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How to treat hormonal acne

By Maya Okonkwo · Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Nair, MBBS
Updated 5 June 2026 · 2 min read

Hormonal acne typically appears along the jaw and chin and flares with your cycle, often in the premenstrual (luteal) phase. It’s common and very treatable.

Why it happens

Hormonal fluctuations increase oil production and inflammation, which can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Conditions like PCOS can make it more persistent.

Skincare that helps

  • A consistent, gentle routine — build one with our routine builder
  • Proven actives like salicylic acid and retinoids (not in pregnancy)
  • Avoiding pore-clogging ingredients — check products with our ingredient checker
  • Non-comedogenic makeup and gentle cleansing

When to see a professional

If acne is persistent, painful, or scarring, a dermatologist can offer prescription treatments, and where relevant, addressing the hormonal driver with a gynecologist helps.

For readers in Canada

In Canada, care is delivered through provincial health systems and private providers, and PIPEDA governs how organisations handle your personal data.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my acne is hormonal?

Hormonal acne often appears along the jaw and chin and flares with your cycle, especially before your period.

What’s the best treatment for hormonal acne?

A consistent routine with proven actives, avoiding pore-clogging ingredients, and — for persistent cases — dermatologist-prescribed treatments or addressing the hormonal cause.

Can skincare alone fix hormonal acne?

It helps a lot, but persistent hormonal acne may also need medical treatment.

References

  1. Adult acne American Academy of Dermatology
  2. Acne NHS

Related reading

Skincare guideSafe skincare during pregnancy

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