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Breaking out in the same spots every month?
It might not be a coincidence. If acne tends to pop up on your chin, jawline or neck right before your cycle, it’s likely tied to hormonal fluctuations. The most frustrating part? As predictable as these breakouts are, getting ahead of them can feel impossible.
Let’s talk about what hormonal acne is, why it happens and how a consistent, results-driven routine can help you minimize and manage it.
Hormonal acne refers to breakouts driven by changes in hormone levels, especially androgens, which stimulate oil production in the skin. When androgen levels rise, your skin produces more oil. That excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, resulting in clogged pores.
Hormonal acne can affect anyone, but it’s most common in women because of the hormonal shifts they go through: puberty, pregnancy and postpartum, menopause, even starting or stopping birth control.
Hormonal acne has a pattern. If you break out in the same places around the same time each month, there’s a good chance hormones are involved. You’ll typically see these breakouts on the chin, jawline or neck. Telltale signs of hormonal acne include:
All acne is hormonal by nature, and every breakout begins with clogged pores. So what differentiates a hormonal breakout from a typical one? The oil that clogs your pores is triggered by hormonal shifts. Here’s what happens:
Your cycle isn’t the only time your hormones fluctuate. You might experience hormonal acne as a result of:
Because hormonal breakouts are rooted in biology, they’re not entirely preventable. But since excess oil is the culprit, managing them comes down to using the right products consistently. Here’s the routine we recommend.
Cleanse with Power Wash
Key ingredients: papaya extract, salicylic acid, botanical extracts, tiger grass extract and glycerin
Even if your skin isn’t typically oily, keeping Power Wash in rotation can help remove excess oil triggered by hormones. This exfoliating gel cleanser rinses away buildup and dead skin cells without stripping the skin.
Tone with Crystal Clear
Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and botanical extracts
Using these clarifying pads consistently is one of the best ways to keep breakouts at bay. Lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids work together to clarify pores, refine texture and brighten skin while calming inflammation.
Key ingredients: advanced peptide complex, azelaic-salicylic acid blend, barrier-protective hydrators, antioxidant blend
This nightly retexturizing therapy gently resurfaces skin to improve clarity, firmness and texture. Azelaic acid calms inflammation and improves pigment, while a soothing azelaic acid derivative helps regulate oil production.
After Hours is a great option for those taking a break from retinol. If you’re keeping retinol in your routine, reach for After Hours on alternating nights.
Clarify with Night Watch
Key ingredients: HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate), melatonin, vitamin C and vitamin E
Healthy cell turnover is key to keeping pores clear. These gentle retinol drops speed up cell turnover to prevent oil and buildup from clogging pores. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E help with the redness and inflammation that come with breakouts.
If you’re tired of dealing with hormonal acne, we get it. Adjusting your routine to target excess oil can help minimize those monthly breakouts. Interested in in-clinic treatments or more personalized recommendations? Book a consultation with one of our board-certified providers. We’d love to take a look at your skin, hear about your goals and create a plan to help you reach them.
