Beyond the Breakout: All About Hormonal Acne

Hormonal cystic acne isn't just a surface issue, it's a message from your body (linked to shifting hormone levels and inflammation).

Those painful, deep breakouts that seem to pop up like clockwork? They’re often tied to your menstrual cycle.

Today, we're decoding what your skin is up to at each phase of your cycle, the easiest skincare swaps for hormone harmony, and our top tips to keep your glow going all month long.

What’s Really Going On With Your Skin During Each Phase of Your Cycle?

Your hormones have the main role in this breakout drama. Here's how your skin reacts during each phase:

1. Menstrual Phase (Around Days 1–5)

• What’s happening: Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Cue dryness, dullness, and inflammation.

• Skin mood: Sensitive, more prone to redness and inflammatory acne.

2. Follicular Phase (Around Days 6–14)

• What’s happening: Estrogen starts rising, giving your skin a little pep in its step.

• Skin mood: Radiant, smooth, and strong. A great time to try new skin care products or exfoliate dead skin cells.

3. Ovulation Phase (Around Day 14)

• What’s happening: Estrogen peaks, testosterone spikes.

• Skin mood: Glowing, but oil production and excess sebum can increase, setting the stage for clogged pores and acne breakouts.

4. Luteal Phase (Around Days 15–28)

• What’s happening: Progesterone rises, then dips. This can cause oil glands to go into overdrive, worsening cystic acne.

• Skin mood: Greasy, inflamed, and breakout-prone (aka hormonal cystic acne's fav time to show up).

Pro Tip: Start tracking your cycle; it’s like having a roadmap for your skin. Download our free printable cycle tracker to get started.

Skincare Swaps That Actually Support Your Hormones

Your products might be doing more than you think, for better or worse. Here are some simple, hormone-friendly swaps:

• Swap foaming cleansers (often drying) for gentle cream or oil-based cleansers that maintain your skin barrier.

• Say bye to artificial fragrance and hello to unscented or naturally scented products. Your sensitive skin (and hormones) will thank you.

• Trade harsh exfoliants for enzymatic or lactic acid-based options, especially during your menstrual phase when your skin is more reactive.

• Look for skincare that’s free from endocrine disruptors like parabens, phthalates, and BPA.

• Add in ingredients like azelaic acid or salicylic acid — both help reduce inflammation and unclog pores. Avoid layering too many actives at once, especially with topical retinoids.

You don’t have to overhaul your shelf overnight. Just start with one or two intentional swaps — your skin will notice.

Glow All Month: Easy Lifestyle Tips That Actually Help

No, you don’t need a 15-step routine. Here are easy, sustainable things you can do to support your skin (and hormones):

1. Hydration is your holy grail

• Aim for 8–10 glasses of water a day. Herbal teas like spearmint or ginger are skin-loving too. Hydration helps flush out toxins and reduce acne flare-ups.

2. Balance your plate

• Focus on whole foods: some hormone-friendly foods include leafy greens, berries, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Reducing sugar may also help with adult acne.

3. Manage stress (seriously)

• Chronic stress increases cortisol, which messes with your other hormone levels. Think: journaling, breath-work, or even 5 minutes of stretching.

4. Prioritise sleep

• Your skin regenerates overnight — give it 7–9 hours to work its magic. A consistent skincare routine supports overnight healing, especially in acne-prone skin.

5. Choose period products that work with your body

• Traditional products can irritate sensitive areas and hair follicles. Fri Period's breathable, organic cotton & bamboo period underwear is kind to your skin and the planet. Explore them here.

Conclusion: It’s Not Just Acne — It’s a Hormonal Conversation

Hormonal cystic acne is frustrating, we know. But once you understand the root cause — whether it's clogged pores, excess oil, or hormone imbalances — it becomes less of a battle and more of a partnership. Listen to your body. Support your hormone levels. And don’t be afraid to experiment with topical treatments — your glow is waiting for you.

✨ Ready to sync your skincare with your cycle? Start with our cycle tracker or check out our full range of comfy period-proof underwear. Your skin will thank you.

FAQs

Q1: Can hormonal acne happen if I’m on birth control?
Yes — some birth controls can actually trigger breakouts, while others can help. It depends on the type and your body.

Q2: Do certain foods make hormonal acne worse?
For some people, yes. Dairy and sugar are common culprits that can make acne worse, but it varies. Try keeping a food-symptom journal.

Q3: Is hormonal acne only on the jawline?
Mostly, but it can show up on the chin, cheeks, neck, and even back — areas with lots of oil glands and hair follicles.

Q4: Can I treat hormonal acne naturally?
Absolutely. Gentle skincare, balancing hormone levels, and managing stress can go a long way. Topical retinoids and salicylic acid can help with cystic acne management.

Q5: How do I know it’s hormonal acne vs something else?
If it flares up around your period, is cystic, and located along the jawline — it’s probably hormonal. Still unsure? Chat with a dermatologist for a personalised acne treatment regimen.

Q6: How long does hormonal cystic acne last?
It varies by person. Some experience flare-ups only around their cycle, while others may have more persistent breakouts. If it continues for months, consult a professional for tailored options.