Hormonal Acne: Causes, Signs, and How to Treat It Naturally

June 25, 2025

Introduction

Breakouts that won’t budge — even with the best skincare? If you’re constantly fighting painful pimples around your jawline or chin, you’re likely dealing with hormonal acne.

This type of acne doesn’t start on your skin — it starts in your hormones.

In this post, you’ll learn what causes hormonal acne, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to treat it naturally and effectively at home — from a root-cause functional medicine perspective.

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is caused by fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, and cortisol. These imbalances affect your oil production, inflammation levels, and how your skin regenerates — leading to clogged pores, deep breakouts, and cystic acne.

It typically appears:

Along the jawline, chin, and cheeks
During PMS, ovulation, or stress
As deep, painful cysts that linger for weeks

Root Causes of Hormonal Acne

1. High Androgens (Testosterone, DHEA)

Androgens stimulate excess sebum (oil) production, leading to clogged pores and bacterial overgrowth.

2. Estrogen Dominance or Low Progesterone

When estrogen is high and progesterone is low, inflammation increases, and skin becomes more reactive.

3. Insulin Resistance

Sugar spikes trigger insulin, which raises androgen levels — leading to more oil and inflammation.

4. Poor Liver Detoxification

When your liver can’t efficiently clear used-up hormones, they recirculate — making acne worse.

5. Stress and Cortisol Imbalance

Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol, blood sugar dysregulation, and worsened skin barrier function.

Signs You’re Dealing with Hormonal Acne

Acne worsens around your period or during ovulation
Breakouts focus around the jawline, chin, neck, or cheeks
Skin is oily but also inflamed or sensitive
Acne doesn’t respond to typical topical treatments
Other symptoms: PMS, irregular periods, hair thinning, weight gain, or fatigue

How to Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally

1. Balance Your Hormones with Food and Supplements

Eat More:

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage) for estrogen detox
Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, flaxseed) to support hormone production
Fiber-rich foods to support gut and liver detox

Avoid:

Dairy, sugar, refined carbs, seed oils, alcohol
High glycaemic foods that spike insulin

Top Supplements:

DIM (Diindolylmethane) – supports estrogen clearance
Zinc – reduces androgens and speeds up healing
Omega-3s – anti-inflammatory
Probiotics – support gut-skin-hormone connection
Vitamin B6 – helps reduce PMS-related breakouts

All available on AskDrOlz.com and formulated for hormone-safe use in South African women.

2. Support Gut and Liver Function

Drink 2L water per day
Eat fermented foods (sauerkraut, plain yogurt)
Use gentle detox support (milk thistle, NAC, glutathione precursors)
Avoid overuse of medications, especially antibiotics and NSAIDs

3. Topical Support That Won’t Disrupt Your Hormones

Skip harsh chemicals and use hormone-safe skincare:

Cleanser: gentle, pH-balanced
Spot treatment: tea tree oil or zinc
Serum: niacinamide, aloe vera
Moisturizer: non-comedogenic oil blends like jojoba or rosehip

Important: Acne-prone women should avoid endocrine-disrupting ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and benzoyl peroxide.

4. Reduce Stress and Balance Cortisol

Prioritise 7–9 hours of sleep
Use guided breathwork or meditation
Try adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
Move your body — even a walk helps regulate cortisol

FAQs

Q: Will hormonal acne go away after menopause or pregnancy?
For some women, yes — but others continue to struggle if the root causes (like insulin resistance or gut issues) are not addressed.

Q: Should I get my hormones tested?
Yes. A saliva or dried urine test (DUTCH) can show how your body produces and clears hormones. Ask Dr Olz offers virtual hormone testing across South Africa.

Q: How long does it take to heal hormonal acne naturally?
With a proper protocol, most women see visible changes in 6–12 weeks.

Final Thoughts

Hormonal acne isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s your skin reflecting what’s happening inside your body. With the right support, you can treat it at the root — no birth control pills, harsh treatments, or antibiotics required.

AskDrOlz is here to help you understand your hormones, heal from within, and finally feel confident in your skin again.

Ready to Heal Your Skin and Hormones?

Book a Virtual Consult for Hormonal Acne Support
Shop Functional Supplements for Hormone Balance

Dr. Olwethu Sotondoshe

My mission is to empower individuals to achieve optimal health through holistic and integrative care. We are committed to providing personalized telehealth consultations and premium wellness products that support and enhance your well-being.