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 States
In the US, the privacy of reproductive-health data is a key consideration — choose apps and providers that are transparent about how your data is stored and shared, and confirm options with your healthcare provider or insurer.