Hormonal Acne: Connecting Skin and Cycle

Hormones, especially androgens, raise oil production and change how skin cells shed, so pores clog more easily. Hormonal acne tends to:

• sit along the jawline, chin and lower face;
• appear as deeper, tender bumps as well as smaller spots;
• flare before your period;
• show up in adulthood, even if your teenage skin was clear.

In the days before your period, hormonal shifts can increase oil and inflammation, so many people notice breakouts in the late luteal phase. Tracking your cycle alongside your skin often reveals the pattern. Life stages matter too: pregnancy, the months after birth, and perimenopause can all bring flares. See pregnancy and postpartum skin.

Traditional Chinese Medicine often links jaw and chin breakouts to the cycle and to patterns of "heat," "dampness" and Liver Qi stagnation, with stress playing a big role. TCM advice focuses on stress care, regular sleep, and less greasy, spicy or sugary food, alongside skin care. See Period Pain and PMS: A TCM Perspective.

At home:

1. A gentle cleanser, twice daily. Don't scrub.
2. Non-comedogenic moisturiser.
3. Ingredients your doctor or practitioner recommends, such as salicylic acid, azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide (not all are suitable in pregnancy).
4. Daily SPF, because marks darken with sun.
5. Hands off. Picking leads to marks and scarring.

In clinic:

• OxyGeneo Facial: exfoliation and infusion with serums for oily, breakout-prone skin; no downtime.
• Back Acne Treatment: if breakouts also affect the back and shoulders.
• Microneedling + LED: later, for marks and texture once breakouts are calm (not over active acne).

Timing facials in the week before your usual flare can help keep congestion down.

See a doctor or dermatologist for:

• deep, painful cysts, or acne that's leaving scars;
• acne that started suddenly in adulthood with irregular periods, new facial or body hair, or thinning scalp hair, which can be signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
• acne affecting your mood or confidence;
• acne that doesn't improve with good skin care.

Prescription options, including topical treatments and hormonal therapies, can help, and facials can complement them. See acne and breakouts.

Facials for breakout-prone skin are available with Mina at our Yaletown clinic, two Canada Line stops from Downtown Vancouver and close to Coal Harbour.