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Hormonal acne: could hormones be the cause of your acne?

You had flawless skin throughout your teens only to start breaking out in your mid-20s. You eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and have a suitable skincare routine, yet suddenly you look and feel like you're 30 going on 13. Read on to find out how hormones could be to blame for your blemishes.
Creation Date:
Update Date: 21 Aug 2026

How could hormones be causing your acne?

Increasingly, women in their 20s and beyond are being told that hormones may be to blame for their blemishes. Androgens are often mistakenly labelled a ‘male sex hormone’ but, in fact, they can be found in women as well (before they’re converted to oestrogen)periods. If you are concerned that you have some of the symptoms of PCOS then it’s important to consult a physician. 

What are some of the signs that acne is hormonal?

Signs of hormone-influenced acne include excess sebum production by overworked sebaceous glands, increased acne-causing bacteria on the skin, and inflammation that is sometimes red and sensitive to the touch acne is by taking an oral contraceptive. The pill can be used to lower the amount of androgens that the body produces by balancing out hormone levels. Some women opt to use an anti-androgen medication, such as Spironolactone, to get rid of their acne. For mild hormonal acne, a gentle face cleanser specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, and non-comedogenic moisturiser for acne-prone skin will usually do the trick!

 


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