By Tiffany Symonds & The SABI
Hormonal changes shape nearly every stage of a woman's life—starting with puberty, moving through pregnancy, and continuing into perimenopause and menopause. These transitions can dominate a significant portion of a woman’s life, influencing everything from mood to skin health. Navigating the hormonal roller-coaster means learning to work with your body, not against it, especially when it comes to balancing hormones and preventing unwelcome symptoms like hormonal acne.
After years of practising integrative health, studying the effects of inflammation on the body, and helping dozens of women overcome health challenges, I've come to understand the critical importance of finding solutions that address the root causes of imbalances holding women back from their true potential.
I remember my own struggles during puberty—dealing with oily, acne-prone skin that I had no idea how to manage. For years, I turned to the wrong products, stripping my skin of moisture and only worsening the problem. It wasn’t until I understood the internal forces at play, combined with a simplified skincare routine, that I began to heal and restore balance. I still occasionally get breakouts, but now I can pinpoint why and I have tools to bring it back into alignment.
Hormonal acne is a frustrating reality for many women, yet misinformation abounds. Why does it happen, what does it look like, and how can we treat it effectively? Break down with us what’s really going on during each phase of life and uncover how to prevent hormonal acne—starting from within.
Hormonal Changes During Puberty and Their Impact on Skin
Puberty is a time of profound transformation, with surging hormones playing a central role in shaping both the body and the skin. As hormonal levels shift dramatically, the skin often becomes a battlefield, with acne being one of the most common visible signs. These hormonal fluctuations, including rising androgens, oestrogen, and growth hormones, trigger a cascade of changes in oil production and cell turnover. While these processes are vital for growth and development, they can also create the perfect storm for clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth, and persistent breakouts. Understanding how these hormonal shifts affect the skin offers a powerful tool for managing the challenges of teenage acne and maintaining healthier skin.
Androgens (Testosterone in Boys and Girls)
During puberty, both boys and girls experience a rise in androgen levels. For boys, the testes produce more testosterone, while in girls, the ovaries produce additional androgens. Androgens play a crucial role in stimulating the sebaceous glands in the skin, causing them to enlarge and produce more sebum (oil).
Excess sebum can accumulate in the pores, creating an ideal environment for the growth of acne-causing bacteria. The combination of clogged pores and bacterial overgrowth leads to inflammation, commonly resulting in acne. Research has shown that androgen-induced sebum production is a key factor in adolescent acne development.
Oestrogen
Oestrogen, especially in girls, sees a significant rise during puberty. This hormone plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle and developing secondary sexual characteristics. While oestrogen can have a stabilising effect on oil production by balancing out androgen levels, fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may still lead to breakouts. This is why many girls experience cyclical acne linked to their menstrual periods.
Growth Hormones
Another key hormone during puberty is the growth hormone, which increases sebum production and stimulates tissue growth and cellular regeneration. While this process is necessary for overall growth, the increased shedding of skin cells can also contribute to clogged pores, providing a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Excessive sebum, combined with dead skin cells, leads to blocked follicles and inflammation, a hallmark of adolescent acne.
Progesterone
Progesterone levels rise post-ovulation during each menstrual cycle, preparing the body for a potential pregnancy. However, the fluctuation in progesterone can exacerbate oiliness, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. This type of acne, often called premenstrual acne, typically occurs in the week before menstruation and is directly related to hormonal shifts .
These hormonal changes during puberty are a natural part of development, but they also contribute to the formation of acne, affecting millions of teenagers worldwide. By understanding how these hormones influence skin health, more targeted skincare routines and treatments can be developed to address these challenges.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly involving androgens, play a significant role in the development of acne. As androgen levels increase, the sebaceous glands become overactive, producing excessive amounts of oil (sebum). This excess sebum combines with dead skin cells, leading to clogged hair follicles. These blockages create an oxygen-deprived environment, which becomes an ideal breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria. The growth of this bacteria triggers an immune response, resulting in inflammation, redness, and the formation of pus-filled lesions. Additionally, hormonal imbalances can disrupt the natural process of skin cell shedding, further contributing to the clogging of pores and worsening acne.
The Pregnancy Glow: What's Really Happening Beneath the Surface?
While many mothers look forward to the pregnancy glow, some may also face the less glamorous side of pregnancy: acne. Insulin sensitivity, for example, can fluctuate during pregnancy, affecting glucose levels and potentially triggering inflammation. This, combined with hormonal changes, leads to sebum overproduction. The outcome? Clogged pores, oily skin, and breakouts that can make you feel like you're in puberty all over again. The skin changes during pregnancy are more complex than they seem, but with the right care and understanding, you can keep your glow intact while managing the bumps along the way.
