Is my adult acne caused by hormonal changes?

Adult acne often has deeper roots than teenage acne. In our teens, breakouts are usually linked to increased oil production due to hormonal changes. Teen acne is generally temporary and our skin tends to bounce back quickly with age and the right skincare.

However, adult acne often stems from a mix of hormonal changes, lifestyle factors and even underlying health issues. As skin loses collagen and elasticity with age, breakouts can get more persistent and leave stubborn marks. Hence, we need to approach adult acne with a bit more care.

The role of hormones

Fluctuations in hormones – often related to menstruation, pregnancy or even menopause – can trigger acne. For example, right before your period arrives, your body produces more androgens (like testosterone), which lead to increased oil production. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogging pores and causing breakouts. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to excess oil production.

There are a few tell-tale signs to identify if your acne is a result of your hormones. One obvious clue is if you notice breakouts at specific times, like just before your period. Hormonal acne also typically appears on the lower part of your face, such as the jawline, chin and neck. It also tends to be more cystic in nature, which means it’s often deeper, more painful and doesn’t come to a head like typical pimples. Finally, if you experience more breakouts during high-stress periods, this could indicate a hormonal response.

I recommend using products such as a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove dirt, oil and impurities, and a balancing toner that can help control oil production and maintain your skin’s pH.

You can also use an exfoliating face mask regularly and opt for serums that are targeted specifically at treating acne such as Ice Secret’s Acne + Pore Oligopeptide Complex Serum and the Acne + Pore Advanced Oligopeptide Complex Serum. It’s also important to protect your skin with a non-comedogenic sunscreen like Ice Secret’s Miracle Secret Sunscreen as exposure to the sun can worsen inflammation and lead to post-acne marks.

Making important lifestyle changes

Apart from using skincare products to manage your acne, you should also make some lifestyle tweaks. Hydration is extremely important, so drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins, and keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Maintain a balanced diet by limiting consumption of dairy products and high-glycemic foods like sugary snacks, as they can trigger inflammation and contribute to acne.

Sleep is crucial for skin health – it’s the time when your body repairs itself, so make sure to get seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. Exercise regularly as physical activity increases blood flow, which nourishes skin cells and helps with overall skin health. Consider practising stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation, and don’t forget to cleanse your skin afterward to remove sweat and bacteria.