Hormonal acne affects many women and shows up as painful pimples, often deep under the skin along the jawline, chin, or lower cheeks. It happens when hormones get out of balance, making oil glands work overtime and clog pores.
The main trigger is androgens, which are hormones like testosterone that both men and women produce. When androgen levels rise compared to estrogen, glands in the skin called sebaceous glands pump out more sebum, an oily substance. This extra oil mixes with dead skin cells, trapping bacteria and causing swelling, redness, and breakouts.[1][2][7]
Women notice this most around their menstrual cycle. In the week before a period, progesterone rises, boosting oil production and leading to flare-ups.[2][6] Pregnancy brings big hormone shifts that can overactivate oil glands, while postpartum drops do the same. As women near menopause, falling estrogen lets androgens take over, sparking more pimples.[1][3][4]
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, play a big role too. Women with PCOS often have higher androgens, along with signs like irregular periods, weight gain, or extra facial hair. Thyroid problems or adrenal issues can raise androgens as well, worsening acne.[1][2][4]
Stress adds fuel to the fire. It raises cortisol, a hormone that ramps up oil and inflammation.[1][2][3] Some medications, like corticosteroids, mess with hormones and trigger breakouts.[4]
Diet can make things worse for some. Foods high in sugar or dairy might spike insulin and androgens, leading to more oil.[1][4] While not the root cause, cutting back helps balance things out.
Hormonal acne differs from teen breakouts because it sticks around into the 20s, 30s, or later, and basic cleansers often fail to fix it.[2]
Sources:
https://www.medicaldaily.com/hormonal-acne-adults-acne-causes-skin-hormones-explained-474128
https://drankitmehra.com/blogs/hormonal-acne-causes-treatment-dermatologist-guide
https://www.drbatras.com/hormonal-acne-what-causes-it-and-how-to-treat-it
https://www.westchestercosmeticdermatology.com/blog/adult-acne-why-it-happens-and-how-to-treat-it/
https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/hormonal-acne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMpW2srUQPQ
https://www.allarahealth.com/blog/signs-of-hormone-imbalance-in-women
https://conscious-skincare.com/blogs/news/hormonal-acne-in-adults-natural-solutions-skincare-that-works
