Does your acne flare up before your period? Is it mainly located on the lower part of your face? Is it cystic and red? If so, it’s very likely that your acne is the result of a hormonal imbalance. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of hormonal acne and share effective solutions to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.
Not sure where to start? Take our 2-minute product quiz for a personalised plan.
How to recognise hormonal acne
Hormonal acne can be distinguished from teenage or digestive acne due to its specific characteristics:
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Located on the lower face: hormonal acne primarily appears on the chin, jawline, around the mouth, and on the neck.
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Cyclical breakouts: outbreaks occur cyclically, often tied to hormonal fluctuations. Typically, they appear in the second half of the menstrual cycle, about 3 to 12 days before your period.
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Cystic and painful acne: often under the skin, red, inflamed, and painful, which can lead to significant scarring.
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Persists or appears in adulthood: primarily affects adult women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s due to pregnancy, menopause, stopping the pill, or PCOS.
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Dermatological creams don’t help: if you still have breakouts despite topical treatments, your acne may be hormonal in origin.
Digestive acne can often be identified based on the context of breakouts:
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Breakouts after heavy, sugary, fatty, or alcoholic meals.
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Frequent digestive issues, such as acid reflux, bloating, constipation, or stomach pain.
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Located mainly on the forehead, temples, between the eyes, and chin — areas often associated with digestion (liver, stomach, intestines).
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Majority of whiteheads, microcysts, and blackheads, though digestive acne can also be red and cystic.
Because your skin reflects what’s happening inside your body, it’s possible to have both hormonal and digestive acne. Digestive issues can also contribute to hormonal imbalances.
If you’re unsure about the root cause of your acne, these indicators can help you identify it. However, seek the advice of a healthcare professional for a precise diagnosis.
Causes of Hormonal Acne
While identifying hormonal acne is relatively straightforward, pinpointing the type of hormonal imbalance responsible can be more challenging. Multiple imbalances can cause hormonal acne, which we’ll detail below.
An imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone
Oestrogen and progesterone are two essential hormones for a healthy menstrual cycle. Oestrogen is predominantly secreted in the first half of the cycle (before ovulation), while progesterone takes the lead in the second half (after ovulation).
When everything is balanced, your cycle runs smoothly. But what happens when breakouts appear during every cycle?
Hormonal acne often results from an imbalance in the second half of the cycle, with oestrogen dominating when progesterone should be in control — a pattern known as oestrogen dominance.
There are two types:
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True oestrogen dominance: your body produces too much oestrogen throughout the cycle, disrupting the second phase.
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Relative oestrogen dominance: your body produces too little progesterone, causing oestrogen to dominate the second half of the cycle. This is often due to poor ovulation quality, leading to insufficient progesterone production. Stress can also increase cortisol at the expense of progesterone. Similarly, ovulation can be disrupted by stress, excessive exercise, or poor lifestyle habits.
Support cyclical balance: Ovastart (myo- & d-chiro-inositol + zinc + B-vitamins) is designed to support healthy ovulation, cycles and skin — a helpful base if your breakouts cluster post-ovulation.
Stopping the contraceptive pill
Stopping the pill can temporarily disrupt your hormones as your body relearns how to function independently. Combined pills often reduce sebum production; when you stop, your body may overproduce sebum, causing a rebound that can last for months.
Stopping the pill can also lead to increased androgen production, an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone, and wider hormonal fluctuations — all of which can trigger acne.
Recently off the pill? Our Balance Bundle pairs Ovastart with Sugar Balance (chromium, cinnamon, berberine-free) to support cycles, skin and energy during the transition.
Stress
Stress is one of the most underestimated causes of acne because the link isn’t always obvious.
The adrenal glands produce cortisol (the stress hormone) and interact with your hypothalamic–pituitary axis, your body’s hormonal control centre. High stress can reduce oestrogen production to delay or block ovulation. This may lead to delayed or lower-quality ovulation, reduced progesterone, and pre-period acne flare-ups.
Excess cortisol can also drive androgen overproduction, increasing sebum (1), similar to the mechanism after stopping the pill. Acne itself can then become a source of stress, affecting self-confidence and potentially leading to anxiety or depression (2), creating a loop (3).
Learn more: see our guide on stress & hormones and sleep & PCOS for lifestyle strategies that complement skincare.
