Hormonal Acne: Causes And Natural Treatments

Hormonal Acne: What You Need To Know

Hormonal acne occurs when the body’s hormones change and subsequently trigger a breakout. The main offenders: Androgens like testosterone. If these types of hormones are present in excess, acne-suffering individuals may notice an increase in sebum production. When there is an increase in both oil and skin flakes, the pores become clogged and inflamed. Resulting in acne.

But here is the difficult part: hormonal acne does not always look like acne. It can show up as tender cysts beneath the surface as well as deep pimples on the surface of the skin. Other times, it can persist in the same region month after month. Does this ring a bell? 

Difference Between Regular And Hormonal Acne

Have you ever wondered why some people have wiry pimples on their foreheads and others have cystic lumps on their chins? The answer lies in the reasons that cause acne. 

Hormonal Acne

Cause: Hormonal Changes
Location: Chin, jawline, lower cheeks
Breakout type: Deep cysts, painful nodules
When it occurs:  Before periods, during pregnancy, menopause, or stress 

Regular Acne

Cause: Bacteria, clogged pores
Location: Forehead, nose, cheeks
Breakout type: Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples
When it occurs:  Anytime due to skincare, diet, or environment 

Consider your own acne breakouts. Do those breakouts follow some sort of pattern? Do they happen over and over again in the same regions? If so, then chances are high that your acne is related to hormone fluctuations. 

Common Signs Of Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne always has some distinct markers. Do any of these sound familiar to you? 

• Tender, deep cysts that hurt when touched.
• Regular breakouts on the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks happen every month. 
• Breakouts that occur ahead of your menstruation, during ovulation, pregnancy or menopause. 
• Skin that is shiny due to having oily fats and large pores. 
• Pimples that appear and do not go away with normal acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. 

If you nod along with any of these symptoms, it is good because accepting that acne affects you is the first step towards embracing clear skin. Also, read along to know more.

What Causes Hormonal Acne? 

Now, let’s discuss the million-dollar question: the causes! Of course! Hormones are the culprit for hormonal acne, But there is something more for us to discuss. Let’s see

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones control a lot of activities, including the breakdown of your skin. If your skin is not balanced, you can expect to spot some unpleasant acne. But what exactly causes this imbalance? 

• Overproduction of androgens such as testosterone and DHT lead to acne. These stimulate oil glands in the skin, and when there is excess oil, pores become clogged, leading to acne. 
• Excess estrogen or estrogen dominance: Too much estrogen in comparison to progesterone can lead to inflammation and worsen breakout. 
• Low Progesterone: When the body experiences low progesterone, estrogen tends to claim power and comes with excess oil and acne.
• Does your skin behave differently from week to week at various times of the month? For example, it could look fabulous one week but break out the following. Well, that is because your hormone levels vary during the month, directly impacting your skin. 

Stress & Cortisol

What do you notice happening to your skin when you are most stressed? Does your skin break out when life gets too much to handle? If that is the case, you are not imagining things. 

• Cortisol, the stress hormone, is released in response to stress. When the levels of cortisol in your system increase, oil production also increases, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. On top of that, constant stress throws your hormonal balance off course, which aggravates acne. 

Think of the last period in your life when you had a big deadline at work, an exam, or a personal crisis: Did you have a sudden acne breakout during that period? It is likely that you were producing extra cortisol, leading to inflammation and clogged pores. 

Diet & Blood Sugar Spikes 

Do you feel like your skin tends to get worse after consuming sweets or dairy? If so, that is not just a coincidence! 

• Processed foods, sugar, and dairy products increase the level of your insulin, which leads to an increase in IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1). Oil production, along with acne, is stimulated by the release of this hormone.
• Bordering on dental issues, high glycemic foods such as white bread, bagels, pasta, and desserts lead to rapid increases in blood levels! Further fueling inflammation and oil build-up within the body.

Try this experiment: Cut out dairy and high-sugar foods for two weeks, then take a second look at your skin. Has anything changed? 

Gut Health & Inflammation

Is it surprising that your gut and skin are interrelated? If your gut health is lacking, it can manifest in your skin.

• Dysfunctional digestion, coupled with an imbalance of gut flora, has the ability to build up within your body, resulting in acne.
• Damage to the intestinal lining enables the passing of pathogenic microorganisms into the blood, leading to inflammation and ultimately causing skin troubles. 

Do you remember taking antibiotics and experiencing a terrible breakout afterwards? That’s because antibiotics tend to mess around with the gut microbiome, leaving imbalances that are bound to show up visibly on your skin. 

Menstrual Cycle & Birth Control

Does your skin start breaking out a few days before your period starts? That is typically indicative of hormonal acne. 

