It would be difficult to find anyone who hasn’t experienced a whitehead, blackhead, or breakout. According to Daisy Jing (founder of Banish, a brand that treats acne), hormonal acne is a common condition, which about half of all women between 20 and 29 experience it. Jing says that hormonal fluctuations can lead to excessive oil or sebum production, which can result in cystic acne.

Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist who founded Skin Wellness Dermatology. “The increased amount of sebum can clog pores or mix with acne bacteria, which leads to more acne, often on the face.” If you don’t have the right skin care regimen and products to fight cystic acne around your chin, cheeks and jawline, hormonal acne can be a real pain. Products that reduce the appearance of acne-causing bacteria and oily skin cells are best for hormonal acne.

What is Hormonal Acne exactly?

Dr. Carlos Charles is a board-certified dermatologist who co-founded 4.5.6 Skin. There are hormones, such as testosterone and androgens that can increase oil production in the skin. It’s not uncommon to get hormonal acne in any period.

Dr. Loretta Ciraldo MD FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified derm, and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare, says that hormonal acne is more common in the follicular period. “We have higher levels androgens, estrogens, and periovulation. It leads to increased sebum production which causes higher skin lipids, and subsequent increase of skin microflora, which can lead to breakouts.” These types of breakouts can cause bleeding, scarring and pain.

Dr. Charles says that these pimples can cause severe inflammation in melanin-rich skin. They can also leave reddish blotches or stubborn hyperpigmentation, which may take several weeks to heal in lighter skin tones.

How to Prevent and How to Treat Hormonal Acne?

As a general rule, you should wash your face daily and moisturize your skin every night. Dr. Hartman says that dry skin can lead to an increase in skin sebum production, which is a natural response for skin to hydrate. There are many effective treatments for hormonal acne.

• Skin care acids

Including acids in your evening routine can make the difference between acne-free skin and a breakout. Glycolic acid is the most commonly used acid in skin care. Jing says that glycolic acid is a strong acid that dissolves the skin’s upper layer. It can also be used to clear skin cells from clogging and prevent future hormonal acne. Salicylic acid, another excellent acid, can exfoliate the skin’s top layer and penetrate into the pores to dissolve excess sebum. Dr. Ciraldo suggests that you invest in a product with 2% salicylic acid and that you use it twice daily. She says that salicylic, which is a BHA [betahydroxy acid], is excellent at ungluing dead cell layers from one another and penetrates well into pores, to unclog them, and to release stored up, unhealthy oil and bacteria.

• Spironolactone

According to all the experts who were interviewed, Spironolactone is a diuretic that can be used to treat hormonal acne. Dr. Charles said that it blocks receptors that bind certain types of testosterone and other orrogens. This helps to minimize unwanted effects such as cystic and severe acne.

• Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin (also known as Accutane) is a vitamin A-based medication that can be used to treat hormonal acne. Dr. Charles told that isotretinoin could alter the skin’s response to hormonal fluctuations. It can decrease the activity of oil-producing glands and thereby reduce the severity of this type of acne.

• Retinoids

Vitamin A-based products which reduce pores blockage — prevents acne from forming – are called Retinoids. Dr. Hartman says that they can regulate cell turnover, reduce keratin buildup in pores which leads to clogging, as well as control oil production.

There may be side effects if you use them for a first time. Skin irritation and redness are common. Dr. Hartman says that you should take it slow when starting a topical acne treatment. You may notice some reddening or dryness in the skin. This is normal because some medications can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. However, the some dermatologist-approved products can correct your current routine to prevent it and keep hormonal breakouts at bay. Consult with your dermatologist.