Hormonal acne

Hormonal acne is acne caused by fluctuations in hormones that affect the skin’s oil production. It often shows up as deeper, more inflamed breakouts around the chin, jawline, and cheeks – especially before your period, after going off birth control, during peri-menopause or during times of stress.

And if your skin sometimes feels completely unpredictable: you’re not alone. Hormonal acne can affect both your skin and confidence, which is why we believe in skincare that supports your skin – not punishes it.

In the days leading up to your period, hormone levels shift and can increase oil production in the skin. This makes pores more likely to clog, which can lead to breakouts, inflammation, and those painful under-the-skin pimples.

Hormonal acne is often:

• Deep and tender 
• Inflamed or cyst-like 
• Located around the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks 
• Recurring around the same time every month 

Unlike teenage acne, hormonal acne is usually less about blackheads and more about inflammation.

Birth control can suppress hormones that trigger excess oil production. When you stop taking it, your body needs time to rebalance naturally, and during that adjustment period, breakouts can happen. This is often called post-pill acne.

It’s different for everyone, but post-pill acne can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months while hormones settle. Gentle skincare, patience, and supporting your skin barrier can make a big difference during this phase.

Yes. Stress increases cortisol levels, which can trigger inflammation and increase oil production in the skin. Lack of sleep and high stress levels can make hormonal breakouts feel more intense and harder to calm down.

Absolutely. When your skin feels chaotic, it’s tempting to try every active ingredient at once, but hormonal acne often responds better to a gentle and consistent routine. Skincare that reduces inflammation, keeps pores clear, and supports the skin barrier can help calm breakouts without over-drying the skin.

Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, sulfur and hydrocolloid patches can all help support acne-prone skin.

If your acne is painful, leaves scars, impacts your mental wellbeing or doesn’t improve with consistent skincare, it’s a good idea to speak with a dermatologist. Hormonal acne sometimes needs prescription support, especially if it’s linked to conditions like PCOS.

Yes, and it’s more common than you think. Using too many harsh products at once can stress the skin and weaken the skin barrier, making breakouts more inflamed and harder to heal. With hormonal acne, a simple and consistent routine is often more effective than an aggressive 10-step routine.

Your skin’s needs can shift throughout your cycle. Around ovulation and before your period, skin often becomes oilier and more breakout-prone, while during and after your period it may feel more sensitive or dry. Adjusting your routine based on your cycle – sometimes called skin cycling – can help keep breakouts under control.

If your acne is painful, leaves scars, or doesn’t improve with consistent skincare, it’s a good idea to speak with a dermatologist. Hormonal acne sometimes needs prescription support, especially if it’s linked to conditions like PCOS.