Hormonal Acne: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
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Written by Dr. Nidhi Gupta
MD Dermatology • Originally published May 2025 • Updated June 2026
Quick Answer
Hormonal acne is a type of acne influenced by hormonal fluctuations that affect oil production and inflammation. It commonly appears around the chin, jawline and lower face and may worsen during menstrual cycles, periods of stress, or major hormonal transitions such as puberty or pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
✓ Hormonal acne often affects the chin and jawline.
✓ Androgens and other hormones influence oil production.
✓ Breakouts may flare around menstrual cycles or during stressful periods.
✓ Salicylic acid and retinoids may help manage symptoms.
✓ Persistent acne may benefit from professional evaluation.
If your pimples tend to appear around your chin or jawline every month, hormones may be playing a role.
Hormonal acne is one of the most common types of acne, especially in teenagers and adult women. While skincare is important, hormones can significantly influence oil production and inflammation, making breakouts difficult to control with skincare alone.
The good news is that hormonal acne can often be managed with a combination of appropriate skincare, healthy lifestyle habits and, when necessary, professional treatment.
In this dermatologist-written guide, we'll explain what hormonal acne is, what causes it and the treatment options that may help.
Table of Contents
Jump to a Section
• What Is Hormonal Acne?
• What Causes Hormonal Acne?
• How to Identify Hormonal Acne
• Who Gets Hormonal Acne?
• Ingredients That May Help
• Lifestyle Factors
• When Should You See a Dermatologist?
• Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is acne that develops or worsens due to hormonal fluctuations that affect the skin.
Hormones influence the activity of sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (oil). Increased oil production can contribute to clogged pores, inflammation and breakouts.
Hormonal acne commonly appears on:
• Chin
• Jawline
• Lower cheeks
• Neck
Although hormonal acne is often associated with women, it can affect people of all genders and age groups.
If you're unfamiliar with the general causes of acne, our guide on what causes acne explains the most common triggers in detail.
Dermatologist's Insight
Hormonal acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Even people with excellent skincare habits may experience breakouts because hormones influence oil production and inflammation beneath the skin.
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is usually caused by changes in hormone levels that affect the skin's oil glands.
Several factors may contribute:
Androgens
Androgens are hormones — present in all genders — that stimulate the skin's oil-producing glands.
Higher androgen activity may increase sebum production, making pores more prone to congestion and breakouts.
Menstrual Cycles
Many women notice breakouts a few days before their menstrual period.
This happens because hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence oil production and inflammation in the skin.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition in which the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens. This can lead to acne, excess facial hair and irregular menstrual cycles.
Not everyone with hormonal acne has PCOS, but persistent or severe acne may sometimes warrant further evaluation by a doctor.
Stress
Stress does not directly cause acne, but it can worsen existing breakouts in some people.
When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol and other stress hormones. These can increase inflammation and stimulate oil glands, making existing acne more likely to flare.
Genetics
Family history also plays an important role.
If close relatives experienced acne, you may be more likely to develop it as well.
How to Identify Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne often has a few characteristic patterns that distinguish it from occasional breakouts.
You may be dealing with hormonal acne if:
• Pimples appear mainly on the chin and jawline
• Breakouts occur around the same time every month
• Acne returns repeatedly in the same areas
• Pimples are deep, painful or inflamed
• Acne continues well into adulthood
However, these signs do not always confirm hormonal acne, and persistent breakouts are best evaluated in the context of your overall skin health and medical history.
Quick Tip
Recurring pimples in the same jawline or chin area, especially around menstrual cycles, are commonly associated with hormonal acne.
Who Gets Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is often associated with teenagers, but it can affect people of all ages.
It is particularly common in:
• Teenagers going through puberty
• Adult women in their 20s, 30s and beyond
• Women experiencing regular menstrual cycles
• People with PCOS or other hormonal conditions
• Individuals with a family history of acne
Adult acne is becoming increasingly common, and many people continue to experience breakouts long after their teenage years.
Dermatologist's Insight
Hormonal acne is not limited to teenagers. Many adults, especially women, experience acne that fluctuates with hormonal changes throughout life — including during pregnancy, postpartum recovery and perimenopause.
Ingredients That May Help Hormonal Acne
Although skincare cannot change hormonal fluctuations, certain ingredients may help manage some of the symptoms associated with hormonal acne.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is one of the most widely recommended ingredients for acne-prone skin.
Because it is oil-soluble, it can penetrate into pores and help remove excess oil and dead skin cells that contribute to congestion.
It may help improve:
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Mild inflammatory acne
• Excess oiliness
Learn more in our guide on salicylic acid for acne .
Retinoids
Retinoids help increase skin cell turnover and reduce clogged pores.
They are commonly used as part of long-term acne management and may be particularly helpful for persistent breakouts that do not respond to basic cleansing alone.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin barrier and may help regulate excess oil production.
