There is so much buzz around Hormonal imbalance and acne, but how do you know if you have it?
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is distinct from other forms of acne because hormone fluctuations like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol primarily influence it. While hormonal acne is common in teenagers due to puberty, it also affects adults, particularly women in their mid-20s-30s, around their menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. This type of acne often appears around the jawline, chin, and cheeks and is typically accompanied by inflammation and painful cysts.
Our co-founder knows this better than anyone, as she developed Hormonal Acne and imbalance after being on the contraceptive pill for years, coming off and experiencing adult acne and inflammatory hormonal symptoms. Something that NEVER happened in her teenage years. Learn more about her story and tips here.
How do I know if I have Hormonal Imbalance or Acne?
Typical symptoms include mood swings, weight changes, fatigue, and skin issues. Other symptoms include:
- Menstrual irregularities: Heavy, irregular, delayed, or skipped periods
- Skin changes: Dry skin, brittle hair, acne, skin tags, or dark skin in the armpits or neck
- Weight changes: Unexplained weight loss or weight gain, or weight gain around the midsection
- Mood changes: Irritability, depression, anxiety, or mood swings
- Sleep issues: Poor sleep, night sweats, or trouble falling or staying asleep
- Other symptoms: Headaches, brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues, or intolerance to hot or cold temperatures
- Reduced libido
- Hair loss on the scalp or body
- Excess body hair (hirsutism)
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Elevated blood glucose levels
Does that sound like you? What if it’s just your skin? How do you know if it’s hormonal acne and not regular acne?
Identifying Acne Breakouts Due to Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal acne has certain identifying features that make it easier to distinguish from other forms of acne. Here’s what to look for:
- Location: Hormonal acne commonly appears around the jawline, chin, and cheeks.
- Timing: Many experience breakouts around the same time each month, typically linked to menstrual cycles.
- Appearance: It’s often characterised by painful, inflamed cysts and nodules rather than blackheads or whiteheads.
Recognising these patterns can help you address the root causes and take targeted action to minimise breakouts effectively.
So how do you treat it?
At eyeam, we believe that skincare is not only about the surface but also about understanding the deeper connections between our hormones, lifestyle, and skin health. Acne breakouts + other symptoms can be frustrating and often impact self-confidence, but knowing how and why they happen gives us the tools to manage them effectively. Hormonal acne is a unique type of acne influenced by our body’s natural cycles and hormonal fluctuations.
Sometimes hormonal imbalance and acne can be a way of letting your body know that something isn’t right in your life mentally, physically or spiritually. It’s a good time to reflect on your life and think:
- Do I love my life right now?
- Am I speaking to myself with love and kindness?
- Am I living in alignment?
If any of your answers are no, this could be a signal that your body has been trying to tell you for a while but because you were so distracted in your life, it had to do something drastic to get your attention.
Whether you’re dealing with regular breakouts or experiencing intense flare-ups during certain times of the month, this guide will help you manage acne holistically, supporting clear skin and overall wellness.
1. How Hormones Trigger Acne Breakouts
When the body experiences hormonal fluctuations, it can increase the production of androgens—hormones that stimulate the oil glands in our skin.
When these glands produce too much oil, it mixes with dead skin cells and become trapped in the pores, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
This process leads to inflammation and, ultimately, the formation of acne. Understanding this process is the first step in managing acne in a way that supports your skin’s natural balance.
2. Nutrition: The Building Block for Clear Skin
At eyeam, we believe that the journey to clear skin starts from within. Nutritional choices play a significant role in managing acne, particularly hormonal acne. Here are some dietary suggestions to help maintain clear skin:
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which can help reduce inflammation.
- Fibre-rich foods: Vegetables, whole grains, and legumes aid in digestion and help remove excess hormones from the body.
- Low-glycaemic foods: Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and lean protein help regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin spikes that can trigger acne.
Avoiding foods high in sugar and processed ingredients can also reduce insulin levels, support hormonal balance, and reduce the chances of acne breakouts.
3. Managing Stress for Clearer Skin
Stress is a powerful trigger for hormone imbalances, often increasing cortisol production. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can disrupt the body’s other hormonal systems if constantly elevated, leading to acne flare-ups. We recommend incorporating stress-relief techniques into your daily routine to help manage these effects:
- Breathwork and meditation: Mindfulness helps calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol.
- Journaling: Writing down feelings can relieve stress and promote mental clarity.
- Physical activity: Gentle exercises like pilates and walking release endorphins and reduce stress.
- Affirmations + Gratitude: A daily practice of affirmations can change your whole reality. Your words and thoughts have immense power. Affirming what you desire can help shift your mindset from negative to positive, but you must repeat it daily to reap the benefits. Our habit of stacking skincare rituals makes remembering to do this SO easy! Read more about the science of affirmations bio-hack here.
Regularly incorporating these stress-relief techniques can help keep cortisol in check, reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts.
4. Hydration and Hormone Health
Hydration is essential for overall skin health. When dehydrated, our skin may produce more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Aim for 2-3 litres of water daily to ensure your body stays hydrated, flushing out toxins and supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes. Adding herbal teas like peppermint, dandelion, or chamomile can be beneficial, as they help soothe inflammation, water retention, detoxification and support digestion.
