Hormonal acne is another term for adult acne caused by fluctuations in hormones. “Hormones can cause your sebaceous glands to overproduce oil, which can combine with dead skin cells to clog pores and cause acne,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Hormonal changes in adulthood that might trigger acne could be menstruation, pregnancy, menopause or other medical conditions or treatments. If this is the root cause of your breakouts, tailoring your skin care regimen for hormonal acne can help target existing breakouts and may help prevent future blemishes from forming. Follow along as we answer some questions about hormonal acne, including:

• What’s the best treatment for hormonal acne?
• When should I see a dermatologist for hormonal acne?
• What are the best products for hormonal acne?

What’s the best treatment for hormonal acne?

There are a variety of cleansers, toners and other treatments that contain active ingredients formulated to help improve acne and prevent new breakouts from forming, making them great candidates to include in your skin care routine for hormonal acne. Here’s the lowdown on some of the most popular acne-eliminating active ingredients:

• Benzoyl peroxide, which helps kill acne-causing bacteria and also removes excess oil and dead skin cells
• Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are exfoliators that help clear away dead skin cells that can clog pores, leading to breakouts
• Retinoids and retinol, which can help prevent acne by boosting cellular turnover
• Niacinamide, which can help improve the severity of acne by reducing inflammation

When should I see a dermatologist for hormonal acne?

If you aren’t seeing improvements with over-the-counter topical acne treatments at home, consider making an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist. “They can work with you to determine the root cause of your acne and, if needed, put together a dermatologist-recommended skin care routine for hormonal acne,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “That might include prescription-strength topical creams or oral medications such as tretinoin or spironolactone, which help slow oil production in your skin.”

The best products for hormonal acne

With so many options out there, it can be a challenge to know where to start when it comes to assembling your own skin care routine for hormonal acne. Here are a few of the best products for hormonal acne treatment, according to the LovelySkin Team.

Dr. Zenovia Skincare 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cleanser

This face cleanser contains an effective lineup of active ingredients to help combat hormonal acne. It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide to target acne as well as REG-gulate360 Complex, a proprietary blend of ingredients that is formulated to help restore hormonally imbalanced skin. Aloe vera helps cut down on redness and inflammation from active breakouts, while bakuchiol —an ingredient that acts similarly to retinol—encourages cellular turnover to help keep pores clear.

LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser

When it comes to the best face wash for hormonal acne, this is a top pick from Dr. Schlessinger’s own LovelySkin LUXE line. “Regular exfoliation not only helps prevent new breakouts from forming, but it also can help reduce the appearance of lingering scars from hormonal acne,” he says. This face wash encourages exfoliation with a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid and afaLUXE, a blend of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, Dead Sea minerals and vitamin C.

LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild

Prevention is a key strategy when it comes to addressing hormonal acne, this exfoliating facial gel is one of the best hormonal acne treatments because it helps prevent the clogged pores that ultimately lead to breakouts. A 11% concentration of afaLUXE helps gently yet effectively exfoliate skin as well as encourage cell renewal. “With regular use, this gel can help to reduce acne, improve the appearance of large pores and boost collagen production as well,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel

With 0.1% adapalene, this treatment gel from La Roche-Posay is the first prescription-strength topical retinoid available to treat acne without a prescription. Adapalene is a synthetic molecule that acts like vitamin A by helping to keep dead skin cells from blocking your pores, which could otherwise lead to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. It's formulated to help clear existing breakouts and prevent future hormonal acne without leaving skin feeling dry or flaky.

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Acne Eliminating Pads

The dynamic duo of salicylic acid and glycolic acid comes together to team up against hormonal acne in this daily treatment. Glycolic acid, an AHA, has antibacterial properties and helps loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be swept away rather than settling into pores where they can contribute to acne. Meanwhile, salicylic acid is a BHA that penetrates deeper into your skin to help unclog pores and eliminate excess oil. Pre-soaked pads make for easy application at home or on the go.

Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Sleeping Facial

This nightly treatment cream was specifically formulated for skin that’s prone to hormonal breakouts, making it a must-have for your skin care routine for hormonal acne. It contains silver and manuka honey—which both have antibacterial properties—to neutralize acne-causing bacteria as well as niacinamide to help regulate oil and reduce redness.

Jan Marini Skin Research Age Intervention Duality MD

Looking for a product to address your hormonal acne as well as signs of aging? This unique night cream is actually two treatments in one: The dual-chambered packaging dispenses an anti-acne cream from one side and an anti-aging cream from the other, which you can easily blend together in your palm before applying. The acne cream helps zap hormonal breakouts with 10% benzoyl peroxide and anti-inflammatory ingredients while the anti-aging cream combines 1% retinol with peptides to help skin look brighter and more even.

Eminence Organics Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer

A nourishing moisturizer is not to be overlooked in your skin care regimen for hormonal acne, and this one is formulated specifically to help correct hormonally imbalanced skin due to menopause or other factors. It contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as yucca extract, flaxseed, red clover, hops and stone crop, a succulent that has hydrating properties to help keep your skin looking smooth and well-hydrated.

Curious about prescription acne treatments? You can read about LovelySkin Social Media Lead Ashley's experience with Accutane treatment to help with acne and acne scarring.