The Truth About Acne: Is It Always Hormonal?

Not sure if the bumps on your face are hormonal acne or not? You’ve come to the right place. You might have seen the terms cystic acne, nodular acne, hormonal acne or even adult acne being thrown around, so it’s normal to be confused.

To clear up [no pun intended] any confusion, let’s start by defining acne.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when tiny pores on the skin become clogged with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria, resulting in an overgrowth of bacteria that can cause inflammation and lesions. The lesions can range from whiteheads and blackheads to large, red cysts or nodules.

It is a common skin condition that affects most of us at some point in our life. According to the Skin Health Institute, around 85% of adolescents and young adults aged between 15 and 24 are affected by acne. And it can persist until we’re in our 40s.

Some terms you may encounter are adult acne, hormonal acne, common acne, etc. You’ll find our brief definitions of these below.

How do I know if my breakouts are hormonal?

Hormonal acne, often referred to as adult acne or adolescent acne, is caused by an imbalance of hormones, often due to puberty, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. In adults usually occurs more frequently around the chin and jawline area.

Here’s the first trick in understanding acne–all acne is hormonal!

The terms cystic acne and nodular acne are basically descriptions of the bumps you see on your face. 

To know if it’s acne you are dealing , look for these signs:

• frequent breakouts that occur in the same place, usually the jawline and chin area
• acne that flares up at certain times of your cycle or monthly (more on this below)
• bumps that are not itchy or burning

Acne and cycles

Females tend to have two acne phases: adolescent acne and late acne. Increased androgen hormones cause adolescent acne during puberty. At this period, the adrenal glands and ovaries begin to produce androgens, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. These hormones contribute to the growth of pubic and underarm hair and the development of breast tissue.

Late acne (i.e. adult acne) is caused by a drop in estrogen levels at certain times of the month, such as ovulation and during pre-menstrual syndrome. So it is associated with hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. But at times, it can also persist beyond menopause.

Does hormonal acne only happen during certain times of the month?

Hormonal acne can be active at any time but usually worse during premenstrual and post-menopause. This is because hormonal changes–an overproduction of androgens or a drop in estrogen–during these times of the month can cause an increase in sebum production, leading to breakouts.

Can hormonal acne just go away?

Yes, but it can come back. Your bumps and pimples may go away for some time, but if the underlying hormonal imbalance is not treated, the acne will likely flare up again and cause permanent scarring.

Can men experience hormonal acne?

Yes, men can suffer from hormonal acne too. In fact, 85% of men, who are primarily between 12 and 25, suffer from hormonal acne. This can be due to an imbalance of testosterone levels and other hormones such as cortisol. But, unlike in women, there’s no cyclic variation.

What is the most effective treatment for hormonal acne?

The best way to treat hormonal acne is by addressing and correcting the underlying hormonal imbalance. But because some treatment methods are unsuitable for certain people, we highly recommend consulting a dermatologist before trying any acne treatment. 

Our doctors will also recommend lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep, reducing stress and eating a healthy diet.

Watch out for certain triggers like harsh skincare products and environmental pollutants. To avoid making things worse, try to stay away from thick moisturisers, as they can aggravate breakouts. Avoid smog and dust because they can also cause acne flare-ups. And, if you tend to sweat a lot, be mindful that this can clog your pores and provide a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to breakouts.

In cases where the acne is severe, our dermatologists will prescribe medications. Both oral contraceptives and spironolactone help regulate hormones. Contraceptives can help reduce testosterone levels and other hormones that cause acne. Spironolactone is a diuretic typically used to treat high blood pressure, but it can also help reduce sebum production and the formation of acne.

Certain topical treatments can also reduce sebum production and help unclog pores, such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. Other options are antibiotics and antibacterial cleansers to reduce inflammation. 

For scarring, we recommend getting microdermabrasion, laser treatments or our scar treatment program again, all under the guidance of a dermatologist. 

Begin your journey to healthier skin at Enrich Clinic

Hormonal acne can be difficult to manage but not impossible. With proper care, treatment and guidance from a skin specialist, you can get your skin back to normal.

The key is to take steps to address the underlying hormonal imbalance and keep breakouts under control. With the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, you can return your skin to its best.

Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our dermatologists and find out how we can help.