What makes hormonal acne different?
Hormonal acne (adult hormonal acne) is a growing problem — it's estimated to affect over 40% of women aged 25–40. It differs from teenage acne both in cause and in treatment approach.
- Age of onset: hormonal acne appears between the ages of 25 and 50, not during puberty
- Location: breakouts cluster on the chin, jawline and neck (the so-called U-zone), not on the forehead and nose
- Link to the cycle: it often worsens a week before menstruation and clears afterwards
- Type of lesions: deep, painful nodules and cysts — not small pustules or blackheads
- Cause: fluctuations in progesterone, oestrogen and androgens, not simply excess sebum from puberty
Hormonal causes
Treatments for hormonal acne
When is systemic treatment needed?
Cosmetology alone has limited scope with hormonal acne in certain situations. It's worth considering a medical consultation when:
- PCOS is the cause — this may require pharmacological treatment
- Acne has appeared or worsened with menopause — hormone replacement therapy may help
- Breakouts are severe and don't respond to any method — a dermatologist may consider spironolactone or other anti-androgen medication
- Your doctor has prescribed isotretinoin — most cosmetology treatments should be avoided for several months after the course
Home care
Your daily routine for hormonal acne should be simple, consistent and built on proven ingredients:
- Cleanser with BHA or niacinamide — morning and evening
- SPF 30–50, oil-free — every day, even with acne (sun exposure worsens post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Niacinamide 10% — regulates sebum and has an anti-inflammatory effect
- Azelaic acid 10–15% — combines anti-acne action with brightening breakout marks
