Are you searching for the reason behind that sudden fatigue, low mood, acne breakouts, weight gain, or loss? It can be hormones. Hormone production happens in the endocrine system and releases into the bloodstream. When your body faces major types of changes like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, the production of excess or shortage of hormones creates changes in our body and mood. Though every change is awkward, we think hormonal acne is the worst thing among them.
Hormonal acne is common in women due to the wide variety of factors that could trigger hormonal fluctuations. They come in many forms, from comedones, whiteheads or blackheads, papules, and pustules to cysts. 50% of women face a major type of acne at the age of 20 to 29. A few among them struggle with acne even in their 40s.
When hormonal acne attacks you, the first and foremost shield to protect your skin is a good face wash. Therefore, here we are to discuss 10 shields to treat your hormonal acne.
Best 10 Face Washes for Hormonal Acne In 2022
When hormonal changes influence the skin, it is hard to deal with acne. Natural treatments may help you get rid of acne, but there are various cleansing formulations to deal with acne caused by hormonal changes.
1. TreeActiv Acne Eliminating Face Cleanser
While treating acne, dealing with the root is the wise way to prevent them. Therefore, TreeActiv Acne eliminating cleanser works deep down to eradicate the cause of acne. The Face Cleanser is actually based on sulfur. It is a natural ingredient that fights bacteria. Sulfur also provides a strong antiseptic role. It generates new healthy skin cells, removes blackheads and whiteheads. At the same time, it blurs all the acne blemishes.
Another important role of this product is to balance oil production. A certain degree of oily is necessary for your skin, but excess oil production blocks the pores and generates acne. This face wash helps to eliminate excess oil, facilitate the essential sebum production and prevent pore-clogging.
With added Vitamin C to the formulation, the face cleanser manages to boost the skin’s natural processes. One of these processes refers to collagen production. Collagen is a type of essential protein for proper skin vitality and youthfulness. With extra ingredients such as activated charcoal, honey, pumice, and essential peppermint oil, the face wash manages to be a more complex solution to control the multiple acne causes.
You can also try their other acne eliminating products like body spray, serum, and pillow spray to get the best and fast result.
- Fights with several acne-causing issues
- Balances the sebum production
- Plays a strong antiseptic role
- Boosts collagen generation to offer skin vitality
- Improves new cell generation
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser
If you do not have dry or sensitive skin, cleansing your face twice a day is necessary. A morning cleansing helps to remove all the excess sebum on your face produced overnight. As well, a night cleansing eradicates all the environmental aggressors you have on your face. To fight the atmospheric pollution and excess oil, La Roche Posay arrived with a 2% salicylic acid formula.
La Roche Posay Acne Cleanser is a dermatologists’ developed formula that enhances and promotes good skin care treatments. The 2.0% salicylic acid enters deep into the skin and eradicates all the acne-causing germs and dirt to ensure thorough cleansing.
Its micro-exfoliating LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid) helps target oily patches on the skin surface and gently remove debris and dirt.
This cleanser fights against inflammation due to skin itches and acne breakouts.
For people with oily skin, this face wash is bliss. It assists in the removal of all dirt and oil build-up on the face. Last but not least, this formula is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and does not create skin sensitivity.
- Enhances thorough cleansing
- Purifies the skin from stubborn germs and dirt
- Dermatologists’-developed formula to ensure the best skincare
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
3. Dr. Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments and face wash. It contains powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Releasing oxygen into the pores during the application kills the acne-causing bacteria below the skin surface and prevents an outbreak. Dr. Song is one of the best skincare products for hormonal acne in both facial and body areas.
It contains a non-irritating formula and deep penetrating medical-grade micro-benzoyl peroxide. This Benzoyl peroxide clears out acne, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads without causing any dryness, redness, or skin irritation.
It also exfoliates and increases the turnover rate of skin cells to clear up spots and helps reduce the redness and soreness of a zit. This product is useful in all cases of acne outbreaks and is suitable for people of all ages.
- Penetrate deep to kill all the harmful bacteria
- Beneficial for all types of acne, including pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, etc
- It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Suitable for both teens and adults
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser
This face wash is specially formulated to clean the pores gently and treats existing acne. It removes 93% of the surface oil, thereby killing all acne-causing bacteria before they manifest.
Luckily, the face wash is Oil-free and never leaves a residue. Its Micro clear technology helps outsmart acne by dissolving oil, which improves salicylic acid delivery to the source of acne breakout at its core.
However, be careful if you are using any other topical acne medication. Using more than one acne removing skin treatment may damage the skin more.
- Clinically proven acne breakouts treatment
- Eliminates excess oil from the skin
- Boosts delivery of salicylic acid
- Clears up all the pore-clogging germs, and dirt.
5. Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser is specially designed to target the root of skin problems. It gives no chance for oil and dirt residue on the skin surface.
Biore Skincare products target skin blemishes at the root. So when it comes to grime and oil, it takes a no-nonsense approach to fight smarter, not harder. It combines the power of scrub, powder, strip, liquid, mask, and bar cleansing products to cleanse those pesky pores for spotless, beautiful skin.
