Best Products for Hormonal Acne (Backed by Derms)—Honest Guide for Real Results!
Do you have hormonal acne? If yes, you are in the right place because in this blog we have explained how to avoid hormonal acne. Hormonal acne is a common occurrence. Sometimes we ignore it thinking it to be a pimple. It is actually caused by hormones from the inside, especially when they keep returning to the jawline, chin, or cheeks. And the most frustrating part is that people think this problem can be cured by some random product, but it is not so. But don’t worry, you’re not alone!
I want to tell you that I have also gone through this struggle. I know it is very painful and deep pimples used to come which never went away with any cream. Then I did some research, watched videos of dermats and used some products which really work. This problem of hormonal acne is very bad. I want no one else to go through the struggle that I have gone through. So today I am sharing with you the best products for hormonal acne which real dermatologists recommend and whose results are personally experienced not only by me but also by many people.
Why does hormonal acne occur?
First of all it is very important to know why hormonal acne occurs. Hormonal acne problem is created when your body loses the balance of hormones during periods, stress, PCOS or puberty. In such a situation the oily glands produce more oil. This oil gets clogged in the pores and bacteria start growing due to this and painful acne is formed on your skin. Normal acne creams or facewash usually have no effect on this.
So keeping all these problems of yours in mind, we have selected some products for you which can help in removing your hormonal acne problem, so let’s move ahead without delay.
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
If dark spots remain on your skin after acne, then this product can prove to be a literal game-changer for you. It contains retinol which works by going into the deep layers of your skin. It controls acne as well as fades marks.
I personally use this for my night routine. It is light and does not cause any irritation.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
This product is a little pricey, but if you have cystic or red breakouts then it is totally worth it. It contains benzoyl peroxide which kills acne bacteria, and honestly improvement is seen within 3-5 days.
There may be some dryness initially, so start slow.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc
This product can be a budget-friendly and super effective combo for you. The Niacinamide found in it controls oil and zinc calms the skin. If you are troubled by oily skin and have frequent hormonal breakouts, then this is best for your daily use.
To use this product, you can apply it both day and night.
- Differin Gel (Adapalene)
If you live in the USA, then it is even better for you because this product is available over-the-counter in the USA these days; earlier it was only available on prescription. It’s a retinoid that deeply cleans clogged pores. This gel is quite strong, but if you use it consistently, you can see a very visible difference.
Patience is very important to use it. It can be a little purging in the beginning.
- Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant
You may have heard its name as it is a very popular product and really effective. It contains salicylic acid (BHA) which penetrates inside the pores and removes the gunk. For its use, you can apply it 2 to 3 times a week, which will make your skin look smoother and clearer.
Its best benefit is that it reduces blackheads along with acne.
Best Face Washes to Pair With These Acne Products
Whenever you are using any active products for hormonal acne, such as retinol, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, your face wash should be very gentle and skin-friendly because using harsh cleansers with strong ingredients can make your skin too dry or irritated.
So you don’t need to go anywhere else to find a face wash because we have told you the best face wash for you right here. These two face washes are quite popular among dermatologists and people with acne-prone skin, so let’s move ahead without delay.
- CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
You might be wondering why we should use this cleanser, so don’t worry, we will tell you. It contains ceramides and niacinamide which protect your skin’s natural barrier. It is gentle but cleans oil and dirt well without drying out the skin, so this face wash is best for your oily skin.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser
Best for: Dry or sensitive skin
If your skin is dry and sensitive then this product is best for you because it contains hyaluronic acid which helps in hydrating the skin along with cleaning it.
If your acne gets worse after using any product or your skin feels a little tight or flaky, then this is the perfect face wash.
Suggestion
To remove hormonal acne, the stronger the ingredients you are using, like retinoid, BHA, etc., the simpler, fragrance-free, and non-stripping your cleanser should be. Your aim should be that your face wash only removes dirt because over-cleaning or harsh scrubs can worsen acne problems.
When Products Don’t Work
Do you know that hormonal acne sometimes becomes internal too, which is difficult to treat with just creams. This is what my dermatologist recommends:
Spironolactone: It balances the body’s hormones.
Birth control pills are for period-related acne.
Prescription retinoids or antibiotics are used in severe cases.
This is our advice. If the acne is painful and long-term, please consult a dermatologist.
Extra Tips for Clearer Skin
Use products regularly. Do not change any product after using it for 2 days because acne gradually fades away.
If you use makeup then your makeup should be water-based and non-comedogenic.
Many people touch their face repeatedly after having acne which worsens the problem, so do not touch your face frequently.
Along with this, reduce dairy and sugar in your diet.
If you take stress then keep your stress under control. Not only this, do yoga and it is very important to take 7-8 hours of sleep in a day.
Final Thoughts
Yes, hormonal acne is tough, I can understand that because I have also felt the pain, but with the right products and a little patience, you can achieve clear glowing skin. The best products for hormonal acne are dermatologist-approved, and each product has its own unique benefit.
Start with 1 or 2 products and give it a try for 3 to 4 weeks. Trust me, you will definitely see improvement.