How long does hormonal acne last?

Will hormonal acne go away on its own?

There is no fixed age when hormonal acne stops. Teenage acne often improves after adolescence, but adult acne can persist, start for the first time, or return after a clear spell. Acne can also occur during and after menopause, so reaching menopause is not a reliable end date. Hormonal changes can increase sebum, the oil your skin produces. Oil and dead skin cells can block pores, with bacteria contributing to inflammation. Periods, pregnancy, stopping birth control and testosterone treatment can trigger breakouts. A recurring pattern needs ongoing control rather than waiting for the current spots to disappear.1245

How long does treatment take?

Early improvement is not the same as complete clearing. If treatment is helping, continue it as directed even after your skin clears to prevent new breakouts. Hormonal therapy can be used for a long time when it works; clearing does not necessarily mean the tendency to develop acne has ended.36

What should you do while treatment works?

An acne treatment routine can use just one or two products, rather than an entire bathroom shelf auditioning for the same job. Changing treatments every few days can irritate skin and worsen breakouts.3

1. 1Wash gently morning and evening with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing, and cleanse after sweating.
2. 2Apply acne medication according to the label or your prescriber's instructions. Spread a thin layer over acne prone areas, not only visible spots.
3. 3Choose skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, a more useful label than a promise of 'perfect skin'. Noncomedogenic means less likely to clog pores, although some products still cause breakouts in some people.
4. 4Remove makeup before bed. If your skin is dry, use a fragrance free, water based moisturizer.
5. 5Avoid picking or squeezing spots. Picking can slow healing and cause scars.

When should you see a doctor?

Get medical help for deep, painful lumps, scarring, worsening acne, or acne affecting your mental health. Do not wait through months of self treatment if these are already happening. Hot, swollen and red skin also needs assessment for infection. Sudden adult acne alongside irregular periods or excess body hair deserves assessment for a hormonal disorder such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Acne alone does not diagnose a hormone imbalance. Tell your clinician about medicines and supplements, including testosterone or steroids.24567

For women with stubborn lower face or jawline acne, a dermatologist can assess whether spironolactone or a combined pill is suitable. These are daily prescription treatments, not options to start yourself. Spironolactone usually involves follow up visits every 4 to 6 weeks initially. Contact your dermatologist promptly for possible serious side effects, such as arm or leg cramping.6

If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, ask your clinician to review your acne treatment. Isotretinoin must not be used during pregnancy, and topical retinoids should be avoided. Spironolactone requires birth control because pregnancy exposure can cause serious birth defects.126