Fast Answer
Yes. Hormonal changes can contribute to acne by influencing oil production and other processes involved in breakouts. Hormonal acne is particularly common around puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and other periods of hormonal change. However, hormones aren't the only possible cause of acne, and not every breakout is hormonal.
Can Hormones Cause Acne?
If your skin seems to break out at the same time every month, you've probably wondered:
"Are my hormones causing my acne?"
The answer can be yes.
Hormonal changes are one of several factors that can contribute to acne. They can influence the amount of oil your skin produces and can contribute to changes that make pores more likely to become blocked and inflamed.
This is one reason some people notice their skin changing around their menstrual cycle, during puberty or at other times when hormone levels fluctuate.
But there's an important distinction:
Hormonal acne is real, but not every spot is hormonal acne.
Your genetics, skincare routine, stress, medications and other factors can also influence acne.
For a broader explanation, read our parent guide:
What Causes Acne? Understanding the Real Reasons Behind Breakouts
How Do Hormones Affect Acne?
Hormones called androgens can increase activity in the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, the oily substance that helps keep your skin moisturised.
During periods of hormonal change, increased androgen activity can contribute to greater sebum production.
More oil isn't necessarily a problem on its own.
But when excess sebum combines with dead skin cells and other changes within the pore, it can contribute to blocked pores and inflammation.
That's one of the pathways through which hormonal changes can contribute to acne.
When Can Hormonal Changes Trigger Acne?
Hormonal fluctuations can happen at many different stages of life.
Puberty
Acne is particularly common during puberty because hormone levels change significantly during this period.
Increased androgen activity can stimulate the sebaceous glands, making skin oilier and increasing the likelihood of blocked pores.
Around Your Period
Some people notice that their acne becomes worse in the days before or during their period.
You may notice:
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more spots than usual
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deeper or more inflamed breakouts
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recurring spots in similar areas
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changes around the chin or jawline
If you notice a consistent pattern from one cycle to the next, keeping a simple record of your symptoms can help you identify whether there's a relationship between your cycle and your skin.
However, a recurring pattern doesn't automatically prove that hormones are the only cause.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy involves significant hormonal changes, and some people experience changes in their skin during pregnancy.
Acne can become better or worse depending on the individual.
If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, speak to your healthcare professional before starting or changing acne treatments, as some acne medications aren't suitable during pregnancy.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Hormonal changes later in life can also affect the skin.
Some people who didn't experience much acne previously may notice breakouts during perimenopause or menopause.
Again, this doesn't mean every new spot during this stage is necessarily hormonal acne.
If you're experiencing a significant change in your skin, discussing it with your GP can help establish whether hormones or another factor may be involved.
What Does Hormonal Acne Look Like?
There isn't one specific appearance that proves a breakout is hormonal.
However, people who experience hormonal acne may notice:
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recurring breakouts
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deeper or more inflamed spots
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breakouts around the lower face
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spots that appear in a predictable pattern
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acne that becomes worse at particular points in the menstrual cycle
The location of spots alone cannot diagnose hormonal acne.
For example, acne around the jawline is often described online as "hormonal acne", but the position of a breakout isn't enough to establish its cause.
It's the pattern over time and the wider symptoms that provide more useful information.
Is Acne Before Your Period Always Hormonal?
Not necessarily.
If you regularly develop spots before your period, hormonal fluctuations may be contributing.
But acne is influenced by multiple factors.
Your:
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genetics
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oil production
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skincare routine
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stress
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medications
-
lifestyle
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skin barrier
can all play a role.
This is why treating acne as though it has one single cause doesn't always work.
If your breakouts repeatedly return, our guide Why Does My Acne Keep Coming Back? explores some of the reasons this can happen.
Can Stress and Hormones Work Together?
Stress and hormones can overlap.
Stress can affect the body in a number of ways, and many people notice that their skin changes during stressful periods.
This doesn't mean:
"Stress causes all acne."
It means that stress can be one factor within a much bigger picture.
If you notice that your acne becomes worse during particularly stressful periods, it's worth looking at the pattern rather than blaming yourself for your breakouts.
