Hormonal Acne: A Breakdown of the Breakouts
The problem...
Hormonal acne is acne mainly driven by fluctuations or imbalances in hormones, especially androgens. It often appears as deep, painful spots on the jawline, chin, and lower face. Unlike teenage breakouts, hormonal acne is common is women of all ages and tends to flare in cycles, such as around the menstrual period – and even during life transitions like menopause when oestrogens drop.
Hormonal acne happens when androgens (like testosterone) overstimulate the skin’s oil glands. These hormones:
- Stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands to produce more sebum.
- Make skin cells inside pores stickier, which increases clogs.
- Create an oily environment where acne bacteria thrive, triggering inflammation.
When androgen activity is high (during ovulation and luteal phase) – or when the skin is overly sensitivity to androgens – it leads to excess oil, clogged pores, and recurring breakouts.
Some contraceptive pills can mask hormonal acne by reducing free testosterone in the bloodstream. This lowers androgen-driven oil production and improves skin. But the effect is temporary - once the pill is stopped, the underlying imbalance can resurface.