It is generally well tolerated across skin types and can often be layered with other acne-targeting ingredients without irritation.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is commonly used for both active acne and post-acne pigmentation.
It works by reducing inflammation and helping to fade the dark marks that breakouts can leave behind — a particularly common concern for Indian skin tones.
Our guide on best ingredients for acne-prone skin explains each of these in greater detail.
Lifestyle Factors
Skincare is important, but daily habits can also influence how frequently hormonal acne flares.
Some habits that may support overall skin health include:
• Managing stress through regular exercise, sleep or relaxation practices
• Getting adequate sleep each night
• Following a balanced diet and limiting high-glycaemic foods where possible
• Exercising regularly to support hormonal balance
• Avoiding picking or squeezing pimples, which can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring
It's worth noting that while stress does not directly cause acne, the hormones your body releases during stressful periods — particularly cortisol — can stimulate oil production and worsen existing breakouts. Managing stress consistently may help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups over time.
If you're dealing with recurring breakouts despite a good skincare routine, read our guide on why am I getting pimples .
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Occasional hormonal breakouts are common, but persistent or severe acne may benefit from professional evaluation.
Consider consulting a dermatologist if:
• Acne is painful or cystic
• Breakouts are leaving scars or dark marks
• Acne is worsening despite consistent skincare
• Acne is affecting your confidence or quality of life
• You suspect an underlying hormonal condition such as PCOS
A dermatologist can help identify contributing factors and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your skin type and concerns.
Dermatologist's Insight
Hormonal acne is shaped by factors that go beyond what any skincare routine can fully address. Hormones, genetics, stress and lifestyle all work together to influence breakouts. A good routine is the right starting point — but for persistent acne, professional guidance can make a meaningful difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hormonal acne look like?
Hormonal acne commonly appears as inflamed, sometimes painful pimples concentrated around the chin, jawline and lower cheeks.
Unlike surface-level blackheads or whiteheads, hormonal breakouts are often deeper and slower to heal. They may come and go in a predictable monthly pattern, particularly in women who experience flares before their menstrual period.
Can hormonal acne go away naturally?
In some cases, hormonal acne improves as hormone levels stabilise — for example, after puberty or following a major hormonal change.
However, many people continue to experience breakouts into adulthood. A consistent skincare routine and, where needed, professional advice can help manage acne that does not resolve on its own. Most people need 6–8 weeks of consistent use before seeing visible improvement from a new skincare routine.
Does PCOS always cause acne?
No. Not everyone with PCOS develops acne, and not everyone with hormonal acne has PCOS.
PCOS is one of several hormonal conditions that can contribute to breakouts, but acne alone is not enough to diagnose it. If you suspect PCOS, speak with a doctor for a proper evaluation.
Can salicylic acid help hormonal acne?
Salicylic acid does not alter hormone levels, but it can help manage the visible effects — such as clogged pores, excess oiliness and mild inflammatory lesions — that hormonal fluctuations often trigger.
Read our guide on salicylic acid for acne to learn more.
Does hormonal acne affect men too?
Yes. Hormonal acne can affect people of all genders.
In men, androgens play a significant role in driving excess oil production and acne — particularly during puberty and early adulthood. While monthly hormonal cycles are not a factor for men, elevated androgen activity can still lead to persistent acne along the jawline and lower face.
Looking for an Acne Routine That Works?
Managing hormonal acne doesn't have to be complicated. The foundation is simple: a gentle cleanser to control oil without stripping the skin, a targeted treatment with proven actives like salicylic acid, lightweight hydration that won't clog pores, and daily SPF to prevent dark marks from worsening.
Aloe&Me's anti-acne kits are formulated by dermatologists with these exact steps in mind — designed to work for Indian skin types and the Indian climate.
Final Thoughts
Hormonal acne is one of the most common reasons people continue to experience breakouts despite following a skincare routine.
While hormones cannot always be controlled, understanding the factors that influence acne can help you make more informed decisions about skincare and lifestyle habits.
A simple, consistent routine is often the best starting point. Most people begin to notice improvement after 6–8 weeks of regular use — so patience matters as much as product choice.
If your acne is persistent, painful or affecting your confidence, professional advice can help you explore the treatment options best suited to your skin.
Quick Reminder
Hormonal acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Consistent skincare and healthy lifestyle habits support clearer skin over time — but improvement typically takes 6–8 weeks, so give your routine a fair chance before switching products.
Related Articles
Understand the root causes behind recurring breakouts.
Learn how salicylic acid helps acne-prone skin.
Understand why breakouts may continue despite good skincare habits.
About the Author
Dr. Nidhi Gupta
MD Dermatology
Dr. Nidhi Gupta is a dermatologist with a special interest in acne, pigmentation and evidence-based skincare. Through Aloe&Me educational content, she aims to simplify skincare science and help readers make informed decisions about their skin health.
