Hormonal acne is a common skin condition that affects many individuals, particularly women, during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Understanding the underlying causes and effective hormonal acne treatments can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne occurs when fluctuations in hormones trigger an increase in oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Unlike typical teenage acne, which can affect any area of the face, hormonal acne is often localized around the lower face, including the jawline, chin, and neck. However, this is not always the case and it is important to gain a diagnosis from a specialist before you embark on treatment.
Causes of Hormonal Acne
Hormonal fluctuations are the primary cause of hormonal acne. Several factors can contribute to these fluctuations, including:
Menstrual Cycle: Many women experience breakouts in the days leading up to their period due to increased progesterone levels.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder can lead to imbalanced hormone levels, resulting in persistent acne.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Changes: Hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy can trigger acne in some women.
Menopause: As hormone levels decline during menopause, many women may experience changes in their skin, including acne.
Symptoms of Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne can manifest in various ways, including:
Painful cysts or nodules
Red and inflamed lesions
Blackheads and whiteheads
Skin that is oily in some areas but dry in others
Hormonal Acne Treatments
Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter products containing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. Our dermatologists regularly recommend this wash (not for sensitive skin).
Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, dermatologists may prescribe topical retinols or oral medications, such as antibiotics or hormonal therapies (like birth control pills), to regulate hormones and reduce acne.
Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, and stress-reduction techniques can positively impact hormone levels and skin health. We know that often this can be hard, or that you’re already following healthy lifestyle choices and acne is resistant.
Nutritional Support: Some studies suggest that supplements such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics may help manage hormonal acne. However, this is not definitive and consulting with a healthcare provider will help identify what will help.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you’re struggling with hormonal acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments or significantly impacts your self-esteem, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist. They can provide a comprehensive assessment, identify underlying hormonal imbalances, and recommend personalised treatment options to help you achieve clearer skin.
Conclusion
Hormonal acne can be frustrating, but understanding its causes and available treatments can empower you to take control of your skin health. At No. 23 Skin, we specialise in treating hormonal acne and offer tailored solutions to help you achieve your skincare goals.
Schedule a consultation today to explore the best options for your unique skin type.
Contact us here to find out more or to ask us about your skin.
Good luck with clearing your skin – I’ve been there (read my story here) so I really do understand.
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Great service from Neda, made me feel very comfortable and knows exactly what she’s talking about. Would highly recommend this company and especially her.
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Kay W
17/03/2026
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I’m not exactly a massive skincare person and, having never been to a dermatologist before, I was definitely a bit out of my element. However, the team at 23 Skin was incredibly friendly and made me feel welcome right away.
Shannon was great, she talked me through the whole process and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. Dr Cherry was also very professional. She explained the logic behind my minor surgery, ensured I knew exactly what to expect, and gave me clear instructions for aftercare. They even set up a follow-up appointment to make sure everything was healing properly.
If you’re looking for a professional & friendly team that makes the whole experience easy and stress-free, I can’t recommend them enough
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louise whitbread
29/01/2026
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Lovely discreet clinic with welcoming staff, I had a BBL laser treatment and facial with Shannon, and she was really detail-oriented and personable, answered all my questions with no pushy sales approach. The treatment was explained really well, and she was clearly very knowledgeable, so I felt very comfortable the entire time. Shannon emailed the next day to check in, which I thought was great customer service - would highly recommend!
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Clodagh Slattery
23/01/2026
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Highly recommend this clinic! I have had BBL and Moxi laser treatment with them and the results are great! My skin feels brighter, healthier and youthful. Shannon is amazing at what she does I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my skin.
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isabel Pias Diaz
19/01/2026
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Excellent, expert advice by people who care. Words cannot express the level of attention and passion you find at this clinic. I have been struggling with my skin for as long as I can remember, dealing with acne and eczema as early as 11 years old. Shannon and Dr Cherry have helped me finally feel in control of my skin.
Recently, I completed the AviClear course with the lovely Shannon and I'm already noticing improvements. I definitely have less cystic spots and oiliness. In my consultation with Dr Armstrong, I received a detailed, thoughtful treatment plan as well. She listened to my concerns and answered all my questions with zero judgement (even if I asked the same question 100 times).
It is evident that everyone here is passionate about what they do and that is felt so strongly by the effort and empathy in their work. I refuse to trust my skin anywhere else. Thank you so much!!! I can't wait for my follow up!
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Alexander Antonyuk
19/01/2026
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The doctor was friendly and professional, the location is very convenient and discrete. There was a small hiccup in the admin process but the staff was friendly and quick to fix it.
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Ines
13/01/2026
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Words cannot express how grateful I am to have found No. 23 Skin. I’ve been coming here to see Shannon for several years now for the signature facial treatments, and my skin looks unrecognisable.
The team is exceptionally attentive and are genuinely invested in your skin’s long-term health rather than focusing on the quick fixes. What I particularly value is also their honesty as they will never push products or treatments you don’t need, and their recommendations are always based on what will actually work for your skin which makes all the difference.
Every treatment feels incredibly tailored and they always take the time to explain what products they are using and why, which as someone with very sensitive skin immediately puts you at ease.
If you’re struggling with acne or want lasting results I cannot recommend No. 23 Skin highly enough. It has been a complete game-changer for my skin and is truly the best decision I’ve made: If there were an option to give more than five stars I would without hesitation.
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amani t q
17/12/2025
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Wonderful experience, super kind staff who make you feel comfortable and the treatment is amazing. Definitely worth investing in!
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Olivia Bye
26/11/2025
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I highly recommend No23 Skin if you’re looking for a dermatologist in London. I went for an in depth skin treatment which started by the wonderful Shannon actually taking the time to find out any concerns I have with my skin to tailor the treatment I needed. I left with my skin glowing and the tightness lasted for several days after with lots of compliments from friends so it truly worked. The before and aftercare was amazing and detailed. Shannon wrote me some notes before I left the Clinic and gave me some products to apply and it was followed through with an email reminder of how to care for my skin over the next few days after my micro needling. The London clinic is a short walk away from High Street Kensington tube station and is super convenient to get to. It’s also located near plenty of shops for a before or after treat. If you need a dermatologist in London then look no further than No23 Skin. I’ve already booked to go back!
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Margaret Bailey
13/11/2025
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I had a review session with Dr Cherry a couple of weeks ago and followed by a BBL session with Shannon. Dr Cherry is lovely and confirmed that all was OK so that was reassuring. Shannon is so professional and thought a BBL treatment would be ideal for my face which has uneven pigmentation. Two weeks on I am absolutely delighted. My skin tone is much more even and looks so much more 'alive'. Thank you to all at No23 Skin Clinic
Referrers Club
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If you tell someone else about us and they book a doctor consultation or treatment, we will give you both £50 off your next treatment.
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