Does every random pimple make you wonder what’s to blame? Was it the chocolate you had last night, job stress, or just your skin acting up? Not all breakouts are due to foods or your pillowcase. Sometimes, it’s your hormones which show up as painful pimples. Hormonal acne is different from regular acne and needs different methods of treatment. Watch for these causes and signs to know if you have hormonal acne.

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Hormonal acne vs regular acne: Signs to watch out for

Some pimples disappear within days while others linger for weeks, leaving dark spots. Sometimes, they even return to the same places. Hormonal acne differs from regular acne in its location, size, timing, causes, texture, and pain. Before treating all acne the same, watch out for these differences.

Signs of hormonal acne 

You are experiencing hormonal acne if it:

• Appears mostly on the jawline, chin, lower cheeks, and neck.
• Follows a cycle, especially getting triggered during menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, or other hormonal shifts.
• Has a cyst-like texture that’s deeply painful.
• Tends to recur in the same spots.
• Takes longer to heal and leaves pigmented dark spots behind.
• Doesn’t respond easily to regular spot treatments.

Signs of regular acne

You are experiencing common acne if it:

• Mostly shows up on the forehead, nose, and upper cheeks.
• Gets triggered by clogged pores, sweat, excess oil, or bacteria.
• Includes blackheads, whiteheads, or surface-level pimples and small bumps.
• Appears randomly, not following a certain pattern.
• Improves with consistent skincare and hygiene.
• Leaves behind dark spots that fade within weeks if you don’t pick at them.

Causes of hormonal and regular acne

Excess oil, pollution, dirty pillowcases or towels, dandruff, sweat, bacteria, or even the wrong skincare products can easily trigger common acne. Hormonal acne, on the other hand, starts deeper within the body.

Fluctuations in hormones like androgens increase oil production, clog pores from the inside out, and lead to those stubborn, painful breakouts. Add stress, sleep deprivation, irregular menstrual cycles, or hormonal imbalances, and your skin reacts in ways your usual spot treatments can’t always fix. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hormonal acne can also occur after discontinuing birth control.

How to deal with different types of acne

Acne treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all. Once you know which type of acne you have and its causes, follow the right approach to treat it. Here’s how.

How to treat hormonal acne

• Support hormone imbalance through food: Focus on a balanced diet with healthy fats, fibre-rich foods, and whole foods that help regulate blood sugar and hormones. Avoid having excessive dairy products or sugar. 
• Manage stress levels: Chronic stress worsens hormonal fluctuations. Try workouts, yoga, walking, or meditation to reduce cortisol. You should also try the analog living trend to cope with burnout, anxiety, and stress.
• Prioritise sleep: Get at least eight hours of sleep rather than doomscrolling till 3 a.m. Consistent, quality sleep regulates hormones and improves the skin barrier. 
• Be gentle with skincare: Use gentle cleansers and avoid over-exfoliating as it can cause inflammation and lead to acne. Avoid skincare products with too many actives as they can disrupt your skin’s pH balance. 
• See a dermatologist: If you experience acne that’s painful or doesn’t go away after consistent lifestyle changes, you must consult a dermatologist.

How to treat regular acne

• Cleanse your skin regularly: Wash your face twice a day, especially if you sweat a lot or have oily skin. This will remove oil, sweat, and dirt without irritating the skin. If you wear makeup often, use gentle cleansers to remove it.
• Use clean fabrics: Change your towels and pillowcases often. Avoid synthetic washcloths, including satin, acrylic, or nylon, as they collect oil and bacteria that might cause breakouts.
• Keep facial pores clear: Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to prevent clogged pores that lead to acne.
• Choose breathable skincare and makeup: Use high-quality, less-pigmented, unscented products. Use non-comedogenic, lightweight, oil-free skincare products to prevent clogged pores.
• Watch out for specific triggers: If your acne is seasonal and caused by a dry or flaky scalp, use dermatologist-prescribed shampoos. It will treat your dandruff effectively and prevent acne. Avoid leaving your hair open or hanging near your forehead as this can trigger breakouts.

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FAQs

Q1. Can hormonal acne start even if we’ve never had acne before?

Yes, hormonal imbalance in adulthood can trigger acne for the first time even if your skin was clear during teenage years, especially during the puberty period.

Q2. Why does hormonal acne feel more painful than regular pimples?

Hormonal acne forms deeper under the skin, causing more inflammation and tenderness than surface-level breakouts.

Q3. Can hormonal acne occur even with a regular menstrual cycle?

Yes. Even if you experience regular menstruation, stress-related changes might lead to hormonal imbalance, triggering acne.

Q4. Does hormonal acne always need medication to clear up?

Not necessarily. Mild breakouts might improve with lifestyle changes, but persistent or painful acne should be checked by a dermatologist.

Q5. Can regular acne turn into hormonal acne over time?

Yes. Acne patterns can shift with age, stress, and hormonal changes, leading to more hormone-driven breakouts later in life.