Hormonal acne is a frustrating and stubborn type of acne that often shows up around the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks. It’s driven by internal imbalances—especially fluctuating hormones like androgens AKA one of acne's favorite hormones. The good news? With the right approach, you can calm and clear hormonal acne over time. Here are 5 tried-and-true tips that have been proven to minimize hormonal acne for our acne clients!

1. Balance Your Blood Sugar Daily

Your blood sugar has a direct impact on hormones like insulin and androgens. When it spikes and crashes, your body produces more oil—and that leads to breakouts.

What to do:

• Focus on protein, fiber, and healthy fats at every meal.
• Cut back on processed carbs and sugar. But never deprive yourself - moderation is key!
• Don’t skip meals (this can spike cortisol, another acne trigger).

2. Support Your Gut Health

A healthy gut supports hormone detox and reduces inflammation—both key for clearer skin. Many people with hormonal acne also deal with bloating, irregular digestion, or food sensitivities.

What to do:

• Add a daily probiotic or fermented foods (like sauerkraut, kimchi, or yogurt).
• Stay hydrated with filtered water -  add electrolytes for an added bonus!
• Avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary—they can disrupt gut balance.

3. Manage Stress (Seriously!)

Stress triggers cortisol, which increases inflammation and oil production. Many people notice a hormonal breakout a few days after a stressful event.

Quick stress-lowering habits:

• 10–15 minutes of daily movement (walks, yoga, etc.)
• Breathwork or journaling
• Setting healthy boundaries with your schedule

4. Watch for Hormonal Triggers in Products

Some cosmetics, skincare ingredients, or even hair products can contribute to hormonal acne by clogging pores or disrupting hormones.

Ingredients to avoid:

• Coconut oil and cocoa butter on acne-prone areas
• Certain fragrance in lifestyle products such as perfumes, deodorants, essential oils, candles ect.
• Soy (can be a trigger for some with estrogen-dominant acne)

5. Track Your Cycle & Breakout Patterns

Hormonal acne often flares at predictable times—like the week before your period. By understanding your cycle, you can anticipate flare-ups and adjust your routine.

Try:

• Using a period tracking app to log your skin changes
• Boosting anti-inflammatory foods the week before your period
• Applying spot treatments preventatively when you know a breakout is coming - our favorite is Sulfur Spot Treatment by Face Reality Skincare!

Clearing hormonal acne takes a holistic approach—it’s not just about what you put on your skin, but also how you support your body from the inside out. Small daily changes can lead to major skin transformations over time.

 Need Help Getting Started?

If you’re struggling with hormonal acne and don’t know what to try next, we offer personalized acne consultations and customized skincare routines designed to heal from the root. Reach out to us via our contact page, send us an email at info@weloveacne.com or reach out to our acne support text line (865-622-8331) to get started. Clear skin is possible!

Your Acne Expert,

Cara