What Causes Hormonal Breakouts?

Written by: Delaney Schick, RN BSN

A spot-on explanation.

If you’ve ever noticed breakouts popping up like clockwork around your period—or experienced persistent acne that just won’t quit no matter how carefully you cleanse—there’s a good chance hormones are playing a role. Hormonal acne is one of the most common (and most frustrating) skin issues women face, and understanding why it happens is the first step to treating it effectively.

Let’s take a fresh look at what causes hormonal breakouts, how your menstrual cycle fits in, and what you can do to support your skin from the inside out.

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne isn’t just a teenage issue—many women experience it well into adulthood. Unlike occasional blemishes caused by clogged pores or environmental factors, hormonal acne is closely linked to shifts in your internal hormone levels.¹ These breakouts often show up in specific patterns, like:

Deep, painful cysts along the jawline or chin
Breakouts that flare up before your period
Acne on the cheeks, back, or chest
Persistent blackheads or whiteheads that don’t respond to typical skincare

Hormonal acne can be stubborn because it’s driven by changes beneath the surface of your skin—not just what’s happening in your skincare routine.

How Hormones Trigger Acne

Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate everything from your metabolism to your mood—and yes, your skin². The key players in hormonal acne are:

Androgens: These “male” hormones (like testosterone) are present in all bodies but can become elevated or more active during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. Androgens stimulate your sebaceous (oil) glands, leading to increased oil production. More oil = a greater chance of clogged pores and breakouts.
Estrogen and Progesterone: These “female” hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. When estrogen and progesterone levels drop (especially in the days before your period), androgen levels can become more dominant by comparison. This hormonal imbalance is one of the most common triggers for premenstrual acne.
Cortisol: Your stress hormone. Chronic stress can elevate cortisol, which in turn stimulates oil production and inflammation—two big contributors to acne.

The Menstrual Cycle and Breakouts: What’s the Connection?

Your skin is incredibly responsive to the hormonal rhythm of your menstrual cycle. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each phase can impact your complexion:

Follicular Phase (Days 1–14): Estrogen begins to rise. Skin often looks clearer, brighter, and more hydrated.
Ovulation (Around Day 14): Estrogen peaks, but androgens also rise slightly. You might notice some mild congestion or oiliness.
Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Progesterone increases, which can cause skin to swell slightly and trap oil. As estrogen and progesterone drop near the end of this phase, androgens dominate, leading to breakouts for many people.
Menstruation (Day 1 of your period): You might see an uptick in breakouts, but as your cycle resets and estrogen rises again, your skin often starts to calm down.

Tracking your cycle and skin symptoms can be a helpful way to understand your own unique pattern and anticipate when breakouts might strike.

Other Common Hormonal Acne Triggers

While the menstrual cycle is a major factor, other hormone-related issues can also contribute to acne:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common condition marked by higher androgen levels, which can lead to persistent, cystic acne.
Coming off hormonal birth control: Stopping the pill can cause a temporary hormonal rollercoaster as your body recalibrates, often leading to flare-ups.
Stress & poor sleep: Both can disrupt hormone balance and worsen inflammation.
Diet & gut health: High-sugar or highly processed foods, along with gut imbalances, may aggravate hormonal acne by increasing insulin and androgen activity.

Supporting Your Skin From the Inside Out

Because hormonal acne is an inside job, the most effective treatments often work internally—supporting hormonal balance, calming inflammation, and promoting healthy skin function.

This is where FLO Acne comes in. FLO Acne Capsules are formulated specifically to address hormonal breakouts at their root using clinically-studied ingredients that support clearer skin from the inside out. They’re designed to help with multiple types of acne, including pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, hormonal breakouts, and even back or body acne.*

Here’s how FLO Acne works:

Lactoferrin: A vegetarian protein that supports gut and immune health while helping reduce inflammation—a key driver of hormonal breakouts. It’s especially helpful for minimizing whiteheads and blackheads.
Zinc: This powerful mineral plays a key role in regulating oil production and supporting immune function. Zinc helps keep your skin's oil levels in check, making it a great ally for acne-prone skin.
Vitamin E: A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect your skin from free radical damage. It also supports overall skin repair and healing.

These ingredients work together to promote balanced, clear skin—without harsh chemicals or irritating topicals. FLO Acne is vegetarian, gluten-free, non-GMO, and cruelty-free, making it a great fit for most lifestyles.

For best results, take one capsule a day with water, and be consistent. Most people see noticeable improvements after two months of daily use.*

Pimple Patches: The Power of Hydrocolloid

Many people who experience hormonal acne use pimple patches (and not all of them are equal in their effectiveness). FLO Pimple Patches are thicker hydrocolloid patches that absorb oil, flatten pimples fast, and help prevent picking. These are a great addition to any skin routine—especially for the ones that benefit from daily protection.

Hormonal Acne Isn’t Just a “Skin Issue”

If you’re dealing with hormonal acne, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong. These breakouts are a reflection of what’s going on internally, often tied to totally normal hormonal shifts. Understanding the rhythm of your cycle—and supporting your skin from the inside out—can help you get ahead of breakouts and feel more confident in your skin.

Remember: healing hormonal acne takes time, consistency, and a bit of patience. But with the right support, including supplements like FLO Acne, you can bring your skin back into balance—naturally.