What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is a type of acne linked to fluctuations in hormone levels. It often appears:

✨ Along the lower face, jawline, chin, and neck
✨ As deep, cystic or painful bumps
✨ With flare-ups tied to your menstrual cycle, stress, or hormonal changes

Hormones like androgens can increase oil production, clog pores, and fuel inflammation — leading to acne that may be tougher to treat with basic skincare alone.

Typical Signs

✔ Breakouts that flare cyclically
✔ Painful bumps deep under the skin
✔ Blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts
✔ Acne that doesn’t fully clear with OTC products
✔ Often around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks

Why It Happens

Hormonal acne can be triggered by:

• Menstrual cycle fluctuations
• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• Stress and cortisol spikes
• Androgen sensitivity
• Changes in birth control or hormone therapy

These factors can increase oil production and inflammation.

How It’s Typically Diagnosed

In Seoul skincare or dermatology settings, diagnosis often involves:

🔹 Reviewing acne pattern and timing
🔹 Medical history and menstrual cycle tracking
🔹 Hormone level testing (if needed)
🔹 Ruling out other causes like bacterial acne

Common Treatment Approaches

Effective management often uses a combination of approaches:

 1. Medical & Hormonal Treatments

• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills that regulate hormones)
• Anti-androgen medication
• Low-dose spironolactone (often used for hormone-driven breakouts)
• Prescription topical retinoids

(These are prescribed by providers based on your profile and hormones.)

 2. In-Office Procedures

Many Seoul clinics offer:

✔ Gentle extraction
✔ Light or laser therapies (to calm inflammation)
✔ Chemical exfoliation tailored to acne type
✔ LED (blue/red light) for bacteria and inflammation

These are added to support topical and oral care.

Daily Skincare for Hormonal Acne

 Cleanse

• Gentle, non-stripping wash
• Twice daily

 Targeted Actives

• Non-comedogenic retinoids (helps cell turnover)
• Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (for bacterial control)
• Calming, oil-free moisturizers

 Protection

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily

Lifestyle & Hormonal Balance

✨ Maintain stable sleep patterns
✨ Reduce sugar and high-glycemic foods
✨ Manage stress (exercise, mindfulness)
✨ Track breakout cycles

Changes in lifestyle often support clinical treatment.

When to Expect Results

Hormonal acne doesn’t clear overnight — improvements often occur over:

📆 8–12 weeks or more

Consistency with medical guidance and skincare matters.

When to See a Specialist

Seek professional care if you have:

❗ Persistent or painful cystic acne
❗ Acne affecting confidence or quality of life
❗ Signs of scarring
❗ Cyclic flare-ups despite OTC care

Key Takeaways

✅ Hormonal acne is driven by internal hormone fluctuations
✅ Often requires medical support, not just topical products
✅ Best outcomes come from a tailored plan combining medication, skincare, and lifestyle