chin, jawline and lower face or follow a predictable cycle.

But hormonal acne isn't something you need to "fight" by aggressively stripping your skin.

Instead:

Keep it gentle.

Avoid unnecessary irritation.

Choose targeted actives.

Salicylic acid,  retinoid-based treatments and azelaic acid are established acne-treatment options, while ingredients such as niacinamide and ceramides can support the overall routine.

Moisturise.

Acne-prone skin still needs hydration and barrier support.

Protect.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

Be consistent.

Acne treatments take time. Don't change your entire routine every few days.

And most importantly:

Your acne isn't a failure of your skincare routine.

Sometimes skin needs more than cosmetics—and getting professional help is a positive step, not a last resort. 💙

This article is for general skincare education and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Acne can have many causes and may require individual treatment. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, taking medication, or experiencing persistent, painful or scarring acne, speak with your doctor, pharmacist or dermatologist before starting acne treatments.