What’s the Best Face Wash for Hormonal Acne?
When changes in hormones trigger superficial pimples and deep, painful cysts, it's essential to audit your skincare routine for products that may intensify breakouts. So, why not start with the most fundamental product: your daily cleanser? Today, we’re exploring the causes of hormonal acne and highlighting the best face wash options to complement your acne treatment system.
What is hormonal acne?
Common in adult women, hormonal acne often strikes right when you think you’ve escaped the clutches of puberty. Here’s what you need to know:
What causes hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne typically appears when hormone levels fluctuate, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or when starting or stopping birth control. These changes can cause:
Increased sebum production: Excess oil can quickly lead to clogged pores.
Changes in cellular regeneration: As cell turnover slows, dead skin cells can build up on the skin’s surface.
Inflammatory response: Hormonal shifts may spike inflammation, causing breakouts to become redder, deeper, and more painful.
Bacterial overgrowth: C. acnes bacteria thrive in oily, clogged pores, compounding existing breakouts.
How can you tell if you have hormonal acne?
Many people with hormonal acne eventually notice a pattern behind their breakouts. These events may occur during specific times of the menstrual cycle and typically appear along the chin, jawline, and neck, also known as the “hormonal belt.”
If a medical condition like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is to blame, you may also experience symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, thinning hair, or weight gain.
Hormonal acne vs cystic acne
Because hormonal acne often manifests as deep, painful cysts, it can be hard to differentiate between hormonal and cystic acne. However, cystic acne is usually more severe and less predictable. It may start during puberty and persist indefinitely, demanding aggressive treatment.
Related: Your Guide to the Benefits of a Dermaplaning Facial
How is hormonal acne treated?
Driven by hormonal changes, this type of acne often requires a holistic treatment approach, including:
Topical treatments
When used alongside the best face wash for hormonal acne, the following topical products can make a big difference in your results:
Benzoyl peroxide
Salicylic acid
Azelaic acid
Niacinamide
Tea tree oil
Topical retinoids, like adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene
Oral treatments
Your dermatologist may prescribe oral medications, such as:
Birth control
Spironolactone
Antibiotics
Retinoids like isotretinoin
Metformin
Readily available OTC supplements like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce inflammation and improve your overall results.
Specialist treatments
Professional treatments like chemical peels, laser treatments, phototherapy, microneedling, and cortisone injections may soothe inflammation, minimize dark spots, and address some of the underlying causes of hormonal acne.
Related: What To Do After a Facial: Your Post-Care Guide
What’s the best face wash for hormonal acne?
Ready to discover the best face wash to help clear up hormonal acne? Here are a few great options to consider:
Foaming cleansers for oily skin
Many cleansers leave behind a film or residue that traps dirt, oil, and other impurities, but not a quality foaming cleanser. These mild face wash solutions, like the Foaming Cleanser with Amino Acids from GlyMed+, are best for folks with hormonal acne who want to maintain optimal moisture levels.
Gel cleansers for dry skin
If you have dry, sensitive skin that’s irritated from harsh acne treatments, a great gel cleanser might be right for you. These products effectively remove impurities from the skin without compromising the lipid barrier or stripping vital moisture. The GlyMed+ Gentle Gel Cleaner is a mild face wash for hormonal acne that’s best for folks who don’t need aggressive oil control.
Salicylic acid cleansers
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates deep within pores to break down excess oil and dead skin cells, making it one of the best noncomedogenic ingredients for a high-quality hormonal acne face wash.
This anti-inflammatory powerhouse is paired with soothing aloe vera and green tea extract in the GlyMed+ Purifying Cleanser, formulated specifically for oily and combination skin types.
Glycolic acid cleansers
Glycolic acid, a popular alpha-hydroxy acid, works on the skin’s surface to boost cell turnover, smooth uneven skin texture, and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The Glycolic Acid Cleanser from GlyMed+ provides a deep clean while brightening skin, tightening pores, and preventing future breakouts.
Exfoliating cleansers
When even the best standalone exfoliant isn’t enough to reverse hormonal acne, you may need to incorporate a face wash that helps shed dead skin cells.
Both the Exfoliating Cleanser and Clear Exfoliant Cleanser from GlyMed+ combine chemical and physical exfoliants with calming aloe vera to effectively clear acne-prone skin.
Benzoyl peroxide cleansers
Harmful bacteria can intensify hormonal acne, but benzoyl peroxide is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, delivering a one-two punch to pesky breakouts. Consider the GlyMed+ Clear Skin Cleanser to combat stubborn acne and prevent new pimples from forming. If you experience side effects like dry, flaky skin, you can always add a hyaluronic acid serum to your skincare routine to lock in moisture.
Related: What to Expect With Laser Skin Rejuvenation: Before and After
Take the first step toward clear skin at Silken Aesthetics!
While face wash alone probably won’t cure your hormonal acne, combining it with topical treatments and professional facials can give you the best chance of success. Reach out to the experts at Silken Aesthetics today to discover how we can help you achieve radiant, blemish-free skin!