Hormonal Acne: Signs and Causes
Hormonal acne is acne influenced by changes in hormones—especially hormones that increase oil production and make pores more likely to become clogged.
Common signs
- Location: Often appears around the chin, jawline, and lower face, although hormonal acne can occur elsewhere.
- Deep, tender bumps: Nodules or cyst-like lesions are common and may feel painful beneath the skin.
- Recurring pattern: Breakouts may repeatedly appear around the same time in a menstrual cycle.
- Adult onset: It can develop or become worse in adulthood, even if you had little acne as a teenager.
- Persistent breakouts: Acne may continue despite a consistent basic skincare routine.
What causes it?
Hormonal acne can be associated with:
- Androgens: Hormones such as testosterone can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
- Menstrual-cycle changes: Hormone fluctuations can trigger increased oil production and inflammation in some people.
- Puberty: Rapid hormonal changes can increase sebum production.
- Pregnancy or stopping/starting hormonal contraception: Hormonal shifts can change acne activity.
- Certain medications or endocrine conditions: Some medications and conditions that affect hormone levels can contribute to acne.
Is every jawline breakout hormonal?
No. The location alone doesn’t prove that acne is hormonal. Hair products, cosmetics, friction, occlusive skincare products, and ordinary acne can also cause breakouts around the lower face.
If acne suddenly becomes severe, leaves scars, or is accompanied by other significant hormonal symptoms, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
