Skin Care Routine for Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly androgens.

It affects many teenagers and adults. It affects up to 50% of women aged 20-29 and about 25% of those aged 40-49. Meanwhile, around 25% of men experience acne into their 30s and beyond.

Some symptoms include cysts, nodules, and inflammatory lesions that are usually on the lower face, jawline, and neck.

Fortunately, you can adopt a targeted skincare routine to help manage hormonal acne. Using skincare for hormonal acne, like our Pimple Potion, helps prevent further breakouts while promoting healthier skin.

Today, we will help you understand hormonal acne and create a skincare routine to help you manage it.

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What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is primarily driven by fluctuations in hormones — especially androgens, which increase sebum production and lead to clogged pores. This is unlike typical acne, which can result from poor hygiene or diet.

Hormonal acne typically presents itself as deep cystic lesions and nodules. It is also more persistent and resistant to conventional treatments.

Because of that, effective management often requires hormonal therapies, such as oral contraceptives or anti-androgens. Specialized skincare routines are also helpful in balancing oil production and reducing inflammation.

Hormonal Acne Causes

As mentioned above, hormonal acne is primarily caused by fluctuations in hormone levels. Below are times when hormones can be quite messy, leading to breakouts.

Puberty: During puberty, an increase in androgen levels leads to higher sebum production, clogging pores and causing acne.
Menstrual Cycle: Hormonal changes before and during menstruation can trigger acne flare-ups in women.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This condition results in elevated androgen levels, leading to persistent acne.
Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can increase acne, especially in the first trimester.
Menopause: Declining estrogen levels and relatively higher androgens can cause acne in menopausal women.
Stress: Stress triggers cortisol production, which can affect androgen levels and lead to acne.
Medications: Certain drugs, including corticosteroids and birth control pills, can influence hormone levels and cause acne.
Diet: High glycemic index foods and dairy products can influence insulin levels, indirectly affecting androgen levels and sebum production.

Symptoms of Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne can be quite easy to distinguish from other types. Below are some of its symptoms.

Deep Cystic Lesions: These are large, painful bumps beneath the skin’s surface. They are usually filled with pus and take longer to heal.
Nodules: These are hard, solid lumps deep within the skin, often inflamed and tender.
Inflammatory Papules: These are small, red, and tender bumps on the skin’s surface.
Pustules: These are similar to papules but filled with pus, appearing as red bumps with a white center.
Location: Hormonal acne predominantly appears on the lower face, jawline, neck, and chin, which are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.
Cyclic Flare-Ups: Hormonal acne worsens in sync with menstrual cycles or other hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause.
Persistent or Late-Onset Acne: Hormonal acne continues beyond teenage years or starts in adulthood, often indicative of hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal Acne Skincare Routine

A targeted hormonal acne skincare routine can help manage and reduce breakouts. Below are the essential steps.

Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Kinship’s Naked Papaya Gentle Enzyme Cleanser removes impurities from the skin without disrupting the skin barrier.
Exfoliation: Incorporate a chemical exfoliant with salicylic or glycolic acid 2-3 times a week to unclog pores and promote cell turnover, but avoid harsh physical scrubs. Our Insta Swipe Exfoliating Pads also help reduce breakouts.
Toning: Apply an alcohol-free toner containing soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like witch hazel or niacinamide to balance the skin's pH and reduce redness. Our Brightwave Face Serum brightens your skin, minimizes discoloration caused by acne, and increases skin hydration.
Treatment: Use targeted treatments such as benzoyl peroxide for its antibacterial properties or retinoids to regulate skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. Sulfur or tea tree oil-based spot treatments are also suitable for active breakouts to reduce inflammation and speed healing. Our Pimple Potion clears the skin and prevents acne pimples.
Moisturizing: Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and prevent overproduction of sebum. Kinship’s Supermello Hyaluronic Gel Cream Moisturizer is a lightweight formula that deeply moisturizes the skin, reducing redness and strengthening the skin barrier.
Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to protect the skin from UV damage, especially when using retinoids or exfoliants that increase sun sensitivity. Our Self Reflect Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen is a breakout-free sunscreen that is gentle on the skin while protecting it from the sun.

