A pimple (a.k.a. zit) is caused when your face’s oil glands overproduce oil that combines with dead skin cells, blocking your pores and hair follicles. Bacteria develop in these clogged follicles and pores, causing the body to respond with the puss and redness we're all familiar with.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Although it’s common, accurate information about acne can be scarce.

Not just teens have acne. A growing number of women have acne in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Dermatologists are not sure why this is happening. But dermatologists understand that adult acne can be particularly frustrating.

While hormones play a role in the formation of all acne, there is also an acne condition specifically known as hormonal acne. This condition involves acne breakouts arising from the interaction of one’s hormones on the skin.

Hormonal acne does not necessarily mean that one’s hormones are imbalanced. It simply means that the individual's hormones are activating the oil glands in the skin so as to cause acne.

Hormonal acne is most often seen in women and can occur in teenagers or it may happen in adult women that never even had acne as a teenager. Flares of hormonal acne often occur either right before or after the menstrual cycle. There is some speculation that IUDs can lead to acne breakouts, however, it is not a certainty that any type of birth control actually causes acne directly, just that certain ones will not help with it if you’re prone to outbreaks.

Unless a patient also has irregular menstrual periods or signs of a hormonal imbalance, blood work is not needed when hormonal acne is present.

Hormonal acne often appears on the lower part of the face, including the area surrounding the jawline and the lower regions of the cheeks. It can also appear on the neck. This type of acne consists of deeper pimples that patients often describe as “not coming to a head”. As a result, hormonal acne is quite tender.

Hormone fluctuations caused by menstruation, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and increased androgen levels are known to aggravate acne by increasing the production of oil (sebum) in the skin’s pores.

Dermatologists are able to diagnose and offer treatment options for hormonal acne. Hormonal acne is best treated using spironolactone (a diuretic) or certain oral contraceptives. These options may require patience, since their effects often appear after months, but they can be quite effective. A new prescription topical cream known as clascoterone or Winlevi® will soon also be available to treat hormonal acne.

Spironolactone targets the hormonal causes that trigger acne for women. It is not an option for men, since it is known to cause a number of side effects and decrease levels of testosterone.

Apart from spironolactone, certain oral contraceptives are also recommended for women to treat hormonal acne. These options also are not meant for use by men.

The new treatment option for hormonal acne, clascoterone (also called Winlevi®), is a cream that reduces the effects that hormone influxes have on inflammation and oil production. It was approved by the FDA in August 2020 for treating acne vulgaris. It can be used by both men and women.

Myths about acne are as common as the skin problem itself. One common myth is that you have to let acne run its course. Dermatologists know that letting acne runs its course is not always the best advice. See our treatment options for acne. Here’s why Without treatment, dark spots and permanent scars can appear on the skin as acne clears. Treating acne not only helps to avoid these blemishes, it also often boosts a person’s self-esteem. Many effective treatments are available at affordable prices.

• AviClear Acne Laser Treatment
• Birth Control Pills
• Isotretinoin
• Spironolactone
• Topical Retinoid
• Laser Treatment for Scars

Click to see our acne treatment page.