Hyperandrogenism
Hyperandrogenism refers to the excessive production of androgen hormones (e.g., testosterone, DHEA, androstenedione). It increases sebum and can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
The most common imbalance linked to hyperandrogenism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect blood sugar, hair growth, weight and skin. Women with PCOS are more prone to acne, insulin resistance, hirsutism, weight gain and acanthosis nigricans. Cycles may be long or irregular, or periods may be absent (amenorrhoea).
Oestrogen also plays a role in skin repair and in regulating androgens and sebum (4). In PCOS, insulin resistance further drives androgen production (5).
If insulin resistance is part of your picture, Sugar Balance supports normal blood sugar regulation (chromium) and pairs well with Ovastart for skin and cycle support. Unsure? Take the product quiz.
What are the signs of hormonal imbalance?
Since hormonal acne results from imbalance, it’s important to recognise the signs. Beyond acne, indicators may include:
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Irregular cycles; long cycles (>35 days) or short cycles (<25 days)
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Painful or heavy periods; spotting before/after periods
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Headaches; breast tenderness
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Significant hair loss; excessive body/facial hair
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Premenstrual syndrome (mood swings, anxiety, water retention, headaches, breast tenderness, sugar cravings)
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and tailored solutions.
Natural solutions for healthy skin
If you want to restore glowing, breakout-free skin naturally and without medication, adopt a holistic strategy — adjusting diet, skincare and supplements in tandem.
At SOVA, we understand how challenging acne can be and how it affects mental well-being. Don’t forget that medical treatments can help reduce acne; while they may be less sustainable for strictly hormonal causes, they can be useful stepping stones. Find the approach that suits you and seek professional guidance. 💜
Ready to personalise your plan? Start with our product quiz.
Diet and hormonal acne
Simple changes can help maintain healthy skin:
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Protein-rich breakfast: helps maintain normal blood sugar and supports hormonal balance (eggs, dairy, meat, fish, or quality protein powder).
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Low-GI foods: favour whole/semi-whole grains and minimally processed foods to avoid blood sugar spikes.
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Zinc-rich foods: shellfish, meats, legumes, seeds/nuts, whole grains, eggs, dark chocolate.
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Test dairy sensitivity: some evidence links certain dairy (especially higher-GI milk/ice cream) with acne (6). Trial a 3-week reduction and reintroduce to assess tolerance.
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Omega-3s: diets rich in omega-3s may support normal skin (7); think fatty fish, eggs, walnuts.
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Include soy: some evidence suggests soy may reduce androgenic stimulation of the skin (8). Choose tofu, tempeh, textured soy protein.
Related reading: PCOS & diet — “forbidden” foods? and Vegetarian/vegan eating with PCOS (internal link).
Adapted skincare
While hormonal acne reflects internal factors, smart skincare reduces breakouts, regulates sebum, and supports repair:
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Double cleansing (if you wear makeup): first dissolve makeup with a non-comedogenic oil (e.g., jojoba, hemp) or cleansing oil, then a gentle cleanser.
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Targeted serums: azelaic acid or niacinamide can help regulate sebum, unclog pores, and reduce blemishes (9). For hydration, look for hyaluronic acid.
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Non-comedogenic choices: avoid highly comedogenic oils (e.g., coconut, wheat germ). Mineral oils and some silicones can clog pores for some people.
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Hydrate & nourish: maintain barrier health with hydrating mists/essences (thermal waters, hydrosols, aloe, hyaluronic acid) plus creams or facial oils. Limit exfoliation to 1–2×/week.
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Marks & scars: introduce AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid) gradually at night and use daily SPF. Vitamin C is a gentler, daytime option. Add barrier-repair creams if sensitive.
Dietary supplements and hormonal acne
Supplements can support internal mechanisms that influence skin:
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Chromium helps maintain normal blood sugar — useful if hyperglycaemia worsens acne.
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Zinc supports normal fertility and reproduction, maintains hair and skin, and helps regulate testosterone (sebum).
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Magnesium supports normal nervous system and psychological function; helpful when stress drives breakouts.
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Omega-3 fatty acids (incl. DHA) may support skin quality.
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Myo- & D-chiro-inositol: a 2015 RCT in women with PCOS found 6-month supplementation improved acne and menstrual regularity, especially in those with insulin resistance.
Build your routine:
- Cycles & skin foundation: Ovastart
- Blood-sugar support: Sugar Balance
- Complete starter set: Balance Bundle
- Our Epax-certified Omega 3
If you’re unsure which option suits your symptoms, take the product quiz for tailored recommendations.
We hope this article helps you understand the causes of hormonal acne and find solutions to restore healthy, clear skin. Wishing you confidence and comfort in your skin again!
Scientific references