• With progesterone levels dropping during the latter part of the cycle comes increased oil secretion and acne breakouts. 
• If you decide to come off the birth control pill, you might find yourself experiencing an imbalance in your hormones temporarily, which results in post-pill acne.
• If you have changed your birth control methods and noticed a change in your skin, it is possible that your hormones are responding to the change. 

Environmental & Lifestyle Factors 

Your daily activities, as well as the environment you live in, are factors that can contribute to hormonal acne. Here are some of them: 

• Toxic skincare products with endocrine disruptors(most parabens and phthalates) can influence your hormonal balance.
• Insufficient sleeping hours disrupts hormone synthesis and skin healing.
• Constant exposure to pollutants can cause inflammation and contribute to the clogging of the pores. 

Have you ever experienced sleeping with makeup on only to experience skin breakouts, or perhaps you noticed your skin worsening after a trip to a polluted city? Simple changes to one’s lifestyle go a long way. 

Do any of these points resonate with you? Then fret not, because many natural remedies are available on the market to help relieve stress on your hormones and cleanse the skin. The following section will describe some effective natural ways to deal with hormonal acne.

Natural Remedies For Hormonal Acne

Having understood how hormonal imbalance can lead to acne, let us discuss some natural solutions to restore balance. The good news is that there is no need for medications or elaborate skin care products. Following the right diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle alongside a clean environment will help you achieve the clear skin you desire. 

Balance Your Hormones Naturally

If hormonal imbalance is the reason behind acne, then the thing to do is to fix these hormones naturally. Here is how: 

• Cut down on high-androgen foods such as dairy products, sugar and refined carbohydrates. These foods lead to excess oil formation in the skin. Reducing these foods will help keep oil levels down. 
• Increase intake of hormone-balancing foods such as flaxseeds, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) and high-fiber foods. 
• A healthy liver is crucial, so drinking warm lemon water and dandelion tea can aid in detoxification. Your liver plays a huge role in finding excess hormones, so keeping it healthy is essential. 
• Try this: For a week, stop consuming dairy milk and switch over to oat or almond milk. Many people notice a change in their skin after doing this. 

Adopt An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Chronic inflammation is never good, especially when you are suffering from acne. Make sure to consume the right foods, as they will help soften the skin and reduce breakouts. 

• Eat fibre-rich foods such as oats, lentils and even leafy vegetables, which help detoxify the body of excess hormones.
• To minimise inflammation, increase your intake of omega-3 fats from walnuts, flaxseed, and wild fish. 
• If you have dairy and gluten sensitivity, consider cutting out these foods because they may cause breakouts for certain individuals.

Have you ever taken a holiday, indulged in high-quality, unprocessed foods, and marvelled at your skin’s glow? That is the impact of an anti-inflammatory diet on hormonal acne.

Read Why Do You Need Anti-inflammatory Diet Meal Plans? to understand better.

Improve Gut Health 

Skin and gut health are two sides of the same coin. A lack of harmony in the gut microbiome may cause inflammation and acne. 

• Take pre-and probiotics as supplements or fermented foods to balance the gut microbiome. 
• Include more fermented products in your diet, including kimchi, sauerkraut, and coconut yoghurt. 
• Feed the good bacteria in your gut by consuming prebiotic-rich foods such as onions, garlic, and bananas.

Pro Tip: Drink a glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning to support digestion and gut health. 

Regulates blood Sugar & Insulin Levels

High amounts of insulin can lead to oily skin, so every sugary food should be avoided. Sugary foods tend to aggravate acne conditions. 

• To avoid insulin spikes, avoid high-sugar foods such as sodas, candy, and white bread. 
• To aid in focusing stable blood sugar levels, make sure every meal includes protein and good fats.
• Try intermittent fasting (that is, if your body allows it) to help with insulin sensitivity.

Try this little test: Don’t eat sugar for a week, and see if there is a difference in how your skin looks!

Decrease Stress & Get Better Sleep

Too much stress causes cortisol to increase, and this hormone leads to excess oil production, acne, and other skin issues. Good sleep and reduced stress can work wonders for your skin.

• Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can mitigate cortisol and increase efficiency.
• Your skin needs 7–9 hours of uninterrupted shut-eyes in order to renew itself, so make sure you are getting enough good sleep.
• Try to limit caffeine and alcoholic beverages since they can affect hormone balance and increase stress.

A quick tip: Consider journaling before bed to ease any uneasiness and prepare yourself for restorative sleep.

Switch To Hormone-Safe Skincare

Hormonal acne can be caused by several harsh chemicals we find in common skincare items. Try more gentle, hand-made, or herbal skincare products for a better result.

You can start with the basics and opt for more balanced skincare solutions like no scent, no irritants, and no clog formers.

