How Hormonal Changes Trigger Acne Flare-Ups:
Why does your skin break out at the worst possible times? The answer is probably because of your hormones. Hormonal fluctuations are a key factor in triggering acne, particularly for women. Life stages such as puberty and menopause, along with monthly hormonal shifts during menstruation, can significantly impact the skin. These changes often lead to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and subsequent breakouts.
The Role of Hormones in Skin Health
Hormones play a fundamental role in skin health, directly influencing sebum production, inflammation, and overall skin barrier function. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (part of the brain-skin axis) is central to the body’s stress response and significantly impacts skin physiology. When activated, especially during a period of chronic stress, the HPA axis releases cortisol, a stress hormone that not only increases sebaceous gland activity, but also compromises the skin’s barrier by reducing its ability to retain moisture and defend it against environmental stressors. Over time, elevated cortisol levels are associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to acne flare-ups.
Sex hormones, particularly androgens such as testosterone, play a key role in regulating sebaceous gland function. Elevated androgen levels stimulate excessive sebum production, which clogs pores and promotes the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, leading to the development of acne. Oestrogen, on the other hand, promotes skin hydration and elasticity, contributing to overall skin health. Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can disrupt this balance, leading to potential acne flare-ups.
Hormonal Acne and Menstrual Cycles
The term "hormonal acne" is commonly used to describe breakouts that occur in response to hormonal fluctuations in adult women. However, all acne has a hormonal component, as hormones regulate sebum production, which directly impacts the formation of acne. These fluctuations can lead to breakouts, especially during the menstrual cycle, and are most commonly seen in the lower half of the face, such as the jawline, chin, and cheeks.
During the menstrual cycle, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate. In the first half of the cycle, oestrogen is higher, promoting healthier skin and reducing oil production. However, in the second half of the cycle, progesterone rises, and oestrogen decreases. This hormonal shift can cause the skin to produce more oil and become more sensitive, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Many women experience acne flare-ups just before or during their periods due to this hormonal imbalance.
During the menstrual cycle, there are predictable hormonal changes that influence the skin.
Each cycle typically lasts about 28 days and can be broken down into four phases:
- Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Low hormone levels cause the skin to appear dull and dry
- Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): Oestrogen levels rise, improving skin texture and moisture
- Ovulation (Day 14): A peak in oestrogen leads to radiant skin, but as progesterone starts to increase, oil production can rise
- Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Progesterone dominates, often resulting in oilier skin and acne flare-ups
The Role of Toxins in Hormonal Imbalances and Acne
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) are not only harmful to our skin but can affect our overall health, leading to issues such as reproductive problems, metabolic disorders, and even certain cancers. Studies have shown that these toxins can be passed down through up to four generations, via ‘transgenerational epigenetic inheritance’, affecting the health of descendants who were never directly exposed to the toxins.
What are EDCs? They are a class of toxins that interfere with the body’s hormonal system. These chemicals can mimic or block hormones, disrupting the delicate balance of our endocrine system. This hormonal imbalance can result in an overproduction of sebum, clogged pores, and inflammation, all of which contribute to acne.
Common examples of EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens. BPA, found in plastics, can mimic oestrogen and disrupt normal hormonal functions, while phthalates, often found in cosmetics, can interfere with testosterone production.
According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the process for identifying and regulating EDCs can take a decade or more. Furthermore, once a chemical is identified as an EDC, regulatory processes allow products containing these substances to remain on the market for years before being phased out. For instance, products containing recognised EDCs can continue to be sold for up to seven years.
For this reason, Skin Diligent takes a proactive measure and tests all its final formulas of skincare products for oestrogenic endocrine disruption. To find out more about it, read here.
How to Effectively Manage Hormonal Acne: Proven Tips & Strategies
While hormonal acne can be challenging to manage, there are several steps you can take to reduce its impact. Here is a multi-faceted approach.
Skincare:
Opt for the Skin Diligent Acne Kit - clinically proven + tested free of endocrine disruption.
Skin & Stress Food Supplement targets stress from the inside.
Triple Action Cleanser provides probiotics and gentle exfoliation to cleanse your skin without damaging the barrier on the outside.
Revolutionary Regulation Serum targets congested pores, excess sebum, blackheads and blemishes with a cutting-edge formula which is gentle on your skin but tough on spots.
Buy our Acne Kit here.
Manage your stress levels:
Since stress directly affects your hormones through the HPA axis, it’s essential to incorporate stress-relieving activities into your day. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can help regulate cortisol levels and improve skin health.
Regulate your hormones:
For monthly hormonal fluctuations, nutrition plays an important role. What you eat plays a major role in hormone regulation. Diets high in sugar and processed foods can spike insulin levels, which can then trigger excess sebum production and inflammation. Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats like avocado, olive oil and sardines.
For women in perimenopause experiencing flare-ups, we would recommend our Skin & Biotics, a combination of probiotics, prebiotics, minerals and vitamins. The role of these probiotics is to help regulate hormones while improving gut health.
Regulate your sleep pattern:
Poor sleep can disrupt hormone production and impair the skin’s ability to repair itself. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night to allow your body to balance hormones and recover from daily environmental stressors.
By combining these strategies, you are essentially preparing your body to better manage hormonal fluctuations. You enable your body to handle hormonal changes more effectively, which in turn promotes clearer, healthier skin.