Hey Gorgeous,
Let’s chat about a skin issue that many of us thought we left behind in our teenage years—hormonal acne. But here we are, still dealing with those monthly breakouts, mysterious jawline pimples, or random flare-ups triggered by life’s curveballs. Adult hormonal acne is all too real, and it can feel incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to juggle life’s other responsibilities.
The good news? With a few skincare and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage hormonal acne and feel confident in your skin again. So let’s dive into the causes behind those stubborn breakouts and the best ways to keep them in check!
Why Do Adult Women Get Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is primarily caused by fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and androgens (e.g., testosterone). These fluctuations can lead to excess oil production, inflammation, and clogged pores, which create the perfect conditions for acne. Here are a few common reasons why adult women experience hormonal breakouts:
- Menstrual Cycle: Many women notice flare-ups around their period due to hormonal shifts that stimulate oil production. This often results in breakouts along the jawline or chin.
- Pregnancy, Postpartum, or Menopause: Hormone levels change significantly during these phases, which can lead to unexpected breakouts as the body adjusts.
- Stress: Stress causes a rise in cortisol, which can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to more oil production. And guess where that oil goes? Right to our pores.
- Birth Control: Starting, stopping, or switching birth control can affect hormone levels, sometimes triggering or reducing acne. Hormonal IUDs can also have an impact on skin.
- Dietary Factors: Foods high in sugar and dairy can cause spikes in insulin and insulin-like growth factor, which may worsen hormonal acne.
How to Recognize Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne often appears around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks, and tends to flare up in cycles (like around your period). These breakouts are usually deeper, inflamed bumps rather than surface-level blackheads or whiteheads, making them tougher to treat with traditional acne solutions.
Skincare Solutions for Managing Hormonal Acne
To help manage hormonal acne, a skincare routine that balances oil production, keeps pores clear, and soothes inflammation is key. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Choose a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing twice a day helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup, but avoid harsh cleansers that can strip your skin. When the skin barrier gets damaged, your skin might overproduce oil to compensate, leading to even more breakouts.
- YvaMarie Tip: A gentle gel or foaming cleanser will do the trick. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid (a BHA that penetrates pores to reduce oil) to gently exfoliate and keep pores clear.
2. Incorporate Niacinamide to Balance Oil and Calm Skin
Niacinamide is a fantastic ingredient for hormonal acne. It helps regulate oil production, reduce redness, and support the skin barrier, which is especially helpful if your skin is feeling sensitive.
- YvaMarie Pick: Our BotanicGlow Complexion Serum contains Niacinamide, which is perfect for calming inflammation and keeping oil levels in check without causing dryness. Apply it after cleansing both morning and night.
3. Exfoliate with AHAs and BHAs
Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) can work wonders for hormonal acne. BHAs penetrate deep into pores, helping to clear out any buildup and reduce inflammation, while AHAs exfoliate the surface and keep your skin smooth and bright.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it with exfoliants! Try exfoliating 1-3 times a week, depending on how your skin tolerates it. If you’re sensitive, start with once a week and adjust as needed.
4. Consider Retinoids or Bakuchiol for Cell Turnover
Retinoids help boost cell turnover, which means your skin can shed dead cells and keep pores from getting clogged. If retinoids are too harsh, Bakuchiol—a plant-based alternative—offers similar benefits with less irritation, making it great for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
- YvaMarie Pick: Our GothamGlow Anti-Aging Serum contains Bakuchiol to help with cell turnover, keeping pores clear and smoothing fine lines in the process. Use it in your nighttime routine for best results.
5. Moisturize with Lightweight Hydration
Even if you’re dealing with acne, your skin needs hydration. Choose a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer that provides hydration without clogging pores. Dehydrated skin can actually make acne worse, as dry skin can lead to more oil production.
- Pro Tip: Look for lightweight moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to keep skin balanced and avoid any greasy feel.
6. SPF is Essential
Yes, SPF! Sun exposure can darken acne scars and cause further inflammation. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ that won’t clog pores and wear it daily, even if it’s cloudy.
Lifestyle Tips for Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is about more than just skincare—small lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference, too. Here are a few ways to support your skin from the inside out:
- Manage Stress: Easier said than done, we know! But stress-relieving practices like yoga, meditation, and even a 5-minute daily breathing exercise can help balance cortisol levels and reduce flare-ups.
- Limit Dairy and Sugar: Both dairy and sugar can trigger insulin spikes, which can make hormonal acne worse. Try cutting back and see if your skin responds.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps keep your skin hydrated and supports the body in flushing out toxins. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and add lemon for a refreshing boost!
- Get Enough Sleep: Your body repairs itself during sleep, and that includes your skin! Aim for 7-8 hours a night to support healthy, clear skin.
Quick Recap: Your Hormonal Acne Routine
Morning Routine:
- Cleanse with a gentle, balancing cleanser.
- Apply BotanicGlow Complexion Serum with Niacinamide to reduce inflammation and control oil.
- Use a lightweight moisturizer to keep skin hydrated.
- Finish with SPF 30+ to protect skin from sun damage and darkening of any acne marks.
Evening Routine:
- Cleanse to remove makeup, oil, and impurities.
- Use a BHA or AHA exfoliant (1-3 times a week) to keep pores clear.
- Apply GothamGlow Anti-Aging Serum with Bakuchiol for gentle cell turnover.
- Finish with a hydrating moisturizer to balance skin overnight.
Embracing Your Skin with Care and Patience
Hormonal acne is a journey, but with the right skincare and lifestyle adjustments, you can help keep it in check and feel good about your skin. Take it one step at a time, and remember that even small changes add up. Consistency is key, and each day you’re supporting your skin’s health and resilience.
Here’s to feeling confident and empowered in your skin, at every phase!
Let’s Glow Together!
With love and radiance,
Marsha