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 United Kingdom
In the UK, much of this care is available through the NHS as well as privately, and UK GDPR gives you rights over your health data, including access and erasure.