Top 6 Skincare Remedies for Hormonal Acne

I’m not sure if it’s the extra stressful times or just another sign of the mid-to-late twenties, but I’m experiencing the thing I’ve always dreaded most: acne. As someone who didn’t have to struggle with it much through my teenage years (yes, I know how lucky I am), I found this recent ordeal confusing…to say the least.

Initially, I wondered if it was just an adverse reaction to something I ate or used on my skin. After some initial research, all the signs pointed toward hormonal acne—the unpleasant pimples started popping up just about monthly, they were more painful than typical whiteheads, and they all seemed to crowd around my jawline. So, as one does, I continued to research. After finding some products that helped, I wanted to share my wealth of knowledge. If you find yourself in a similar boat, here are 6 products and ingredients you need to incorporate into your skincare routine, stat.

Retinol

Retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) gets all the hype, and for good reason. Retinol checks all the boxes for clearing pores and keeping skin breakout-free—it reduces oil production, minimizes inflammation, and boosts cell turnover for a calm, even-toned complexion.

If you’re new to retinol, start by using it two days on, two days off and work your way up to daily use, and always follow with sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin.

Beautylish recommends Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Salicylic (BHA) or Lactic Acid (AHA)

Both salicylic and lactic acids gently exfoliate the skin to unclog pores, clear excess sebum, and reduce inflammation to reveal glowing, blemish-free skin.

For salicylic acid , Beautylish recommends Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleansing Toner, Holifrog Halo AHA and BHA Evening Serum, or Sunday Riley UFO Ultra Clarifying Face Oil

For lactic acid , Beautylish recommends Sunday Riley Good Genes All In One Lactic Acid Treatment

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential—acne or not—but especially when using powerful ingredients, like retinols, AHAs, and BHAs. Make sure to protect your skin with a gentle, non-greasy sunscreen. No excuses.

Beautylish recommends Farmacy Green Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen or Hourglass Equilibrium Day Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Sulfur

If you’re searching for a more gentle alternative to salicylic or lactic acid, here it is! Sulfur is a staple in natural medicine for its antimicrobial properties—it helps absorb excess oil and unclog pores to prevent breakouts without overdrying the skin.

Beautylish recommends Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask

Stress reducers

While hormonal acne is most commonly associated with menstruation, stress can also trigger a hormonal imbalance. Up your water intake, get some exercise, snooze for 7-8 hours a night, and do whatever it takes to calm your mind—it’ll trickle down to your skin, too.

Beautylish recommends True Botanicals Stress Relief Aromatherapy or Lord Jones Gel Capsules

Silk Pillowcase

Speaking of sleep, silk pillowcases aren’t just great for the hair but also the skin. Silk is less absorbent than other common pillowcase fabrics, like cotton and bamboo, so it won’t absorb the oil and dirt on your skin for you to sleep on the following night.

Beautylish recommends Slip Queen Standard Silk Pillowcase

Remember, everyone’s skin is different. If topical treatments don’t work, we recommend consulting with a skincare professional. If you notice any changes in your skin, visiting a dermatologist is always a good idea.