Hormonal acne isn’t just a teenage issue—it often affects adults well into their 20s, 30s, and beyond. If you’ve ever experienced breakouts that flare around your menstrual cycle, along your jawline, or during periods of high stress, there’s a good chance hormones are to blame. However, finding solutions that work can be frustrating.
At Believe Image in Greenville, SC, we approach acne with clinical precision and personalized attention. Let’s explore what hormonal acne is, what causes it, and what helps (and what doesn’t).
What Is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is a type of acne caused by internal hormone fluctuations, especially increased levels of androgens like testosterone. These hormones trigger your skin’s oil glands to produce more sebum, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts.
You’ll often see hormonal acne show up:
- Along the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks
- Just before your menstrual cycle
- As deep, painful cysts rather than surface-level pimples
- Persistently, even with traditional over-the-counter treatments
This type of acne is rooted deep beneath the skin’s surface. That’s why seeing real change often requires more than a new cleanser or spot treatment.
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne stems from internal imbalances, but several underlying factors can make it worse or more persistent. Understanding the root causes is essential for treating it effectively.
Menstrual Cycle Shifts
Right before your period, estrogen drops while testosterone remains high. This increases oil production and the classic pre-period breakout, especially around the jawline and chin.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause persistently high androgen levels. For many women, PCOS triggers deep, cystic breakouts that don’t respond well to standard treatments.
Stress and Cortisol
Stress increases cortisol, which can indirectly boost oil production and worsen inflammation. If you’re under chronic stress, you may notice more frequent and severe breakouts.
Diet and Blood Sugar
High-glycemic foods (like white bread, sugar, and processed snacks) can spike insulin, stimulating androgen production. While diet alone doesn’t cause hormonal acne, it can be a contributing factor for some people.
Hormonal Birth Control or IUDs
Starting, stopping, or switching hormonal birth control methods can temporarily disrupt your body’s hormone levels. Some progestin-based options may even worsen acne, while combination pills are often prescribed to treat it.
Thyroid or Adrenal Imbalances
Less commonly, acne may also be tied to thyroid issues or adrenal dysfunction, which can interfere with your hormone regulation and contribute to breakouts.
What Works for Hormonal Acne
At Believe Image, we take a concierge-style approach beyond surface-level fixes. These are the acne strategies and treatments we’ve seen work best for our clients:
Topical Retinoids and Prescription Medications
Retinoids like tretinoin help unclog pores and increase cell turnover. For deeper hormonal imbalances, prescription medications may include:
- Spironolactone to block androgen receptors
- Combination birth control pills to regulate hormones
- Topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide to reduce inflammation
These options are safest and most effective when managed by a physician who can adjust treatment based on your needs.
Microneedling
Our in-office microneedling treatments are popular for both active acne and acne scars. Microneedling stimulates collagen, smooths skin texture, reduces oil production, and improves skin healing.
Chemical Peels
Customized chemical peels help exfoliate the skin, reduce oil buildup, and prevent new acne from forming. We tailor the strength and type of peel to match your current skin condition and goals.
Lifestyle and Stress Management
Hormonal acne often flares during stressful periods. At Believe Image, we discuss your lifestyle and emotional stressors as part of your skin plan, because your skin reflects your overall health, not just your skincare routine.
A Consistent, Gentle Skincare Routine
Many people with hormonal acne use harsh products that strip the skin and worsen inflammation. We recommend skin care products like:
- Non-comedogenic moisturizers to support the skin barrier
- Gentle cleansers without sulfates or alcohol
- Targeted serums like niacinamide or azelaic acid for calming oil and redness
Patience is key. Hormonal acne rarely resolves overnight, but a steady, strategic approach works best in the long run.
What Doesn’t Work for Hormonal Acne
Over-the-Counter Spot Treatments Alone
Benzoyl peroxide can help in a pinch, but it’s rarely enough on its own. Hormonal acne is rooted beneath the skin, and treating only the surface won’t fix the internal imbalance. OTC products might offer temporary relief, but don’t solve the problem.
Constant Product Hopping
Trying every “miracle” product often backfires. Switching routines frequently can disrupt the skin’s barrier, worsening hormonal acne. Instead of reacting to each breakout, we recommend developing a plan with your provider and sticking to it for at least two to three months.
Skincare Tools That Damage
Harsh scrubbing brushes, popping tools, or cheap at-home dermarollers can lead to more inflammation and scarring. If it feels aggressive, skip it. Cystic, hormonal acne responds better to calm, steady care, not trauma.
Ignoring the Role of Hormones
No skincare product can “fix” your hormones. If your breakouts are cyclical, deep, or resistant to topical care, it’s time to investigate what’s happening internally. At Believe Image, we work closely with you to consider all contributing factors—hormonal, environmental, and emotional.
Ready to Treat Hormonal Acne with Confidence?
At Believe Image, we take the guesswork out of skincare. Our approach to hormonal acne is physician-directed, evidence-based, and fully personalized—designed to treat the underlying causes, not just the symptoms. Whether you’re in Greenville, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Taylors, or Greer, our team is here to help you better understand your skin and take meaningful steps toward long-term clarity.
Contact us today to schedule your private consultation. Hormonal acne may be complex, but with the proper care, effective treatment is well within reach.