5. Choosing the Right Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin
When managing acne, choosing skincare products that don’t disrupt the skin’s natural barrier or endocrine system is crucial. At eyeam, we use gentle but effective, plant-based, clinically proven ingredients that calm inflammation and respect the skin.
Here are some key ingredients to look for:
- White willow bark (natural Salicylic acid): A beta-hydroxy acid penetrating deep into the pores, helping to clear out excess oil and dead skin cells.
- CalmMandarinTM: Clinically proven, award-winning extract to reduce the pro-inflammatory markers in the skin to reduce inflammaging (inflammation +ageing) and calm irritated skin. Perfect for treating inflammatory cysts that surface in hormonal acne!
- Tea tree extract: This natural antibacterial agent helps combat acne-causing bacteria without stripping the skin of moisture.
A simple, consistent skincare routine with these ingredients can support acne-prone skin and help prevent future breakouts.
We believe in treating the inside and the outside to see best results. That’s why we created our Bye Bye Hormonal Acne set. Designed to treat the root, inside and out!
6. The Power of Sleep for Skin Health
The term beauty sleep didn’t get it’s name for no reason! Getting sufficient sleep is essential for managing hormonal acne. During sleep, the body regenerates cells and restores hormonal balance. Poor sleep increases cortisol levels, which can worsen acne and inflammation. Creating a calming bedtime routine, like disconnecting from screens an hour before bed or sipping herbal tea, can improve sleep quality, helping your body and skin repair overnight.
7. The Role of Exercise in Managing Acne Breakouts
Exercise supports blood circulation and helps the body release toxins, which are beneficial for managing acne. However, for hormonal acne, it’s crucial to avoid over-exercising, as excessive physical stress can increase cortisol levels. Instead, choose moderate activities like walking, stretching, or Pilates, which promote relaxation while keeping your body active and balanced.
8. Herbal Supplements for Hormonal Balance and Skin Clarity
Herbal supplements can be a supportive part of managing hormonal acne. Some herbs have adaptogenic properties, which help regulate the body’s stress response. Here are some beneficial supplements:
- Timut Pepper: This adaptogen helps reduce cortisol levels and supports overall hormonal health by supporting cognitive function, nervous system regulation, longevity and mood stability. Found in our Hormone Check Drops.
- Spearmint tea: Spearmint tea is known to lower androgen levels, and it may be helpful for those dealing with hormonal acne. Found in our Love Language Lip Bloss.
- Chasteberry (Vitex): Often used to regulate estrogen and progesterone, this herb can help balance hormones and reduce acne symptoms. Found in our Hormone Check Drops.
Always consult a healthcare provider before introducing new supplements to ensure they suit your health needs.
We approach hormonal acne with compassion and a focus on holistic wellness. Managing acne breakouts isn’t just about topical treatments; it involves addressing the root causes of hormone imbalance and supporting the body’s natural rhythms. We can achieve clearer skin and a more balanced lifestyle through a balanced diet, living in alignment, stress management, adequate hydration, and mindful skincare + lifestyle choices. Remember, your skin reflects your internal health, and by supporting that inner harmony, we nurture lasting clarity and confidence.
FAQs
Can diet alone help with hormonal acne?
Yes, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, reducing sugar intake, and incorporating whole grains can stabilise blood sugar and reduce acne triggers from within. But supporting your mental and spiritual health may come into play to treat the root causes.
How does stress impact hormonal acne?
Stress increases cortisol production, which can disrupt hormone balance and exacerbate acne. Managing stress through mindfulness and relaxation techniques can improve skin health.
What are the best skincare ingredients for managing acne breakouts?
Salicylic acid, calmandarinTM, and tea tree oil are excellent for reducing inflammation, inflammaging and controlling acne bacteria without irritating the skin.
Can hydration make a difference in acne management?
Proper hydration helps regulate skin oil production, supports detoxification, and keeps skin healthy. Aim for at least two litres of water daily to aid skin health.
Are herbal supplements effective for managing hormonal acne?
Herbal supplements like Timut Pepper, spearmint, and chasteberry can support hormone regulation, but consulting a healthcare provider ensures safe and effective use.
Blog posts
HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE HORMONAL ACNE? HOW TO GET RID OF HORMONAL ACNE AND IMBALANCE
Hormonal acne is distinct from other forms of acne because hormone fluctuations like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol primarily influence it. While hormonal acne is common in teenagers due to puberty, it also affects adults, particularly women in their mid-20s-30s, around their menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
HOW DOES CYCLE SYNCING HELP WITH YOUR HORMONES AND PMS?
At eyeam, we understand aligning your body’s natural rhythms with a holistic approach to health is key to wellness. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is something many women experience, but it doesn’t have to be endured silently or alone. Understanding your body’s unique signals and adopting a cycle-syncing approach can empower you to manage PMS more effectively, reducing its impact on your life.
EASY GLUTEN-FREE HOMEMADE BREAD RECIPE
Are you missing the comfort of freshly baked bread on your gluten-free journey? Look no further! Today, I'm sharing a foolproof gluten-free bread recipe to revolutionise your baking game (you don’t need to be a professional baker; FYI, just have fun!) This isn't just any bread – it's a crusty, aromatic loaf that rivals traditional wheat bread in texture and taste.