Most people think (or hope!) their pubescent teenage acne will never rear its ugly head again. Unfortunately, for a lot of us, we may experience it again later in life. Many women are disappointed to see zits popping up again, or for the first time, in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s.
You’re not alone. This condition, called hormonal acne, is quite common and treatable. But it can feel frustrating and discouraging when breakouts appear during a stage of life where you least expect them.
Well, we’re here to help. We’ll explore what causes hormonal acne, how to recognize it, and the most effective ways to manage and prevent it, including everything from lifestyle changes to the best products and professional MedSpa treatments.
How to Tell If It’s Hormonal Acne
First things first: not all breakouts are hormonal. Here are some signs that your acne may be linked to hormone changes and not other factors.
- Pimples tend to appear most along the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks.
- Breakouts flare up around your menstrual cycle.
- Pimples are often deeper and more cyst-like rather than small whiteheads.
If this sounds familiar, there’s a good chance your breakouts are hormone-related.
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
Several natural changes in a woman’s body can trigger adult acne:
- Pregnancy — Hormone shifts during pregnancy can lead to new or worsening acne.
- Birth control — Starting, stopping, or switching birth control can impact hormone balance and trigger breakouts.
- Perimenopause and menopause — As estrogen decreases, testosterone can have a stronger effect on oil glands, leading to clogged pores and acne.
- Chronic conditions — Women who struggle with PCOS and other conditions, especially those related to reproductive organs, may also experience hormonal acne.
Men can experience adult hormonal acne, as well. It can happen due to testosterone fluctuations, medications, and genetic predisposition. Having and managing facial hair can also lead to adult acne, though without the hormone component.
In addition to these situations, adult acne can also be caused or exacerbated by chronic stress, poor sleep, and frequently eating processed foods and refined carbohydrates.
Knowing why you’re dealing with hormonal acne may help ease the emotional toll skin problems can take. Additionally, modifying certain habits and incorporating new steps into your skincare routine can help reduce breakouts and promote healthier skin.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Adult Acne
While tackling adult acne often requires more than lifestyle changes, certain habits can help:
- Balanced diet — Limit highly processed foods and sugar, which can worsen inflammation. Instead, eat more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins that contain skin-healthy vitamins and nutrients.
- Stress management — Stress raises cortisol, which may trigger flare-ups. Exercise, meditation, or simple self-care routines can help.
- Talk to your doctor — During perimenopause or menopause, discussing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help balance hormones and improve skin health.
- Gentle skincare routine — Avoid harsh scrubbing and hot water, which can actually make acne worse. Stick to a gentle cleansing routine using non-comedogenic products.
Taking care of your skin is part of taking care of your whole self. Although it may not fix everything, healthier habits will often make hormonal acne more manageable.
Best Skincare Ingredients for Hormonal Acne
If you had acne as a teenager, some of these ingredients are probably familiar to you. You can find these acne-fighting ingredients in face washes, toners, serums, and lotions. There are even foundations and concealers with ingredients that treat acne.
Just remember to start slowly. Piling on a ton of products that your skin isn’t used to may do more harm than good.
- Salicylic acid — Helps unclog pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide — Kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Retinoids — Promote cellular turnover and reduce clogged pores.
- Niacinamide — Soothes inflammation and supports the skin barrier.
If you haven’t tried these products before, patch-test one at a time behind your ear for at least a few days to avoid irritation.
MedSpa Treatments That Help With Hormonal Acne
When breakouts don’t improve with at-home care, professional facial treatments can make a big difference, especially between breakouts:
- Chemical peels — Gently exfoliate to clear pores and reduce scars.
- IPL Photofacial — Targets bacteria, reduces inflammation, and improves skin texture.
- HydraFacial — Cleanses deeply, extracts impurities, and calms irritated skin.
- LED Light therapy — Blue light reduces acne-causing bacteria, while red light calms inflammation.
A MedSpa professional can create a treatment plan tailored to your skin type and hormone-related needs.
When to See a Professional
If your acne is painful, leaves scars, or is affecting your confidence, it’s time to seek help.
MedSpa providers can help you determine the best products and treatments for your skin. They are also able to perform a VISIA scan, which provides a more in-depth analysis of your skin’s health and needs.
However, a dermatologist may be necessary for persistent cyst-like acne because they can prescribe oral medications and more potent topical treatments. They can also ensure that what you’re experiencing is hormonal acne and not something even more complicated.
Skin Conditions That Can Look Like Acne
Not every breakout is actually acne. Several other skin conditions can look similar but require different care:
- Rosacea — Often mistaken for adult acne, rosacea causes redness, flushing, and small bumps that can look like pimples. Unlike acne, it usually affects the central face and doesn’t involve clogged pores.
- Perioral dermatitis — This condition causes small, red bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes. Topical steroids or irritating products may trigger it.
- Folliculitis—When hair follicles become inflamed, they can create red, acne-like bumps, often on the chest, back, or thighs. While this isn’t common on the face for women, folliculitis can occur where you shave, wax, or tweeze.
Because these conditions mimic acne, treating them with typical acne products may not be effective — and in some cases, can even make things worse. If your breakouts don’t respond to over-the-counter care, it’s crucial to see a professional for an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan.
FAQs About Hormonal Acne
Does diet affect hormonal acne?
Yes, certain foods may worsen acne. Diet isn’t the only cause, but limiting sugar and processed foods may help.
Can hormonal acne go away on its own?
Sometimes, but it depends on the cause.
Without treatment, it can persist for a number of years, especially during perimenopause and menopause. However, once your body becomes used to new hormone levels later in life, adult acne will typically fade over time.
If you’re experiencing it due to pregnancy or medications and don’t typically have problems, it’s more likely that it will go away on its own.
Is it safe to do acne treatments during pregnancy?
Some treatments are safe, but you might need to avoid others, such as retinoids. Always talk to your doctor before starting treatment while pregnant.
Adult Acne is Treatable
Hormonal acne is frustrating, and many women feel annoyed, embarrassed, or less confident when they start experiencing breakouts in adulthood.
But you’re not alone — and you don’t have to live with it.
With the right skincare routine, lifestyle adjustments, and professional treatments, you can reduce breakouts and restore your skin’s natural glow.
If you’re struggling with adult acne, schedule a free consultation today! A customized plan can help you prevent future breakouts and feel confident in your skin again.
