Acne May Mean Your Hormones Are Going Haywire | Skin Health

What caused your acne as a teen isn’t necessarily what’s behind your breakouts now — and that’s important to know when choosing a treatment. As a teen, acne may have been due to excess oil production, but as you age, it’s often hormonal, says Marisa K. Garshick, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Hormonal acne in women often worsens with the menstrual cycle. The acne bumps usually pop up closer to your jawline and chin, as opposed to the acne that might’ve plagued you in your teen years, which is often localized to the face and forehead, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).[1]

Hormonal acne often looks more inflammatory in nature (think deep and red), so the treatment for this skin-care problem is all about calming skin, Dr. Garshick says. Look for topical benzoyl peroxide, which targets Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne.[2]

Ultimately, your gynecologist and dermatologist can both help you regulate a disruptive hormonal cycle for clearer skin.