
Hormonal Acne Explained: Causes and Natural Remedies for Lasting Relief
Mar 20, 2025Acne is more than just a skin issue. It can feel incredibly personal, affecting our confidence, comfort, and sometimes even our self-worth. If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with acne, and many experience it not only as teenagers but well into their 20s, 30s, and even beyond. So, why does it feel like our skin is constantly at the mercy of breakouts?
For many, the answer lies deeper than the skin’s surface. The truth is, hormones play an important role in skin health. That's why, in this post, we’re diving into the hormonal side of acne. We’ll explore how specific hormone imbalances contribute to breakouts, why acne can flare up during major life events, and why, for some, it might e
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Acne is more than just a skin issue. It can feel incredibly personal, affecting our confidence, comfort, and sometimes even our self-worth. If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with acne, and many experience it not only as teenagers but well into their 20s, 30s, and even beyond. So, why does it feel like our skin is constantly at the mercy of breakouts?
For many, the answer lies deeper than the skin’s surface. The truth is, hormones play an important role in skin health. That's why, in this post, we’re diving into the hormonal side of acne. We’ll explore how specific hormone imbalances contribute to breakouts, why acne can flare up during major life events, and why, for some, it might even seem to come out of nowhere in their 20s or 30s. Most importantly, I’ll share some natural, effective approaches to managing hormonal acne by addressing these imbalances at the root.

Hormonal Imbalances Linked to Acne
When it comes to hormonal acne, a few key players tend to dominate the field. Hormones like androgens, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol are powerful, and even slight imbalances can lead to major shifts in our skin health. Here’s how each of these hormones can influence acne, and why addressing these imbalances can be a critical step toward achieving clearer skin
1. Androgens
- Androgens, such as testosterone, stimulate the sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. Excess oil can clog pores, trapping bacteria and dead skin cells, creating the perfect environment for acne, often on the jawline and chin. High androgen levels can lead to stubborn, painful acne in these areas.
2. . Insulin and IGF-1
- Elevated blood sugar levels can increase insulin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose. High insulin levels also boost androgens, exacerbating oil production. Similarly, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is stimulated by blood sugar spikes and promotes cell and oil gland growth. A balanced, low-glycemic diet can help reduce insulin and IGF-1, supporting clearer skin.
3. Estrogen and Progesterone Imbalance
- If you notice breakouts before your period, it’s likely due to fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. In the first half of your cycle, estrogen is dominant and protective for skin. But in the second half, progesterone rises, increasing oil production. Low estrogen or high progesterone relative to estrogen can throw skin off balance, leading to breakouts
4. Cortisol and Stress
- Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” is another significant player. When we’re stressed, cortisol levels rise, disrupting other hormones like androgens, increasing oil production, and leading to acne. Cortisol also promotes inflammation, worsening acne and slowing skin healing. Chronic stress creates a cycle of inflammation and hormonal imbalance that can be hard to break.

Why Acne Flares Up During Key Hormonal Life Events
Our hormones fluctuate throughout life, and these changes often impact the skin, bringing about acne flare-ups during specific life stages. These include:
1. Puberty:
- The rise in androgen hormones like testosterone during puberty stimulates sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production. This excess oil can clog pores, encouraging acne-causing bacteria.
2. Pregnancy:
- Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, triggers a rise in androgens and progesterone, which increase oil production. For some women, this can mean breakouts even if they’ve never had acne before. Hormonal fluctuations, blood flow changes, and shifts in immune function all contribute to pregnancy-related acne
3. Postpartum:
- After giving birth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply, while stress and cortisol increase due to new responsibilities and disrupted sleep. This combination often leads to postpartum acne, reminding us of the skin’s sensitivity to hormonal changes.
4. Perimenopause and Menopause:
- As estrogen declines gradually in perimenopause, androgens become relatively more dominant, increasing oil production. This hormonal shift can cause acne to appear for the first time in one’s 40s or 50s, particularly around the jawline and mouth.

Why Acne Might Suddenly Appear in Your 20s or 30s
It can be frustrating to experience acne as an adult, especially for those with clear teenage skin. Here are some common reasons for late-onset acne:
1. Late-Onset Acne:
- Hormonal changes, even subtle ones, can trigger adult acne. Life changes, from new careers to relationships, introduce new responsibilities, sometimes leading to diet shifts, stress, and other factors that affect the skin.
2. Birth Control Use and Discontinuation:
- Many people use hormonal birth control to manage acne, as it reduces androgen levels. When birth control is stopped, natural hormone levels resume, and acne may resurface as the body readjusts.
3. Stress and Cortisol:
- The pressures of adult life—careers, relationships, finances—often elevate cortisol. Chronically high cortisol disrupts hormone balance, increases inflammation, and contributes to adult acne.
4. Lifestyle Factors:
- Diet, sleep, and environmental toxins play significant roles in adult acne. High-sugar diets, poor sleep, and exposure to pollutants or chemicals can all contribute to hormonal imbalances and inflammation, worsening skin health.

Natural Approaches to Manage Hormonal Acne
When it comes to managing hormonal acne, natural approaches can provide significant relief by targeting the root causes rather than just symptoms. Here are some of my top tips to help bring the body back into balance, reducing the likelihood of breakouts:
1. Balancing Blood Sugar and Insulin:
- Blood sugar balance is essential for hormone health. A low-glycemic diet with whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can stabilize insulin and androgen levels. Regular meal timing also helps prevent blood sugar spikes that lead to insulin-triggered acne.
2. Herbal Supplements and Adaptogens:
- Vitex (Chaste Tree): Balances estrogen and progesterone, helpful for managing menstrual-related breakouts.
- Evening Primrose Oil: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it supports hormone balance and reduces inflammation.
- Spearmint Tea: Lowers androgen levels, reducing androgen-driven acne over time.
3. Reducing Stress and Supporting Adrenal Health:
- Managing stress through mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can lower cortisol naturally. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil help the body adapt to stress, reducing cortisol’s impact on hormone balance and skin.
4. Liver Support:
- The liver helps metabolize and clear excess hormones, so supporting liver function is key. Foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and citrus fruits enhance liver health. Supplements such as milk thistle and dandelion root boost detoxification pathways, aiding in hormone regulation.
5. Topical Natural Ingredients:
Targeting acne directly with natural, non-irritating treatments supports clear skin alongside internal changes:
- Tea Tree Oil: Antibacterial, helping reduce acne-causing bacteria.
- Aloe Vera: Anti-inflammatory, soothing irritated skin.
- Niacinamide: Regulates oil production and calms skin without drying.
Conclusion
Hormonal acne can be a complex and challenging issue, but the good news is that there are natural ways to support your body in finding balance. By addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and making lifestyle adjustments, you can set yourself on the path to clearer, healthier skin.
If you’re looking for personalized guidance on your path to clear skin, consider booking a consultation. Together, we can create a plan tailored to your unique hormonal needs and skin goals!
Reboot Your Hormone Health Program
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"Information courtesy of www.mebykatie.com; Katie Marshall is a certified Medical Esthetician, Acne Specialist, Functional Nutrition Counsellor, Holistic Chef, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Specializing in skin health, gut health, hormone health, and the whole body. The basic premise is that functional nutrition gets to the root of the problem and resolves the actual problem. This differs from conventional medicine, which prescribes multiple meds to deal with symptoms, with little regard for resolving the root cause of the symptoms. Functional nutrition is more personalized, customized, and holistic. My job is to work with your medical team and advocate for you if necessary."
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