1. How Hormonal Acne Often Looks
There is no single “hormonal acne look”, but certain patterns show up frequently:
Typical features
- Breakouts clustered around the jawline, chin and lower cheeks.
- Flares that track with menstrual cycles or other hormonal changes.
- Deep, tender bumps that sit under the skin for weeks.
Important caveats
- Location alone can’t diagnose hormone problems.
- Teens and adults can both have hormonally influenced acne.
- Other factors (products, friction, diet, medications) often overlap.
2. Hormones Involved in Acne
Androgens (a group of hormones that includes testosterone) play a big role in oil production. When androgen levels are high, or when the skin is especially sensitive to them, the sebaceous glands can produce more sebum and clog more easily.
In some people, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other endocrine disorders can shift hormone balance and contribute to persistent acne.
If you have irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, sudden weight changes or other symptoms alongside acne, it is especially important to talk to a doctor, not just tweak skincare.
3. What Skincare Can (and Can’t) Do
Topical products cannot fix underlying hormone imbalances, but they can still help:
- Retinoids (like adapalene) help prevent clogged pores and improve texture.
- Benzoyl peroxide targets bacteria and inflammation in active spots.
- Gentle, non-comedogenic moisturisers protect the barrier from all this activity.
For many people with hormonally influenced acne, skincare is best seen as support – it manages breakouts on the surface while medical treatments address deeper drivers.
4. When Medical Treatment Becomes Important
If acne is moderate to severe, keeps returning despite good skincare or clearly tracks with hormonal shifts, medical options are often considered. These can include:
- Oral contraceptives designed to help with acne.
- Anti-androgen medications (in some countries, for certain patients).
- Course-based treatments like oral isotretinoin for severe, scarring acne.
Which options are available and appropriate depends heavily on your health history, age, pregnancy plans and local guidelines. Only your own doctor or dermatologist can weigh those up with you.
If you recognise yourself here
Persistent, painful breakouts that affect self-esteem are not something you have to “just live with”. Combining a gentle, consistent routine with good medical advice is usually far more effective than endlessly switching products.