How to Tell if Your Acne Is Hormonal

Before you go cursing your face 'bumps', know that adult-onset hormonal acne is a common. Hormonal acne presents with painful red papules, pustules, and deep cysts on the lower face and the body. Typical areas of involvement include: 

• Lower cheeks
• Jawline
• Chin
• In between the brows 
• Back
• Chest
• Shoulders

Signs Acne is Hormonal

Not everyone with hormonal acne has elevated testosterone, but having more than one of these symptoms makes this more likely. 

• You are no longer in your teen years
• Your acne first presented in adulthood
• Your acne didn't respond to Isotretinoin
• When you stopped taking birth control pills
• You have polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Your acne flares with stress
• During your menopause
• During your menstrual cycle
• During your pregnancy
• You are on lactation (breastfeeding)
• You’re seriously stressed :(

What can you do about it

• Try out over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or antiandrogen drugs 
• Consider topical retinoids (Avoid retinoids if you're pregnant!)
• Try cleanser with exfoliating salicylic or glycolic acid
• Consider probiotics to control the microbiome and pH balance in the skin
• Try foaming sulphur soap or clay mask to unclog your pores
• Use non-comedogenic products 
• Add zinc and phytoestrogens to your diet

Your best bet is talking to a dermatologist if you are:

• Pregnant, or planning to get pregnant
• Have particularly sensitive skin
• Have hormonal acne that is more severe

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to get the latest updates.