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Oestrogen
Oestrogen is one of the key hormones during pregnancy, and its levels rise significantly, especially in the second and third trimesters. This hormone is essential for maintaining many aspects of skin health, including regulating oil production. However, despite its beneficial role, fluctuations in oestrogen levels can occasionally cause imbalances in the skin, leading to increased sensitivity or even breakouts, particularly in women who are prone to acne. -
Progesterone
Progesterone plays a critical role in supporting the pregnancy by maintaining the uterine lining and encouraging foetal growth. During pregnancy, its levels surge. While this is beneficial for the baby’s development, high progesterone levels can also increase the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. This rise in sebum production can lead to clogged pores, creating a perfect environment for acne to develop. -
Androgens
Though the increase in androgens during pregnancy is slight, it is still significant enough to impact the skin. Androgens are responsible for stimulating the sebaceous glands, which results in more oil production. Even small increases in androgen levels can lead to excessive oiliness, and when combined with the body’s other hormonal fluctuations, this often results in acne. -
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
hCG is the hormone that confirms pregnancy, as its levels peak in the early stages before gradually declining. While hCG itself doesn’t directly cause acne, its presence indicates that the body is undergoing significant hormonal changes. The heightened activity of other hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone during this period can affect skin health, indirectly contributing to breakouts. -
Cortisol
The physical and emotional stress of pregnancy can elevate cortisol levels. Known as the stress hormone, cortisol can increase inflammation in the body and trigger the production of sebum. This combination of factors can exacerbate acne, especially in women who are already prone to breakouts. -
Insulin
Pregnancy can also affect insulin sensitivity, leading to changes in glucose levels. These fluctuations can promote inflammation, which may further increase sebum production. This is another factor that can contribute to pregnancy-related acne, especially when the skin becomes more reactive due to hormonal changes.
The combination of higher sebum production, clogged pores, and increased inflammation creates the perfect storm for acne during pregnancy. Elevated progesterone and androgen levels stimulate the sebaceous glands, resulting in an overproduction of oil. When this excess oil clogs the pores, acne-causing bacteria can thrive. Furthermore, hormonal shifts can heighten inflammation, making acne more severe. Stress-related cortisol spikes can also increase oil production, worsening the condition.
The Midlife Skin Shift: How Hormonal Changes Impact Your Complexion
As you transition through perimenopause and menopause, your body embarks on a new hormonal journey that significantly impacts your skin. The once abundant oestrogen, which kept your skin balanced, begins to decline, making way for changes in texture, moisture, and oil production. This shift can result in dry patches in some areas, while other areas may become oily and prone to breakouts. What was once an effortless skincare routine may now require more targeted solutions as your skin enters this new phase of life. Navigating these changes with the right care can help you maintain a glowing complexion despite the hormonal turbulence.
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Oestrogen
During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels drop significantly. Oestrogen helps to balance oil production, so its decline leads to an imbalance in the skin’s oil regulation. As a result, many women experience a relative increase in androgens, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands. This increase in oil production often leads to acne, particularly around the chin and jawline where hormonal breakouts are more common. -
Progesterone
Like oestrogen, progesterone levels also decrease during menopause. Since progesterone helps regulate oil production, its absence means that the skin may start producing more sebum than usual. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to breakouts that may be more persistent than those experienced earlier in life. -
Androgens (Including Testosterone)
As oestrogen levels decline, the ratio of androgens to oestrogen becomes higher. Androgens, including testosterone, can increase sebum production by stimulating the sebaceous glands. This can result in oilier skin and the development of acne, particularly during the early stages of menopause. -
Cortisol
Stress, whether from life changes or the physical stress of menopause itself, can lead to fluctuations in cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol contributes to inflammation and can increase sebum production, which can worsen acne during this stage of life. Managing stress becomes essential for maintaining balanced skin during menopause. -
Insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1)
Changes in insulin sensitivity during menopause can also influence skin health. Insulin and IGF-1 promote skin cell turnover and oil production, both of which can contribute to acne. Lifestyle factors, including diet and stress, play a critical role in how these hormones affect the skin.
The decline in oestrogen and progesterone, paired with increased androgen activity, results in more oil production during perimenopause and menopause. This excess oil can easily clog pores, providing a fertile environment for acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, hormonal imbalances can heighten inflammation, making acne more severe. As the skin loses elasticity and collagen due to lower oestrogen levels, pores become more prominent and prone to clogging, further contributing to acne development during this life stage.
