What is hormonal acne?
Acne is caused by a combination of factors including—but certainly not limited to—excess sebum production, clogged pores, inflammation, and bacteria buildup on the skin. In some folks, however, hormones are the main culprit. As Joshua Zeichner, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains: “Hormonal acne refers to breakouts that occur in women around the time of their menstrual cycle, as the fluctuations in hormones stimulate oil glands, leading to acne flares.”
What causes hormonal acne?
While any menstruator can have hormonal acne (even without abnormal hormone levels), Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says it can be associated with certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). “Hormonal acne typically occurs on the lower third of the face, often affecting the jawline and chin, but can also contribute to breakouts on the chest and back,” she explains. “Typically it appears with deeper, cystic breakouts, which may be stubborn and cyclical.” There’s no one best treatment or cure-all for hormonal acne, so Dr. Garshick tends to suggest a combination of therapies. “It’s important to also treat other potential causes of acne with a retinoid as well as benzoyl peroxide,” she says. “But for the hormonal component, it’s often most effective to treat with certain oral contraceptive pills or spironolactone, a blood pressure medication that can be safely used off-label for the purpose of treating hormonal acne.”
How to Get Rid of Hormonal Acne Naturally
However, if you don’t want to opt into medications, there are a variety of ways to treat hormonal acne naturally, from certain bacteria-fighting essential oils to prioritizing stress reduction. Here, the experts weigh in on the best natural treatments for hormonal acne. Dr. Zeichner adds that stress interferes with wound-healing as well as promoting acne breakouts. “The same hormones that help prepare our body to deal with stressful circumstances also have an impact on our skin, so whether it’s meditation or yoga, do what you can to minimize your personal stress levels,” he says. Daily meditation is a great way to minimize stress, as is exercise, talk therapy, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, Dr. Zeicher advises steering clear of cows’ milk if you suffer from hormonal acne, as it’s been associated with worsening breakouts. “It’s unclear whether it is the sugar or hormones in the milk from the lactating cow, but skim milk may lead to acne breakouts in predisposed individuals,” he explains. “Consider a milk substitute like almond or oat milk, or opt for goats’ milk if you’re acne-prone.” Finally, Dr. Garshick advises upping your intake of green tea if you struggle with frequent hormonal acne flares. “Green tea is known to have anti-inflammatory benefits, making it another good option to reduce inflammation that may contribute to hormonal breakouts,” she says. Another derm-recommended ingredient for hormonal acne? Apple cider vinegar. “ACV has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help kill bacteria and yeast on the skin related to conditions like acne, eczema, and dandruff,” says Raechele Cochran Gathers, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and founder of MDhairmixtress.com. However, always check with your dermatologist first as ACV is acidic and can cause severe skin irritation when used incorrectly. If you don’t mind changing up your skincare routine, period syncing can also help. The first step is to track your menstrual cycle, which you can do via apps like FLO. The idea is that your skin undergoes a series of changes as your hormones ebb and flow throughout your approximately 28-day cycle, and therefore your skincare routine should change to accommodate this connection between your skin and hormones. This might mean using alpha hydroxy acids in the week before your period when estrogen drops (cue excess oil production) or using hydrating face oils the week of your period, when low hormone levels result in a duller complexion. By doing this, you can anticipate the skincare changes happening in your body—and tailor your routine to match your unique cycle.
