What hormone imbalance causes acne?

Author: Lucas Tremblay  |  Last update: Monday, January 26, 2026

The rise in androgen levels can trigger a process of higher sebum production, changes in skin cell activity, inflammation, and colonization of the hair follicles by a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). This can lead to acne.

How can I balance my hormones for acne?

6 Ways To Fight Your Hormonal Imbalance Acne
  1. Over-the-counter Cleansers. Over-the-counter cleansers are often the first line of defense to try against pesky pimples. ...
  2. Topical Retinoids. ...
  3. Oral-contraceptive Pills. ...
  4. Spironolactone (Anti-Androgen Drugs) ...
  5. Accutane. ...
  6. Clean Up Your Diet.

How do I stop hormones from giving me acne?

What are other treatments for hormonal acne?
  1. Daily skin cleansing.
  2. Birth control (oral contraceptives).
  3. Change in diet.
  4. Laser or light therapy.

Does low or high estrogen cause acne?

As your estrogen drops, the relative abundance of testosterone can trigger acne outbreaks. Of course, drops in estrogen come with a slew of other symptoms, including insomnia, bone loss, and hair loss.

Which hormone is most responsible for acne?

A large study from 2013 showed that of 835 women with hormonal acne, 55% had elevated levels of androgens – DHEA being the one most frequently elevated. A Turkish study from 2017 of 207 women showed 55% of women with acne had elevations in one androgen.

Hormonal acne explained in under 3 minutes | Dermatologist reviews

What hormone deficiency causes acne?

Hormonal acne is acne that occurs when a person's hormone level fluctuates. Fluctuations of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can cause zits and pimples to pop up. Typically, these fluctuations happen mostly during menstruation cycles, pregnancy and menopause.

How do I fix my hormone imbalance?

Lifestyle changes that may help reduce the likelihood and symptoms of hormonal imbalances include:
  1. maintaining a moderate body weight.
  2. eating a nutritious and balanced diet.
  3. exercising regularly.
  4. practicing good personal hygiene, focusing on washing areas with a lot of natural oils, such as the face, neck, back, and chest.

What does high estrogen face look like?

In women, feminine facial shape (e.g., small jaw, small nose, and reduced interocular distance) is linked to higher estrogen (see Law Smith et al., 2006) and superior immune function (Foo et al., 2020 While the face might be the center of our visual attention, the human body contains numerous morphological features - ...

What is the best pill for hormonal acne?

Some of the best contraceptive pills for acne include Yasmin, Rigevidon and Cerelle, all of which contain hormones that can help to regulate and reduce the severity of acne. If you are experiencing severe hormonal acne, it is best to speak to your doctor about which type of contraception is best for you.

What are signs of low progesterone?

What are the signs of low progesterone?
  • Irregular menstrual periods.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty conceiving.
  • Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Bloating or weight gain.

What to drink for hormonal acne?

Spearmint Tea

Spearmint not only has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but it can help correct hormonal imbalances too. Studies have shown that regular consumption of spearmint tea can reduce your acne problems by 25 to 50%.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne typically presents as an array of small, red or pink pimples that can be scattered across various areas of the face. These facial acne pimples often take the form of whiteheads or blackheads and can progress into pustules, which are red, pus-filled bumps, or papules, which are small, raised bumps.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial?

How to Tell if Acne is Hormonal or Bacterial?
  1. Breakout Zones: Bacterial acne typically invades the forehead, nose, and cheeks, while hormonal acne prefers the chin, jawline, and lower face.
  2. Timing: Hormonal acne often adheres to a cyclic pattern, intensifying before menstruation and subsiding afterward.

What supplements for acne?

The most common ingredients contained in most popular supplements marketed for treating acne vulgaris were identified, including probiotics, diindolylmethane (DIM), vitamin A, vitamin B complex, and zinc.

Does retinol help with acne?

Retinol does help clear acne, but it's not a quick fix. It may take weeks or even a few months for your skin to improve. Plus, you may have an initial acne flare-up when you start using retinol. That doesn't mean the retinol serum for acne isn't working.

Is CeraVe good for acne?

Products with salicylic acid (such as CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser and Acne Control Gel) can be helpful for improving the appearance of blackheads and visible pores. When used together as part of a daily regimen, our Acne Control products can help clear acne and help prevent new acne breakouts.

Which hormone is called the beauty hormone?

Estrogen is often considered the “beauty hormone” due to its positive effects on skin. It plays a vital role in: Collagen production: Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness and elasticity by stimulating collagen production, which keeps skin firm and youthful.

How to flush out excess estrogen?

Eat a healthy diet: Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet with very little processed sugar can make it easier for your liver to process estrogen. Limit your alcohol intake: Eliminating alcohol or drinking in moderation can help your liver break down estrogen. Reduce your exposure to synthetic xenoestrogens.

What are the major signs of hormonal imbalance?

Here are 10 signs of hormonal imbalance to look out for and what you can do about them:
  • Mood swings. ...
  • Heavy or painful periods. ...
  • Low libido. ...
  • Insomnia and poor-quality sleep. ...
  • Unexplained weight gain. ...
  • Skin problems. ...
  • Fertility problems. ...
  • Headaches.

Why am I getting hormonal acne?

Since hormonal acne stems from unbalanced hormones or irregular hormonal changes, it is often experienced by women who are menstruating, pregnant, coming off birth control, or going through menopause.

What is a hormonal belly?

Hormonal belly is when a person gains weight around the abdomen due to hormonal fluctuations. This could be due to changes in thyroid, adrenal, reproductive, or other hormone levels.

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