Can Hormonal Contraception Affect Acne?
Hormonal contraception can affect acne differently depending on the type and the individual.
Some hormonal contraceptives can improve acne, while changes in hormonal contraception may coincide with changes in the skin.
If you've noticed a significant change in your acne after starting, stopping or changing contraception, speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
Don't change prescribed contraception solely to manage acne without discussing it with them.
Can Skincare Treat Hormonal Acne?
Skincare can help you care for acne-prone skin, but skincare products can't necessarily address the underlying hormonal factors contributing to your breakouts.
Evidence-based acne treatments can include ingredients such as:
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benzoyl peroxide
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topical retinoids
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salicylic acid
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azelaic acid
The most appropriate treatment depends on your individual acne and medical history.
If your acne is persistent, painful or leaving scars, professional advice is particularly important.
Our Acne Treatments guide explains the different approaches in more detail.
What About Your Skin Barrier?
Hormonal acne doesn't mean you should aggressively strip your skin.
In fact, using too many harsh products can leave acne-prone skin feeling:
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dry
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tight
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flaky
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irritated
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sensitive
A consistent skincare routine can help support your skin while you're managing breakouts.
If you're unsure where to start, read:
How to Build an Effective Acne Skincare Routine
Can Snail Mucin Help Hormonal Acne?
This is an important distinction for Bragan.
Snail mucin isn't a treatment for hormonal acne.
Our 98% Snail Mucin Face Serum is a hydrating skincare product that can be incorporated into a routine for acne-prone skin, particularly if your skin also feels dry or sensitive.
It doesn't address hormonal changes themselves.
How Can You Tell if Your Acne Is Hormonal?
There isn't a simple home test that can confirm hormonal acne.
However, keeping a record of your skin can be useful.
For a few months, note:
When did your breakout start?
Where did it appear?
Where are you in your menstrual cycle?
Have you recently changed contraception or medication?
Have your stress levels changed?
Have you changed your skincare routine?
Patterns can provide useful information to discuss with a GP or dermatologist.
When Should You Speak to a Doctor?
It's worth speaking to a GP or dermatologist if:
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your acne is severe
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spots are deep or painful
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you're developing scars
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acne is affecting your confidence or wellbeing
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your breakouts have suddenly changed
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you suspect medication or hormones may be involved
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over-the-counter treatments aren't helping
A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether hormonal factors may be contributing.
They can also discuss treatment options if appropriate.
Hormones Are Only One Piece of the Puzzle
Hormones can absolutely contribute to acne, but they're rarely the whole story.
If your skin changes around your period, during puberty or at another time of hormonal change, there may be a hormonal component to your acne.
But genetics, oil production, inflammation, stress and your skincare routine can also play a role.
Rather than trying to identify one single culprit, look at the patterns in your skin over time.
And remember: hormonal acne isn't something you've caused by doing something wrong.
If you're struggling with recurring breakouts, start by understanding what's happening with your skin and seek professional advice when you need it.
For the bigger picture, return to our What Causes Acne? guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hormonal acne?
Hormonal changes can influence sebum production and other processes involved in acne. Androgens are particularly relevant to the development of acne.
How do I know if my acne is hormonal?
Recurring breakouts around the same point in your menstrual cycle may suggest that hormones are contributing. However, symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.
Is acne before your period hormonal?
Hormonal fluctuations may contribute to acne before or during your period, but other factors can also influence breakouts.
Is hormonal acne always on the jawline?
No. Although hormonal acne is often associated with the lower face, location alone cannot determine whether acne is hormonal.
Can stress cause hormonal acne?
Stress and hormonal changes can overlap, and stress may contribute to acne for some people. However, acne usually has multiple contributing factors.
Can skincare get rid of hormonal acne?
Skincare can support acne-prone skin, but it doesn't necessarily address the hormonal factors contributing to breakouts. Persistent or severe acne may require professional treatment.
Can snail mucin help hormonal acne?
Snail mucin isn't a treatment for hormonal acne. It can provide hydration and supportive skincare for acne-prone skin, particularly when skin is dry or sensitive.
