7 Ways To Tackle Hormonal Acne Outbreaks

Not all blemishes are created equal. Sure, there are those you can put down to the nights you didn’t take your makeup off or the ones that crop up after you’ve had a full on weekend of chocolate boozing – but for the stubborn pimples that seem to appear whenever they feel like it, no matter how well you’ve eaten, drank and taken care of your skin? Yep, they’re the most annoying of them all. 

And while it’s always a good idea to address your skincare routine and general wellbeing habits if you’re constantly breaking out – hormonal acne sometimes takes a little more TLC to shift. Here are some of the best tips and tricks to banish the blemishes… 

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Look For Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in lots of blemish treatments. Although it might sound scary (acid on your face? Agh no thanks pal) it’s really not. Salicylic Acid reduces swelling and redness – apply directly onto your blemish before bed and in the morning to help conceal spots. 

Try popping a Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots with Salicylic Acid, £17.50 (for 48 dots), directly on top of your spot when you’re on-the-go. They’re completely transparent so are pretty much invisible once you’ve got one on.  

Want to banish the blemish overnight? Drop some of The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, £4.20, onto your pimples before bed. 

Try light therapy 

If your spots are really stubborn, you might want to try an at-home light therapy treatment. Available in the form of masks and spot-on treatments, the blue light kills bacteria, whilst the red light works to reduce inflammation.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask, £59.99

Tria Positively Clear Acne Clearing Blue Light, £199

Go for an anti-blemish facial 

Facials might sound like a bit of a boujee treatment that only celebrities get, but if you’re struggling with outbreaks they can be really effective. The therapist will give your skin a thorough cleanse, before targeting blemishes directly. Plus, you’re most likely to be given an at-home treatment plan afterwards too.

Two to try are the Murad Blemish Control facial, from £75 and the Elemis Biotec Blemish Control Facial, price dependent on salon – available nationwide.

Check your diet

Even if your spots are hormonal, certain foods might still trigger your pimples. Try looking to your diet – making sure you’re drinking plenty of water and try limiting refined carbs and dairy to see if it helps. 

Drink green tea

While you’re focusing on your diet it’s worth upping your intake of green tea, too.

Research shows that drinking green tea helps to reduced inflammation in the skin – meaning if you’ve got a prominent spot, it may help to bring down the swelling and redness more quickly. Pass us the kettle. 

Exfoliate

When your acne is hormonal, you want to have an efficient skincare routine – but sometimes less is more. Steer clear from grainy, physical exfoliators like scrubs, as these could be too harsh on the blemish, scrape away the head and lead to infection.

Chemical exfoliators are better for active spots – so look for something with lactic acid or fruit enzymes like Pixi’s Glow Tonic, £18. 

Limit stress

Last but definitely not least – try not to stress out about your skin! We know it sounds easier than it is – but stress is very often another trigger for hormonal acne. Try to manage stress through things like yoga, exercise or meditation to avoid making your pimples worse.