Hormonal Acne and Your Cycle: Causes and Natural Remedies

Hormonal acne is more than just a frustrating skin condition—it’s often a window into what’s happening inside your body. Many women notice a flare-up of acne around their menstrual cycle, and that’s no coincidence. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger excess oil production, inflammation, and changes in skin cell turnover, all of which contribute to breakouts.

The good news? By understanding the connection between your hormones and your skin, and incorporating herbal remedies into your routine, you can address hormonal acne naturally. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of hormonal acne, the role your cycle plays, and the best herbs to help restore balance and clear your skin.

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne typically manifests as deep, painful cysts or smaller pimples on the lower half of the face, such as the jawline, chin, and cheeks. It’s often cyclical, worsening at specific points in the menstrual cycle, but can also be persistent in cases of chronic hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms of Hormonal Acne:

• Deep, cystic breakouts

• Spots concentrated around the jawline and chin

• Worsening acne before your period

• Increased sensitivity and inflammation

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is driven by fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens (hormones such as testosterone, which are more typically associated with men but are a normal part of women's hormonal balance), oestrogen, and progesterone. These hormones can impact your skin in the following ways:

1. Increased Androgen Levels

Androgens like testosterone stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands, leading to excess oil production. This creates an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria, such as Cutibacterium acnes.

2. Oestrogen and Progesterone Imbalances

Oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Low oestrogen or low progesterone relative to androgens can exacerbate acne by failing to counterbalance androgen activity.

3. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Hormonal changes can trigger systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which worsen acne by increasing redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the skin.

4. Stress and Cortisol

Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which disrupts hormonal balance and can lead to more frequent and severe breakouts.

How Your Cycle Influences Hormonal Acne

Your menstrual cycle is divided into distinct phases, each characterised by fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens. These hormonal shifts can directly impact your skin:

• Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): Oestrogen levels rise during this phase, often improving skin by reducing oil production and promoting skin cell turnover.

• Ovulation (Around Day 14): Oestrogen peaks and then drops, while testosterone spikes, which can temporarily increase oil production and lead to breakouts.

• Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Progesterone rises and may thicken the skin’s sebaceous gland lining, trapping oil and bacteria. Low oestrogen and high androgens in this phase can worsen acne.

• Menstruation (Days 1-7 of the Next Cycle): Hormone levels are at their lowest, leading to dryness or sensitivity, but some women may experience inflammatory acne if androgens remain elevated.

Herbal Remedies for Hormonal Acne

Herbs can play a powerful role in managing hormonal acne by addressing the root causes, such as balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, and supporting detoxification. Here are the top herbs to incorporate into your regimen:

1. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Overview:

Spearmint is naturally anti-androgenic, making it an excellent herb for reducing testosterone-driven acne.

Mechanism of Action:

• Reduces Androgens: Studies have shown that spearmint tea lowers free testosterone levels, helping to reduce excess oil production.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Spearmint’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe redness and swelling associated with acne.

How to Use:

• Drink 1-2 cups of spearmint tea daily. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves in hot water for 10 minutes.

2. Vitex Agnus-castus (Chaste Tree)

Overview:

Vitex is a powerful herb for balancing oestrogen and progesterone levels, especially in women experiencing premenstrual acne.

Mechanism of Action:

• Supports Progesterone Production: Vitex stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which encourages the production of progesterone.

• Regulates the Menstrual Cycle: By modulating the balance of oestrogen and progesterone, Vitex helps prevent hormone-driven acne flare-ups.

3. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

Overview:

Burdock root is a detoxifying herb that supports liver function and reduces inflammation, helping to clear acne from the inside out.

Mechanism of Action:

• Liver Support: Burdock root enhances the liver’s ability to process and eliminate excess hormones.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Rich in antioxidants, burdock root reduces systemic inflammation that contributes to acne.

How to Use:

• Burdock root can be taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule. For tea, simmer 1-2 teaspoons of dried root in water for 10-15 minutes.

4. Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Overview:

Liquorice root is a multi-functional herb that helps balance cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, and modulate androgens.

Mechanism of Action:

• Anti-Androgenic: Liquorice root decreases androgen activity, helping to control excess oil production.

• Cortisol Regulation: By supporting the adrenal glands, liquorice helps stabilise cortisol levels, reducing stress-related breakouts.

How to Use:

• Take liquorice root as a tea or tincture. A typical dose is 1-2 grams of dried root per day. Note: Avoid prolonged use if you have high blood pressure.

5. Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)

Overview:

Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that supports hormonal balance and reduces inflammation.

Mechanism of Action:

• Balances Hormones: GLA helps regulate oestrogen and progesterone levels, reducing cyclical acne flare-ups.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Its anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and irritation in the skin.

How to Use:

• Take 1,000-2,000 mg of evening primrose oil daily as a supplement.

6. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Overview:

Neem is a traditional Ayurvedic herb with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. Below are the topical mechanisms of action.

Mechanism of Action:

• Antibacterial: Neem combats acne-causing bacteria.

• Anti-Inflammatory: It reduces redness, swelling, and irritation in the skin.

How to Use:

• Apply neem oil topically to affected areas or use neem powder to make a face mask.

Other Natural Remedies to Support Clear Skin

While herbs are powerful allies, combining them with other natural approaches can enhance your results:

• Nutrient Support: Ensure adequate intake of zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids for skin health.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support detoxification.

• Reduce Sugar: Minimize high-glycemic foods that spike insulin and exacerbate acne.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

If hormonal acne persists despite using natural remedies, it may indicate a deeper hormonal imbalance or underlying health condition. Working with a healthcare provider or herbalist can help you create a personalised plan to address your specific needs.

If you’re ready to tackle hormonal acne naturally, I’m here to help. Book a consultation to explore a tailored approach that supports your skin and overall health.

Conclusion

Hormonal acne can be a frustrating cycle, but it’s also an opportunity to listen to your body and address imbalances from within. By incorporating herbs like spearmint, Vitex, and burdock root, and supporting your skin with a holistic approach, you can achieve clearer skin and greater overall well-being. Remember, healing takes time, but with the right tools and guidance, you can regain confidence in your skin and feel your best at every stage of your cycle.