Can Hormonal Changes Cause Acne Without Oily Skin?
Many people think acne always comes with shiny, greasy skin, but hormonal changes can trigger breakouts even on dry or normal skin. Hormones like androgens, which include testosterone, play a key role by affecting how skin cells and pores behave, not just oil levels.[1][2][6]
Hormonal acne often shows up as deep, painful cysts or nodules along the jawline, chin, neck, or lower cheeks. These spots flare up in cycles, such as before a menstrual period, during pregnancy, or in menopause. Unlike typical pimples from dirt or bacteria, these form deeper under the skin and heal slowly.[1][3][4]
The main driver is hormone shifts that boost androgen activity. Androgens signal skin cells inside hair follicles to grow faster, trapping dead cells and creating clogs. This leads to inflammation and pimples, even if your skin does not produce extra oil. For example, in menopause, dropping estrogen lets androgens take over, causing acne on drier skin with less sebum overall.[2][6]
Women face this most often due to monthly cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or stopping birth control. Men can get it too from testosterone changes or stress. Conditions like hypothyroidism or adrenal issues raise androgens further, worsening breakouts without greasy skin.[2][4]
Stress adds to it by raising cortisol, which tweaks hormone balance and sparks inflammation. Diets heavy in dairy or sugars can spike insulin, mimicking androgen effects and clogging pores indirectly.[2][3]
Spotting hormonal acne means noticing patterns: recurring cysts in the same lower-face spots tied to life events like periods or stress. If your skin stays matte but pimples persist, hormones could be the cause over oil alone.[1][3]
Sources
https://glojasaesthetic.com/skin-blog/hormonal-acne/
https://www.medicaldaily.com/hormonal-acne-adults-acne-causes-skin-hormones-explained-474128
https://www.drbatras.com/hormonal-acne-what-causes-it-and-how-to-treat-it
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.oreateai.com/blog/understanding-hormonal-acne-duration-causes-and-treatments/e1132f70fc58fea811e2cb3cabac4e71
https://www.newriverdermatology.com/blog/how-to-manage-hormonal-acne-during-menopause
https://glimmergoddess.com/pages/types-of-acne-explained-hormonal-vs-bacterial-vs-fungal-vs-sensitive-skin-acne
https://conscious-skincare.com/blogs/news/hormonal-acne-in-adults-natural-solutions-skincare-that-works
https://www.apollopharmacy.in/blogs/article/9-reasons-for-pimples-on-face
