Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Hormonal Acne?SymptomsCausesMenopausal AcneForms of AcneMisconceptionsHow to Get Rid of Hormonal AcneHow to Treat Hormonal Acne NaturallyWhen to See A Healthcare ProviderSummaryFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Hormonal Acne?
Symptoms
Causes
Menopausal Acne
Forms of Acne
Misconceptions
How to Get Rid of Hormonal Acne
How to Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally
When to See A Healthcare Provider
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Acne is a skin condition that affects approximately 650 million people worldwide.Hormonal acne develops due to changing hormones. It occurs in males and females during puberty and is more common in males during adolescence. In adulthood, it is more common in women.
This article reviews hormonal acne causes, symptoms, and over-the-counter (OTC), natural, and prescription treatments.
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These hormone fluctuations occur with puberty, menstruation (period), pregnancy, and health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What to Know About PCOS Acne
Hormonal acne develops on theface, neck, shoulders,chest, and back. This is most likely because of the large number of oil glands in these areas.
During puberty, breakouts are often on the nose, chin, andforehead. Adult acne typically appears on the lower cheeks and jawline.
The various kinds of breakouts include:
Pimples or ZitsPapules and pustules are commonly calledpimplesor zits.
Pimples or Zits
Papules and pustules are commonly calledpimplesor zits.
Lip Pimple Causes and Treatments
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
Your skin producessebum(a waxy oil) that typically leaves the body through pores. With acne, sebum and dead skin cells clump together and don’t empty, clogging the pore.
Puberty, menstruation (menstrual periods), menopause, PCOS, and pregnancy can cause hormonal imbalances that increase sebum production. If bacteria join the mix, inflammation occurs, causing redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
Family HistoryFamily history can influence the number, size, and activity of sebaceous glands. It can also affect how the body regulates hormones.
Family History
Family history can influence the number, size, and activity of sebaceous glands. It can also affect how the body regulates hormones.
The following are examples of medications that can trigger hormonal acne:
The following factors do not cause acne but may make it worse:
Estrogen normally inhibits excessive male hormones and the growth of sebaceous glands. In menopause (the time indicating 12 months since your last menstrual period), estrogen levels drop, causing enlarged sebaceous glands and more sebum production.
Acne can be mild, moderate, or severe based on the amount and type of breakouts.
Mild Acne
Mild acne breakouts are mostly whiteheads or blackheads, and less than half of the face is involved. Pimples, papules, pustules, inflammation, or tenderness are minimal. It can usually be treated at home and doesn’t typically leave scars.
Moderate Acne
Moderate acne breakouts involve more than half of the face. They include comedones, but papules and pustules make up over half of the acne and are usually tender or sore. Any nodules that may be present are minimal.
Severe Acne
Severe acne covers the entire face with multiple comedones, papules, and pustules. There may also be painful nodules and cysts that can cause scarring.
Misconceptions of Acne Causes
Common misconceptions about hormonal acne include:
OTC medications may work for mild acne. Moderate or severe acne typically require a combination of prescription topical and systemic medications.
OTC Medications
OTC acne medications may help with mild acne. You can buy them in a store or online without a prescription. They include:
The 8 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers for Clearer Skin
Prescription Topical Medications
For moderate to severe acne, your healthcare provider may prescribe topical medications such as:
Oral Medications
Healthcare providers often prescribe topical and oral therapies for patients with severe acne.
Common oral antibiotics prescribed for acne include:
Oral contraceptives (OCPs or birth control pills) commonly prescribed for acne include:
Other medications include:
IsotretinoinYour healthcare provider may suggest Zenatane, Claravis, Myorisan, Amnesteem, Sotret, Absorica (isotretinoin; formerly Accutane) for severe nodular acne, frequent relapses, treatment failures, or psychological distress from acne.Isotretinoin is not given to pregnant women because it can cause congenital disabilities. Women who take it must also use a highly effective form of contraception (birth control).
Isotretinoin
Your healthcare provider may suggest Zenatane, Claravis, Myorisan, Amnesteem, Sotret, Absorica (isotretinoin; formerly Accutane) for severe nodular acne, frequent relapses, treatment failures, or psychological distress from acne.Isotretinoin is not given to pregnant women because it can cause congenital disabilities. Women who take it must also use a highly effective form of contraception (birth control).
Your healthcare provider may suggest Zenatane, Claravis, Myorisan, Amnesteem, Sotret, Absorica (isotretinoin; formerly Accutane) for severe nodular acne, frequent relapses, treatment failures, or psychological distress from acne.
Isotretinoin is not given to pregnant women because it can cause congenital disabilities. Women who take it must also use a highly effective form of contraception (birth control).
General Skin CareThe following are general skin care tips to help clear hormonal acne:Avoid irritating your skin:Over-washing, over-exfoliating, or squeezing your skin can irritate acne.Avoid infection:Try not to touch your face and wash makeup applicators to decrease skin exposure to bacteria.Perform regular, gentle skin care:Try to wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and after exercise or sweating. Use acne products and apply anoncomedogenic(won’t clog pores) moisturizer and sunscreen.Sleep and nutrition:It’s best to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water. Try to minimize foods with increased sugar. They can trigger hormone imbalances.
General Skin Care
The following are general skin care tips to help clear hormonal acne:Avoid irritating your skin:Over-washing, over-exfoliating, or squeezing your skin can irritate acne.Avoid infection:Try not to touch your face and wash makeup applicators to decrease skin exposure to bacteria.Perform regular, gentle skin care:Try to wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and after exercise or sweating. Use acne products and apply anoncomedogenic(won’t clog pores) moisturizer and sunscreen.Sleep and nutrition:It’s best to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water. Try to minimize foods with increased sugar. They can trigger hormone imbalances.
The following are general skin care tips to help clear hormonal acne:
While the research regarding their effectiveness is still limited, there are natural acne creams and gels you can try. These treatments often have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and include:
Safety Concerns
Natural treatments can still have side effects, adverse reactions, and medication interactions. Specific safety concerns include:
Supplements for Hormonal Acne: What to Know
If you have any of the following, contact your healthcare provider:
Regardless of the severity, having acne can be frustrating and cause anger, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. It can be helpful to see a healthcare provider who specializes in skin problems. Communicate with them often so they can adjust treatment until you find the combination that works best for you.
Hormonal acne develops due to changing hormones from puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, some medications, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). You can usually treat mild acne at home. However, moderate to severe acne typically requires medical attention. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a combination of oral and topical (on-the-skin) medications or treatments to combat hormonal acne.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, chemical peels can help with comedones and mild inflammation. However, they can cause side effects within the first few days, lasting for seven to 15 days.Hormonal acne gets worse around menstruation (period), puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or PCOS and is often the initial cause. When bacteria join the mix, more inflammation occurs, and it is harder to treat at home.
Yes, chemical peels can help with comedones and mild inflammation. However, they can cause side effects within the first few days, lasting for seven to 15 days.
Hormonal acne gets worse around menstruation (period), puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or PCOS and is often the initial cause. When bacteria join the mix, more inflammation occurs, and it is harder to treat at home.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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