Why Does Acne Improve Then Return After Hormone Changes
Hormones play a big role in acne because they control how much oil your skin makes. When hormones shift, like during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or starting birth control, oil production can spike and clog pores, leading to breakouts. Testosterone and other male-like hormones called androgens are often the main culprits. They tell your skin glands to pump out more oil, which feeds acne bacteria and causes pimples, especially along the jawline and chin.[1][2][3][5]
Sometimes acne gets better when hormones balance out. For example, birth control pills with higher estrogen can push estrogen to the front, which calms down testosterone and cuts oil production. This often clears up hormonal acne quickly. But it does not fix the root problem. If you stop the pill or your hormones shift again, like during a new cycle or stress, testosterone can bounce back and bring acne with it.[1][4]
Your monthly period is a common trigger for this cycle. Estrogen rises then drops, while other hormones fluctuate, ramping up oil and inflammation right before your period hits. Acne might fade mid-cycle when things even out, only to return as hormones swing again. Pregnancy works the same way: early changes can improve skin for some, but later shifts or after birth can spark breakouts.[2][3][5]
Stress makes it worse by messing with hormones even more. It boosts cortisol, which teams up with androgens to increase oil. Diet can add fuel too. Foods like dairy, sugars, and processed items stir up inflammation and hormone imbalances, making skin react faster to these changes. One week your breakouts clear with better habits, but a stressful day or junk food binge pulls them back.[2][4]
Other habits pile on. Phone screens pressed to your cheek spread bacteria and create heat and friction, mimicking or worsening hormonal spots on the lower face. Touching your face or poor sleep disrupts recovery, letting acne rebound after a good stretch.[3][4]
Lifestyle tweaks help break the loop. Track your cycle to expect flare-ups. Eat anti-inflammatory foods like greens and berries, stay hydrated, manage stress with rest, and keep phones clean. Gentle skincare with salicylic acid supports this without fighting hormones head-on.[2][4]
Sources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slO6VB9cVyc
https://www.tataneu.com/pages/fashion/beauty-skincare/master-face-mapping-decode-acne-causes-with-your-diet
https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/beauty/is-constant-phone-to-skin-contact-triggering-hormonal-acne-in-women-9753303.html
https://theribbonbox.com/wellbeing/how-to-fix-hormonal-acne-naturally/
https://www.dermatologyadvisor.com/factsheets/diet-and-acne/
