Hormonal Acne: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and How to Prevent It

Hormonal acne is a type of acne triggered by fluctuations in hormones, most often affecting the jawline, chin, and lower face. It can cause both inflamed and non-inflamed breakouts. Managing it effectively usually involves a combination of medical evaluation, lifestyle adjustments, topical and oral treatments, and preventive strategies, all under professional guidance for healthier skin.

At GLOJAS Specialist Clinic, we specialize in treating hormonal acne with a patient-focused approach. Our experienced dermatologists use evidence-based treatments, from accurate diagnosis to personalized topical, oral, and procedural therapies, helping patients achieve healthier, clearer skin safely and effectively.

Understanding Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is a specific form of acne vulgaris influenced by hormones, particularly androgens. These hormones increase oil production in the skin and can lead to inflammation. Unlike typical acne, hormonal acne often appears cyclically, worsening before menstruation, during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. In many cases, it can continue into adulthood, especially in women.

Fact: Up to 50% of adult women experience hormonal acne at some point, often linked to menstrual cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or other hormonal fluctuations.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs of hormonal acne include:

• Deep, tender cysts or nodules

• Lesions mainly on the lower face, jawline, chin, and neck

• Small, inflamed pimples (papules) and pustules

• Occasional blackheads and whiteheads

• Breakouts that follow a cyclical pattern, often flaring before menstruation

Common Causes

Hormonal acne is linked to changes in androgen levels, insulin, and other hormones. Common triggers include:

• Puberty: Increased androgen levels stimulate oil glands

• Menstrual cycle: Hormonal shifts can trigger premenstrual flare-ups

• Pregnancy or postpartum: Sudden hormonal changes may worsen acne

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Often causes chronic androgen excess

• Medications: Certain steroids, contraceptives, or hormone therapies

• Stress: Elevates cortisol, which can indirectly increase oil production

How Hormonal Acne Is Diagnosed

A healthcare professional can diagnose hormonal acne through:

• Medical history: Discussing menstrual cycle, medications, and family history

• Skin examination: Checking lesion type, distribution, and severity

• Hormone tests: Blood work to assess androgens, thyroid function, or insulin resistance if needed

• Imaging: Rarely, an ultrasound may be done to look for ovarian cysts in PCOS

Effective Treatment Options In Malaysia

1. Topical Treatments

• Retinoids: Help regulate skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Fights bacteria and soothes inflammation

• Topical antibiotics: Clindamycin or erythromycin for moderate inflammation

• Combination therapies: Retinoid plus benzoyl peroxide often works best

2. Oral Medications

• Hormonal therapy: Combined oral contraceptives or anti-androgens like spironolactone for women

• Oral antibiotics: Doxycycline or minocycline for moderate to severe acne

• Isotretinoin: Reserved for severe, stubborn cases

3. Procedural Treatments

• Chemical peels, microneedling, and laser therapy can help with scarring and persistent acne

4. Lifestyle Approaches

• Eat a balanced diet low in high-glycemic foods

• Practice stress management techniques

• Stick to gentle, non-comedogenic skincare routines

Potential Risks and Complications

If left untreated, hormonal acne can lead to:

• Permanent scarring or skin texture changes

• Dark spots or hyperpigmentation

• Psychological effects, such as anxiety or depression

• Side effects from treatments, like dryness, irritation, or systemic effects from oral medications

Tips for Prevention

While not all hormonal acne can be prevented, you can reduce flare-ups by:

• Maintaining a consistent, gentle skincare routine

• Limiting high-glycemic foods and excessive dairy

• Managing stress and getting adequate sleep

• Consulting a healthcare professional for hormonal regulation if needed

• Acting early at the first signs of breakouts

When to Consult a Doctor

Seek medical advice if you notice:

• Severe or cystic acne

• Persistent breakouts that don’t improve with over-the-counter products

• Signs of hormonal imbalance (irregular periods, excess hair growth, sudden weight changes)

• Scarring or pigmentation issues

• Emotional distress related to acne

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can men get hormonal acne?
Yes. Men can develop hormonal acne due to testosterone fluctuations, especially during puberty or steroid use. It often affects the chest, back, and face.

Q: Is hormonal acne the same as teenage acne?
Not exactly. Hormonal acne can continue into adulthood, typically appearing on the lower face with deeper, painful lesions.

Q: Can diet affect hormonal acne?
Yes. Diets high in sugar, processed foods, and dairy can worsen acne by influencing insulin and hormone levels.

Q: How long does it take for treatments to work?
Topical treatments may show results in 6–8 weeks, while hormonal or systemic therapies may take 3–6 months for optimal improvement.

Q: Are hormonal acne scars permanent?
Severe cystic acne can leave lasting scars, but early treatment and dermatological procedures can minimize long-term skin damage.