We’ve all experienced some sort of skin congestion – and sometimes it can take a toll on our self-esteem. There may be a bump here or there, accompanied by redness, sensitivity, or a patch of flaky skin, except you only notice it on the lower part of your face around your jawline and chin area.

These are key indicators of hormonal acne and can also be characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, small bumps, and sometimes cysts. Teen hormonal acne typically appears in the T-zone. But we want you to remember that nobody has perfect skin!

Even though you might feel like clearing impurities is a never-ending process, don’t fret. In this guide, we’ll break down how to treat hormonal acne naturally at home using targeted solutions like the best face wash for hormonal acne, a fungal acne safe moisturizer, and effective pair acne cream combinations to restore balance to your skin. Following the basics of a skincare routine while instilling a nutrient-dense diet will also lead to significant skin improvements naturally.

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

While hormonal acne is commonly associated with adolescence, it can also affect individuals during other life stages, including menopause and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances can occur in both men and women due to various factors, including stress, certain medications, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle choices. Increased duration of menstrual cycles and pregnancy will also cause breakouts. One key indicator of hormonal imbalance is hormonal acne, which is usually located on your chin, neck, chest, back and worsens when the time of the month comes around.  If you have any doubts, be sure to take in-depth hormone panel blood level tests with your gynecologist.

Different types of Acne

Acne is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and understanding the various types is crucial for effective treatment. From the common blackheads and whiteheads to more severe forms like papules and nodules, we will explore the visual characteristics of different acne types. This knowledge will help you discern whether your acne is indeed hormonal and guide you towards tailored solutions for your skin's specific needs.

Fungal Acne vs Hormonal Acne

Understanding the difference between fungal acne and hormonal acne is key to effective treatment. Fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles and often appears as uniform, itchy bumps—typically on the forehead, chest, and back. Hormonal acne, on the other hand, is triggered by internal imbalances and usually shows up as deeper, cystic breakouts around the jawline and chin. While they may look similar, they require different approaches. Knowing the signs of fungal acne vs hormonal acne can help you choose the right products and avoid ingredients that can make either condition worse.

How to Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally at Home

Acne, especially the hormonal variety, can be stubborn and challenging to combat. While external skincare is crucial, nourishing your body from the inside can also play a pivotal role in achieving clearer skin.

1) Diet

Hydrating on the inside, drinking plenty of water and exercising is always key to a healthy lifestyle as it helps flush out toxins while maintaining skin elasticity. Foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables high in vitamin c and avocados or walnuts high in unsaturated fats will improve skin health almost instantaneously. Avoid processed foods such as sugary drinks, alcohol, and smoking. These can trigger acne and congestion – make sure to consume these in moderation. Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, mackerel, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and almonds help reduce inflammation, especially acne flare-ups.

2) Supplements

Supplements should complement a balanced diet and a holistic approach to skincare in managing hormonal acne effectively. Taking omega-3, zinc, vitamin c, probiotics, green tea extract, and evening primrose oil will significantly improve your skin! If possible, make sure to avoid dairy products, as these increase testosterone activity.

3) Manage Stress

Nurturing and focusing on mental health are crucial to improving overall health. It impacts every aspect of our lives, including sleeping, eating, self-esteem, and how we handle relationships. Stress and skin flare-ups are unanimous; stress can trigger dermatitis, rosacea, or acne flare-ups. When anxious, a fight-or-flight response in cortisol triggers within the body that impacts the immune system, including breakouts. Make sure to always put yourself first, and to surround yourself in positive environments with loving relationships. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

4) Getting Enough Sleep

Beauty sleep is the real deal. During the daytime, our skincare protects our moisture barrier from pollution and UV rays. At night, our skin finally has time to regenerate after being exposed to environmental stressors all day. Studies prove that sleep deprivation results in dehydration, dullness, and fine lines. Make sure to let your body rest for at least eight hours of rest each night for a healthy lifestyle and beautiful, radiant skin.

Treating Hormonal Acne Externally

There’s only so much you can do externally when targeting hormonal acne, but your external routine matters just as much as your internal routine! It’s crucial to have a proper cleanser, toner, exfoliator, moisturizer, and SPF daily.

Be aware of using too many active ingredients often can cause skin irritation – that means cutting down on using exfoliators to 1-2 times a week with these ingredients: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol. If using retinol, use it once a week and do not mix it with any other active ingredients. You may be tempted to overload on these daily, but trust us, they may cause irritation or skin sensitivity if overused.

1. Avoid Comedogenic Ingredients

Another tip is to always double check that your cosmetics and skincare products are non-comedogenic. Comedogenic ingredients such as talc, mineral oil, and lanolin are pore-clogging. However, there are different types of “comedogenicity” for ingredients. For example, we use Peg-75 Shea Butter Glycerides, which is a lightweight derivative of shea butter. Using non-comedogenic products, especially makeup will let your pores happily breathe and prevent acne.

2. Best Face Wash for Hormonal Acne

A good water based cleanser is the foundation of any acne-fighting routine—especially when hormones are involved. The HYDRA+ Replenishing Cleanser is a multitasking powerhouse and our pick for the best face wash for all types of acne. This 3-in-1 formula gently removes makeup, balances skin pH, and deeply cleanses without stripping essential moisture. Its skin-soothing ingredients help calm inflammation and prevent clogged pores, making it perfect for breakouts tied to hormonal fluctuations. It’s gentle enough for daily use, yet effective enough to support clearer, healthier-looking skin over time.

3. Fungal Acne Safe Moisturizer

When dealing with fungal acne, it’s important to use non-comedogenic formulas that won’t feed the yeast responsible for breakouts. The HYDRA+ Deep Water Cream is a fungal acne safe moisturizer designed to hydrate without clogging pores or disrupting the skin barrier. Its lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly and delivers lasting moisture from marine-sourced ingredients and barrier-supporting actives. Free of heavy oils, esters, and silicones that often trigger fungal flare-ups, this moisturizer is an ideal option for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin looking for deep hydration without the risk.

4. Acne Treatment

When it comes to treating acne effectively, incorporating targeted active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can make a noticeable difference. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates inside the pores, helping to clear out excess oil and prevent new breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing acne-causing bacteria and calming inflammation—making it ideal for red, swollen pimples. These ingredients should be used separately to avoid irritation, but you can still build a routine around them by alternating different treatments on different days or using them on specific areas of concern. This approach allows your skin to benefit from each ingredient without overwhelming it.

Don’t Underestimate Yourself!

Hormonal imbalances and acne are completely normal, and are treatable. There are tons of natural remedies, accompanied by a good skincare routine that will make a difference anywhere from 8-10 weeks. If not, it’s always safe to visit the doctors and put your health first!