It is essential to maintain a consistent hormonal skincare routine and avoid frequent changes in products that can irritate the skin and worsen acne.

Skincare Ingredients for Hormonal Acne

Effective management of hormonal acne also involves using skincare ingredients that target inflammation, oil production, and bacterial growth.

Below are ingredients you should look for:

Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) penetrates pores to exfoliate, unclogging them and preventing acne formation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling.
Benzoyl Peroxide: This antibacterial agent kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. It also helps clear existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.
Retinoids: These are vitamin A derivatives, such as tretinoin or adapalene. They promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. They also improve skin texture and reduce acne scars.
Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 regulates oil production, reduces inflammation, and improves skin barrier function. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation from acne.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Ingredients like glycolic and lactic acid exfoliate the skin’s surface, improving texture and promoting cell renewal. They also help fade post-acne marks.
Tea Tree Oil: This is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne lesions. It is often used in spot treatments.
Sulfur: This is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that helps dry out surface acne and absorb excess oil without overdrying the skin.
Zinc: This is often found in creams or supplements. It reduces inflammation, controls oil production, and helps heal damaged skin.
Clay: Ingredients like kaolin or bentonite clay absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, helping to keep pores clear.
Azelaic Acid: This is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that helps prevent future breakouts and reduces redness and hyperpigmentation.

Additional Tips to Manage Hormonal Acne

Aside from adopting a targeted skincare routine for hormonal acne, some lifestyle changes and good habits can further help you manage hormonal acne.

Have a Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid high glycemic index foods and dairy, which can worsen acne.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and support overall skin health.
Manage Stress: Stress can increase cortisol levels and trigger acne. As such, practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or sports.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps reduce stress and improve blood circulation, promoting healthier skin.
Avoid Picking Your Skin: Refrain from picking or squeezing pimples, which can lead to scarring and further inflammation.
Choose Gentle Skincare Products: Use non-comedogenic products to avoid irritating the skin and clogging pores.
Start a Consistent Routine: Stick to a consistent skincare routine and avoid frequently changing products since this can irritate the skin.
Use Clean Pillowcases and Towels: Change pillowcases and towels regularly to avoid the buildup of oil and bacteria that can transfer to the skin.
Consider Hormonal Treatments: Consult a dermatologist for hormonal treatments such as oral contraceptives or anti-androgens if acne is severe and resistant to topical treatments.
Sleep Well: Get adequate sleep to help the body regulate hormones and repair skin.
Avoid Over-Washing: Washing the face more than twice a day can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to increased oil production and more breakouts.
Seek Professional Help: A dermatologist can provide personalized treatments and adjustments to your skincare regimen based on your skin's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Hormonal Acne So Hard to Get Rid Of?

Hormonal acne can be hard to eliminate because it usually manifests as cystic bumps that form deep under the skin, where most topical medications cannot reach.

How Can You Tell if Acne Is Hormonal or Bacterial?

Bacterial acne is normally found in oily regions like the forehead, nose, and chin. Meanwhile, hormonal acne is found in areas sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, such as the lower face and jawline.

How Long Does Hormonal Acne Last?

Hormonal acne can last from a few days to a few months. The length will depend on the effectiveness of treatment and whether your habits help manage hormonal acne.

Key Takeaways on Skin Care Routine for Hormonal Acne

Hormonal fluctuations in the body cause hormonal acne. It is common both among teenagers and adults.

This type of acne may be harder to get rid of than normal acne, but a targeted skincare routine can help.

You should also integrate ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and azelaic acid to make your hormonal acne skincare routine more effective.

Adopting good habits like managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and adding specially formulated skincare products for acne into your skincare routine can help with hormonal acne management.

If you are struggling with hormonal acne, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist.