The model Eden Fines revealed yesterday to her hundreds of thousands of followers that she suffers from hormonal acne – and gave exposure to a phenomenon that is rarely talked about. Certainly not among young women with seemingly clear skin.
While acne in teenagers is mainly caused by excess oil production in the skin and natural hormonal changes during adolescence, more and more women aged 20–40 report the appearance of acne breakouts later in life. This phenomenon is called hormonal acne, and it differs from “regular” acne in several important ways.
It is important to know that while acne is a phenomenon that affects 85 percent of teenagers and usually disappears in adulthood – about 15–20 percent will have acne even later in life. It can be a continuation from adolescence or appear suddenly in midlife (less common).
In many women, it is known that acne worsens around the menstrual cycle – around the period there is an increase in progesterone – which raises the activity of the sebaceous glands in the skin and increases acne, there is a decrease in estrogen which has an anti-inflammatory effect and also an increase in androgen hormones in the skin increases acne. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see women who have a few consistent pimples around the period. In a small number there is a very significant worsening. And this is much more common in women who suffer from polycystic ovaries.
Why does hormonal acne appear?
Hormonal acne is caused by hormonal instability that occurs in different cycles in a woman’s life: And not only around the period.
• Stress and emotional pressure (which increase cortisol levels)
• Stopping birth control pills or changing contraceptive methods
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in some women
• Lifestyle changes such as lack of sleep, a diet high in sugar and fats (although this is not very scientifically proven)
Emotional stress sometimes worsens acne, although in professional literature this is not definitively proven. The hormones that have the greatest influence are androgens (such as testosterone), progesterone which increases the activity of the sebaceous glands and causes inflammatory pimples alongside a relative decrease in estrogen.
The days before the period are “the perfect hormonal storm”: More oil + less protective estrogen + more inflammation = worsening acne. This is completely natural, very common, and definitely manageable and treatable.
This phenomenon is much more severe in women suffering from polycystic ovaries – a common hormonal syndrome that affects about 10–15% of women of reproductive age. It manifests in hormonal imbalance that causes a series of symptoms — some related to the cycle, others to the skin and hair.
Why is it called “polycystic”? In the ovary, tiny eggs form each month inside follicles. In this syndrome, the follicles do not fully mature, and therefore small follicles accumulate. In these women, it is necessary to treat the underlying problem and not only the acne – meaning consistent hormonal regulation in order to balance the hormonal symptoms and also to balance the acne that accompanies the condition.
What does hormonal acne look like?
Unlike teenage acne, which appears all over the face, hormonal acne is characterized by:
• Deep and painful pimples
• Mainly along the jawline, on the neck, chin, and around the mouth
• A tendency for recurrent flare-ups, especially before the period
Why does it happen even to women with perfect skin until now?
The skin is an organ that responds very quickly to hormonal changes. Even women who never suffered from acne during adolescence can experience hormonal acne in adulthood due to natural changes in the body.
How is hormonal acne treated?
If there is a diagnosed hormonal disorder such as polycystic ovaries – the treatment is hormonal, with balancing birth control pills. This usually treats the acne as well.
If there is no clearly diagnosed hormonal disorder, there are several treatments:
• Targeted dermatological treatment: Retinol/retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, active acids (AHA/BHA).
• Gentle aesthetic treatments: Medical peels, gentle laser, microneedling. It is important to know that today there are gentle lasers such as erbium glass or light treatments like Clarska – these treatments are gentle and help dry the sebaceous glands and have a good effect with almost no side effects – therefore they are especially good for those who suffer from hormonal acne flare-ups over many years.
• Nutrition and lifestyle: Reducing sugar, balancing sleep, reducing stress.
In conclusion, hormonal acne is a very common phenomenon among women, not related to facial cleanliness and does not indicate a “skin problem.” It is simply a sign of natural hormonal changes or part of more significant hormonal disorders. Today there are a variety of effective treatments that restore balance and clarity to the skin.