You can also consider natural remedies that help combat acne, such as:

• Niacinamide (reduces inflammation)
• Zinc (controls sebum production)
• Salicylic acid (unclogs pores)
• Tea tree oil (antibacterial)

Action step: Next time you are checking out lotions, look out for parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances as ingredients. It is best to avoid them and use more green products instead.

Explore Herbal Treatments

Hippocrates himself said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Here are a few potent approaches: 

• Spearmint Tea Reduces androgens responsible for acne.
• Vitex (Chasteberry) – Aiding in balancing the hormones of a female
• Turmeric – Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Try replacing your afternoon coffee with spearmint tea and notice the change in your breakouts.

Detox Your Environment

Hormonal disruptions and acne could also be a result of toxins in the environment surrounding you.

• Avoid using plastic containers with BPA because it mimics estrogen and throws your hormones out of whack.
• Switch to organic personal care products to reduce chemical exposure that disrupts normal hormonal functions.
• Be sure to filter your drinking water to eliminate any contaminants that alter the hormone balance.

Take action: Switching to a stainless steel or glass water bottle will substantially decrease your exposure to plastics.

The condition of your skin indicates what is going on inside your body. With the right clean living adjustments, nourishing your gut, and balancing your hormones, you can heal your skin from within.

How about regaining control of your acne naturally? Add one or two practical changes now,  and be thankful when your skin thanks you in return!

Ayurvedic Overview

Hormonal acne is a type of skin problem caused by improper hormones, stress, and an unhealthy diet. In Ayurveda, this condition is caused mostly by a Pitta dosha imbalance. Pitta dosha is the physiological fire responsible for heat and inflammation in the skin. Kapha dosha also contributes to the problem by making pores too oily and then blocking them. 

Dietary Changes (Ahara) 

• Cut down on the spicy, salty, and greasy fast food. These foods increase swelling and acne, so they should be avoided. 
• Incorporate some anti-inflammatory foods like fresh vegetables, coconut water drinks, and cucumbers for cooling effects and reduced inflammation. 
• Hydrate yourself with enough water. Additionally, try herbal teas like coriander or fennel. Fibre-rich foods should be incorporated. Water removes toxins, and fruits, vegetables, and grains help digest foods.

Lifestyle Adjustments (Vihara)    

• Have a sleep schedule – Get good-quality sleep, as a lack of sleep increases stress and acne.   
• Engage in yoga and meditation—they help reduce stress and balance hormones. Visit Nirva Health’s page to explore online yoga lessons from the comfort of your home.
• Avoid excessive exercise – Too much sweating can clog pores; therefore, exercise must be balanced.    

Ayurvedic Remedies and Herbs

These Ayurvedic herbs introduce significant changes in wellness by detoxifying the body as well as balancing hormones and reducing acne naturally.   

• Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) – A natural blood-purifying herb that helps clear away acne and dark spots.
• Neem ( Azadirachta indica)–  Studies prove that neem has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) – A cooling herb that sequentially harmonises Pitta and purifies the body from within. 
• Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki) – Detoxifies the skin while improving digestion.
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)- Anti-inflammatory and soothing to the skin.

Ayurvedic Therapies (Shodhana)

If the condition is extreme, detox treatments aid in the removal of chronic toxins.

• Virecahana - The purgation method aids in the removal of excess toxins, cleansing the body.
• Raktamokshana- Traditional treatment helps with chronic inflammation of the skin.
• Nasya- Nasal douching with medicated oils or medicines aids in hormonal balance.

The description noted here regarding Ayurvedic medicines and therapies is only for broad comprehension and understanding. While casual lifestyle changes such as eating well, drinking enough water, and managing stress can be practised without risk, any radical changes in diet or herbal medicine—especially with pre-existing health issues—need the supervision of a trusted professional Ayurvedic doctor or health practitioner. 

Seek consultation from a specialist professional before commencing any therapy for your health condition to ensure it is right for you.

Wrapping It Up

Skin health intricately connects to not only diet but hormones, gut health, and lifestyle as well. Doesn’t waking up to clear skin simply by changing your daily routine and lifestyle sound wonderful?

Take baby steps. Replace sugar or dairy with hormone-balancing foods, use probiotics to nourish your gut, and manage stress by deep breathing or yoga. Now, let’s talk about your skincare products—are they making things worse? Switching to non-toxic, hormone-safe products can work wonders. Even simple steps like switching out plastic bottles for glass ones can facilitate the healing process for your skin.

The best part? You don’t have to implement all these suggestions at once. Focus on one or two things a week—for example, drinking spearmint tea or sleeping more—and observe how your skin reacts. Remember that healing takes time, but each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to the skin you have always wanted. The question now is, how will you implement these suggestions? Think about it. If you have any questions, reach out to us.