10 Effective Strategies for Getting Rid of Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne occurs when hormones increase oil production and clog your pores. You can effectively get rid of this acne with a skincare routine, medication, and dietary changes.

1. Try Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills contain both estrogen and progesterone to decrease androgens, which helps prevent breakouts.

2. Consider Other Medications

Topical retinoids, like tretinoin, improve acne by promoting cell turnover to unclog pores. Another medication, spironolactone, is usually for high blood pressure but can also clear hormonal acne.

3. Use a Mild Cleanser

Wash your face twice daily to keep pores clear of dirt, oil, and makeup. Choose a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser.

Cleanse and rinse with your fingertips, as sponges and washcloths can be too rough.

4. Use Acne Ointment

Use a topical treatment right after cleansing. Aczone (a prescription gel with dapsone) is gentle and effective, unlike drying benzoyl peroxide.

5. Moisturize Daily

Use moisturizers that won’t make acne worse. Look for products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they’ve been formulated not to clog pores.

6. Ask About Peels

You may talk to a dermatologist about a series of chemical peels, using either alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid. These treatments slough off the sticky, dead skin cells that can clog pores.

7. Increase Helpful Bacteria

Consider taking probiotic supplements or eating yogurt with live cultures. Probiotics can decrease inflammation that may trigger skin conditions like acne.

8. Get Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity may improve acne. Exercise boosts circulation, which can increase oxygen to the skin and decrease inflammation.

Sweating has also been shown to unclog pores. Just remember to cleanse your face after working out to remove sweat and dirt.13

9. Manage Stress

Stress can worsen acne. Practice relaxation methods like yoga, massage, or meditation to help ease stress.

10. Adjust Your Diet

Try eliminating dairy milk, especially skim milk, which may contain more acne-causing hormones. You can replace skim milk with almond milk.

Limiting your intake of high glycemic index (GI) foods like white bread, rice, and pasta may also decrease acne. More research is needed to establish a link between hormonal acne and these foods.