Hormonal Acne: Expert Explains 5 Major Causes & Solutions

Normally, acne is considered a teenage problem, but why do some adults still struggle with breakouts?

Acne is usually associated with adolescence, when hormonal changes are at their peak. However, some people continue to experience persistent breakouts even after their teenage years. If this sounds like you, you may be dealing with hormonal acne.

But what exactly is hormonal acne? Why does it occur, and how can it be treated effectively? If you’re unfamiliar with the topic, keep reading—this article offers an in-depth explanation of the causes, symptoms, and solutions for hormonal acne.

1

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Acne comes in many forms, and hormonal acne is one of them. It typically appears around the chin, forehead, jawline (especially the left side), and neck. As the name suggests, it’s caused primarily by hormonal imbalances in the body.

When androgen (male hormone) levels rise, the skin produces excess sebum (oil), which can clog pores and lead to inflammation—eventually forming hormonal acne.

2

Is Hormonal Imbalance the Same as Endocrine Imbalance?

Many people confuse hormonal imbalance with endocrine disorder, but they are not identical.

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands in the body. Any malfunction in these glands can result in an endocrine disorder. Hormones, specifically steroid hormones, are only one part of this system. Hormonal imbalance refers only to irregularities in specific hormone levels—not the entire endocrine system.

That said, hormonal imbalances should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, they can develop into broader endocrine disorders, leading to more serious health issues. In short, treating hormonal imbalances also helps prevent endocrine disruptions.

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Detailed Analysis of the Causes of Hormonal Acne

i. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is the primary trigger for hormonal acne. Both men and women produce androgens, but women have lower levels. When androgen levels increase, they stimulate excess oil production, which mixes with dead skin cells and impurities to clog pores. This creates inflammation and leads to breakouts—specifically hormonal acne.

ii. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

For women, menstrual irregularities often signal hormonal imbalance. Estrogen, progesterone, and other female hormones regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles. When these fluctuate, skin condition can deteriorate rapidly, resulting in breakouts.

iii. High Stress Levels

Modern life is fast-paced and stressful. Prolonged stress raises adrenal hormones and indirectly increases androgen levels, which worsens acne. Stress can also lead to insomnia, anxiety, and depression—creating a vicious cycle that disrupts hormone levels and triggers breakouts.

iv. Poor Diet

Certain foods—dairy products, fried foods, fatty meals, and high-glycemic foods—can worsen acne. These foods speed up skin aging and stimulate oil glands, increasing the likelihood of clogged pores and inflammation.

v. Irregular Sleep Patterns

Lack of sleep or staying up late can wreak havoc on both your health and skin. Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., your body detoxifies and regenerates. Missing this window disrupts metabolism and causes toxin buildup, which may manifest as acne.

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A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

From a TCM standpoint, hormonal acne reflects internal imbalances in organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, and digestive system. Common TCM diagnoses for hormonal acne include excess liver heat, qi stagnation, and damp-heat in the spleen and stomach.

These imbalances often stem from stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy diet, which disrupt blood and qi circulation. As a result, the skin receives insufficient nutrients and oxygen, leading to issues like cystic acne or hormonal breakouts.

TCM treatment is gentler and holistic, avoiding hormone-based or contraceptive medication. Practitioners rely on the traditional methods of looking, listening, asking, and pulse diagnosis to tailor herbal remedies and restore internal balance.

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Foods That Help Balance Hormones and Prevent Breakouts

i. Garlic

Despite its strong smell, garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial. It boosts immunity and helps prevent acne-causing bacteria from causing inflammation. Garlic also helps regulate blood sugar and balance hormones.

ii. Legumes

Legumes (like soybeans) are rich in isoflavones, which mimic estrogen and help lower androgen levels. They’re especially helpful for women experiencing hormonal imbalance or menopause symptoms.

iii. Red & Yellow Vegetables and Fruits

These are rich in lycopene, vitamin A, and beta-carotene—nutrients that help balance hormones and act as natural antioxidants, slowing down aging and reducing inflammation. Good options include pumpkin, tomatoes, carrots, and red peppers.

iv. Green Vegetables

Leafy greens are high in vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium, and iron—great for hormonal regulation and detoxification. The fiber content also promotes digestion and helps clear toxins that may trigger breakouts.

v. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, helping reduce acne swelling and redness. They also help regulate oil production and improve mood, thereby indirectly balancing hormone levels.

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Ways to Treat Hormonal Acne

i. Extraction (Manual Pimple Removal)

Hormonal acne tends to last longer and may feel sore without showing a whitehead. Some people use acne extractors to remove pus and debris. While this can promote healing, improper technique can damage the skin and worsen acne. Always consult a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician for safe extraction.

ii. Drinking Spearmint Tea

Studies suggest that drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day can lower androgen levels (especially testosterone), which helps manage hormonal acne.

Note: This method is not suitable for men, as it can affect sexual function. It may also hinder iron absorption and trigger acid reflux or liver issues. Avoid if you have digestive or liver problems.

iii. Using Medicated Acne Creams

Over-the-counter acne creams may not be strong enough for deep, inflamed hormonal acne. For better results, choose prescription-strength creams containing benzoyl peroxide or sulfur, but use with caution as they can irritate the skin. Discontinue use immediately if symptoms worsen.

iv. Taking Birth Control Pills

In severe cases, doctors may prescribe birth control pills to regulate estrogen and progesterone, which lowers androgen levels. However, this treatment is only suitable for women and must be taken under medical supervision due to increased breast cancer risks.

v. Undergoing Acne Treatment Procedures

Medical aesthetic procedures are becoming more popular among acne sufferers. While effective, some treatments are aggressive and may irritate the skin. It's best to opt for gentle, non-invasive treatments that control oil, reduce inflammation, and protect the skin barrier.

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Perfect Medical Acne Treatment: Effectively Tackles All Types of Acne!

Hormonal acne often forms deep within the dermis and lacks visible pus heads, making it particularly difficult to treat. While methods like extraction, drinking spearmint tea, or taking birth control pills can help alleviate hormonal acne, they also come with certain side effects. Overall, undergoing a professional acne treatment remains one of the safest and most effective ways to combat hormonal acne.

Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment is a non-invasive procedure that’s gentle and non-irritating, with zero damage to the skin—guaranteeing absolute safety. Despite its gentle approach, the treatment delivers powerful results. Just one session can bring about noticeable improvements in acne condition.

This treatment primarily utilizes vacuum microdermabrasion technology, which gently and painlessly removes excess sebum, dead skin cells, blackheads, and impurities from the skin’s surface to clear clogged pores. This not only helps reduce inflammation caused by acne but also speeds up skin recovery. At the same time, the treatment infuses the skin with a proprietary medical-grade serum, providing deep hydration and long-lasting moisture to regulate excess oil production.

Moreover, this serum stimulates collagen production, helping to reactivate the skin’s natural repair mechanism. This aids in fading post-acne marks and pitted scars commonly left behind by hormonal acne.

Currently, Perfect Medical is offering a free trial of the Acne Treatment for first-time customers! If you’re interested, don’t miss out—click the link below to book your appointment easily!