Acne Caused by Hormonal Imbalance: How to Manage It?

Hormonal acne is one of the most frustrating types of acne because it is not just about skincare—it is caused by internal factors like hormones, diet, and lifestyle. If you have deep, painful cysts around your jawline, chin, or cheeks, it is likely hormonal acne.

Many people struggle with random breakouts, excessive oiliness, and stubborn acne that won’t go away with regular skincare products. The good news? Hormonal acne can be managed with the right approach!

In this guide, we’ll explain why hormonal acne happens, how to reduce it, and the best skincare routine to keep your skin clear.

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne happens when hormones like testosterone and progesterone cause an increase in oil (sebum) production. This extra oil clogs pores and leads to breakouts.

Here are the main reasons hormonal acne happens:

1. Increased Sebum (Oil) Production

Hormones can trigger excess oil production, which clogs pores and causes pimples.

2. Slow Skin Cell Turnover

Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells, but if this process is slow, dead skin builds up and clogs pores.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Menstrual cycles, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), stress, pregnancy, or menopause can cause hormonal fluctuations that trigger acne.

4. Diet & Lifestyle

Sugary foods, dairy, and processed foods can make acne worse.

Stress increases cortisol (the stress hormone), which triggers oil production.

How to Manage Hormonal Acne?

1. Diet & Lifestyle Changes

Cut down on sugar and dairy – These foods can trigger hormonal imbalances and worsen acne.

Drink more water – Helps flush out toxins and keeps skin hydrated.

Eat foods rich in Zinc & Vitamin D – These help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin.

Try spearmint or peppermint tea – These herbal teas lower testosterone levels, which can help reduce acne.

Reduce stress – Stress increases cortisol, which worsens acne. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

2. Medical Treatments for Hormonal Acne

Birth Control Pills (For Women Only) – Regulates hormones and reduces acne.

Spironolactone – A medication that lowers testosterone levels to reduce acne.

Oral Antibiotics (Doxycycline or Minocycline) – Reduces inflammation and bacteria.

Accutane (Isotretinoin) – A powerful acne treatment for severe cases (must be prescribed by a doctor).

3. The Right Skincare Routine

A good skincare routine won’t fix hormonal acne completely but can help reduce breakouts, heal acne scars, and keep skin healthy.

Skincare Routine for Hormonal Acne

Since hormonal acne is deep under the skin, regular face washes won’t be enough. You need a routine that controls oil, unclogs pores, and prevents new breakouts.

Morning Routine (AM)

1. Gentle Cleanser – Use a sulphate-free face wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to clean pores and remove excess oil.
2. Niacinamide Serum – Helps control oil production and reduce redness.
3. Lightweight Moisturizer – Look for a gel-based, oil-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.
4. Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Sun exposure makes acne scars worse, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

Pro Tip: Avoid thick, heavy creams, as they can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Night Routine (PM)

1. Double Cleansing – Use an oil cleanser first to remove makeup & sunscreen, then use a gentle foaming cleanser to clean your face.
2. Exfoliate (2-3 times a week) – Use a chemical exfoliant with AHA/BHA (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) to unclog pores.
3. Retinol or Benzoyl Peroxide (Treatment Step) –

Retinol increases cell turnover and prevents clogged pores.

Benzoyl Peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

4. Hydrating Moisturizer – Use a ceramide-based moisturizer to keep the skin barrier strong.

Pro Tip: Always apply retinol or benzoyl peroxide at night, as they can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

Weekly Routine (For Extra Skin Care)

Clay Mask (Once a Week) – Helps absorb excess oil and prevents breakouts.
Sheet Mask (Once a Week) – Use a hydrating mask with niacinamide or aloe vera to soothe skin.
Spot Treatment – If you feel a new pimple forming, apply a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment to dry it out.

Additional Tips for Managing Hormonal Acne

Keep Pillowcases Clean – Change them every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria buildup.
Don’t Touch Your Face – Touching can transfer bacteria and make acne worse.
Avoid Over washing – Washing your face more than twice a day can strip natural oils and cause even more breakouts.
Manage Stress – Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to control stress hormones.

Final Thoughts: Can Hormonal Acne Be Cured?

Hormonal acne takes time to manage, but with the right diet, lifestyle changes, and skincare routine, you can control breakouts and get clearer skin.

Medical treatments like birth control, spironolactone, or antibiotics can help balance hormones.
A good skincare routine with gentle cleansing, oil control, and hydration can keep breakouts under control.
Reducing sugar, dairy, and stress can prevent new hormonal acne flare-ups.