How to Know if Your Acne Is Hormonal
If you’re experiencing acne and suspect it might be hormonal, there are specific signs to look for. Hormonal acne often appears on the lower part of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, chin, and neck. Breakouts may coincide with hormonal fluctuations, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause. This type of acne typically presents as a mix of different lesions, including cysts, nodules, pustules, and papules, and they tend to be inflamed, red, and swollen. Hormonal acne is also known for being persistent and resistant to over-the-counter treatments.
What Does Hormonal Acne Look Like?
- Cysts: Large, painful, pus-filled bumps that form deep under the skin.
- Nodules: Hard, painful lumps that develop beneath the surface of the skin.
- Pustules: Red bumps with a white, pus-filled centre.
- Papules: Small, red, and tender bumps that don’t have a head.
- Blackheads: Less common but appear as small, open comedones with a dark surface.
- Whiteheads: Small, closed comedones with a white or yellowish head.
In addition to these specific types of acne, hormonal breakouts often cause redness and swelling, with pimples appearing in clusters, especially around the jawline and chin. The skin in the affected areas might also appear oilier than usual, another hallmark of hormonal acne.
Clear Skin from Within: Tackling Hormonal Acne Naturally
If you’ve been battling hormonal acne, you know how frustrating it can be. I’ve been there—waking up to breakouts that seem to appear out of nowhere, especially around your chin or jawline, just when you least expect them. But the truth is, those breakouts are often more than skin deep. Hormonal acne is tied to what’s happening inside your body, and to really tackle it, you need to balance your hormones while nurturing your skin with the right products. It’s not just about quick fixes; it’s about addressing the root cause. Here's how you can start to take control of your skin, from balancing your hormones naturally to finding skincare products that actually work.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is essential for flushing out toxins and keeping your skin hydrated. Proper hydration helps maintain your skin's natural glow and supports hormonal balance.
- Remove Sugar and Processed Foods: Sugary and processed foods can trigger inflammation, elevate insulin levels, and lead to more oil production, all of which can worsen hormonal imbalances. Opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods to support your skin and body.
- Skincare Products: Using the right skincare products is crucial for reducing inflammation and keeping your skin healthy. The SABI’s all-natural skincare line, including the Active Nutrient Serum, Face & Space Mist, and Prebiotic Face & Body Cream, is specially formulated to support hormonal skin. These products are gentle yet effective, helping to hydrate and balance oil production without clogging pores. They are packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe inflamed skin and promote healing, making them an ideal choice for anyone dealing with hormonal acne.
- Liver Detoxification: Your liver plays a critical role in filtering toxins from your body. When it's overloaded with toxins from food, the environment, and personal care products, it can contribute to hormone imbalances. A liver detox can help eliminate excess hormones, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health.
- Gut Health: An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can lead to inflammation and affect skin health. As well as the condition called "leaky gut", which allows toxins and partially digested food particles to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and inflammation throughout the body, including the skin, which can ultimately lead to acne. Keep the gut bacteria balanced by eating foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics (or by taking supplements), and with lifestyle adjustments like managing stress, getting adequate sleep and regular exercise.
- Stress Management: Stress is a major contributor to hormonal imbalances and acne. Elevated stress levels can increase inflammation, slow skin healing, and disrupt your hormone levels. Incorporating stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help balance your nervous system and promote clear skin.
- Toxin Removal: Reducing exposure to harsh chemicals in your home and personal care products is crucial. Switch to non-toxic cleaning products, laundry detergents, and skincare items to support liver function, reduce inflammation, and avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals. For skincare, avoid synthetic fragrances in perfumes, deodorants, and air fresheners, as they can disrupt hormones and irritate sensitive skin.
- Quality Sleep: Restful sleep is essential for your body to repair itself, regulate stress hormones, and reduce inflammation. Create a healthy sleep routine by ensuring your room is cool, dark, and quiet, and minimise device use before bed to promote deeper sleep.
- Mind and Emotions: Mental health plays a significant role in hormonal balance. Anxiety, depression, and negative emotions can impact insulin and cortisol levels, exacerbating acne. Maintaining a positive mindset, practising mindfulness, and nurturing healthy relationships can help keep your hormones in check.
By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can work towards balancing your hormones and improving your skin health. For more personalised guidance, consider reaching out to wellness experts like Tiffany at www.makawellness.co.uk, who specialises in hormonal wellbeing and stress management.