Is your skin acting up? Introduce it to charcoal.
The oil-absorbing characteristic of charcoal combined with salicylic acid’s acne-fighting properties makes this face wash effective. Thus, it treats acne and prevents any further outbreak.
Bioré deeply cleanses pores and absorbs excess oil without causing irritation or completely discarding the skin’s essential moisture.
- Cleans out clogged pores
- Eliminates acne breakout without having adverse effects on the skin
- Clears acne blemishes
- Exfoliates the skin and absorbs excess skin oil
- Ideal for maintaining oily skin.
6. Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
With the power of 5% benzoyl peroxide, Differin provides intense cleansing without making the skin irritated. The face wash is so gentle with your skins’ natural oils and moisture. Thus it will eliminate the excess oil with no reduction of essential ones.
Many dermatologists suggest this benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. An increased amount of Benzoyl Peroxide may peel off the skin, but a low concentration works superbly. To have no more clogged pores, hormonal or cystic acne, use this product.
But if your skin tends to become sensitive to the presence of several products, consult with a doctor before using it.
- Cleanses the skin thoroughly.
- Penetrates pores and absorbs excess oil
- Gently moisturizes the skin.
- It doesn’t clog the pores.
- Maintains the skin’s hydration all day long
- A suitable formula for hormonal and cystic acne
7. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Face Wash
This is a clinically proven formula to reduce acne after a single day of use. It works fast on the skin when paired with other products like spot gel. The cleanser is a perfect combination of exfoliation and cleansing. It also leaves skin feeling soft and smooth without irritating or stripping the natural moisture.
On some skin, it may take time to start its effect. But it will definitely work well after several applications. For some people, it starts to reduce the breakouts within one week. Try to use it habitually, twice a day, morning and night, and always wash it off with cold water.
- Fights with existing acne and prevents future breakouts
- Rapidly reduces the redness and size of stubborn acne in a single day
- It improves the health of your skin by gradual use
8. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control 3-in-1 Foaming Face Wash
This product purifies the skin from within and leaves it looking healthier and clearer. It doesn’t only clean; rather also helps treat and prevent outbreaks of acne on your skin. The acne-fighting salicylic acid’s maximum strength targets every skin blemish.
This acne-fighting formula contains a mixture of active, safe, and efficient natural ingredients with 2% salicylic acid. This unique balance of the ingredients will disinfect pores and clear up whiteheads, pimples, and blackheads.
It’s gentle enough to include as a daily face wash in your skincare routine. Other topical acne medications should be shunned when using this product, as using both might result in skin irritation and dryness.
- It cleanses the skin and leaves you feeling refreshed
- Treats existing pimples and other skin conditions
- It prevents the breakout of any skin blemish
- It is oil-free
- Noncomedogenic; doesn’t clog pores after application
9. PanOxyl Acne Creamy Face Wash
The battle against acne is real, and it’s one that can leave you super frustrated. There are practically millions of products with empty promises to fix the problem, and all the different acne ingredients out there can easily confuse you.
Do not confuse yourself while you are choosing PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash. This product contains 4% benzoyl peroxide that helps fight against acne-causing bacteria and reduce excess oil production. The benzoyl peroxide helps clear out sun spots, acne outbreaks, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and dark spots from old pimples.
As dryness is common after using benzoyl peroxide, this formula includes glycerin as a hydrating solution. It is ideal for people with oily and acne-prone skin. It minimizes large pores and gives the skin a supple feel after continual use.
This formula features dimethyl isosorbide that helps reduce skin irritation and has a superior acne treatment rate.
- Heals acne, pimples, and other skin blemishes
- Prevents future breakouts
- It doesn’t harm the skin
- Clears out spots from old pimples and leaves the skin supple and fresh
10. AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser
As a face wash Acne Free Oil-Free Cleanser removes makeup, cleans grime, absorbs excess oil from the skin, and doesn’t make the skin dry. Is that too much to ask for?
This cleanser is gentle, does not let the face become parched and sensitive. It is an oil-free acne cleanser that is effective when applied either on the face or the body. Containing Benzoyl Peroxide mixed with Glycolic Acid makes it a simple solution to acne conditions that work long-term.
AcneFree boasts of an advanced micronized Benzoyl Peroxide, which allows medicated treatment to sink deeper within the skin. It clears clogged pores and removes the acne-causing bacteria.
This face wash also contains Ceramides to keep the skin hydrated, clean, and refreshed.
Other skincare packs from this brand include; AcneFree Routine, AcneFree Back Acne, and Oil-Free Cleanser.
- Treats and prevents breakouts even at its most severe stages.
- Clears and prevents any form of skin issues, including cystic acne
- Keeps the skin hydrated and refreshed
Does Hormonal Acne Ever Go Away?
Most of the time, hormonal acne goes away on its own. However, some people still struggle with acne and find it hard to get a suitable treatment.
All types of acne are treatable and eventually go away after a certain period of time. Finding the right treatment is the task you have to ensure first.
Acne is either mild, moderate, or severe. However, acne of any severity naturally causes distress. It also affects your physical appearance and beauty, which may lead to damage to self-esteem.
Mild to severe acne can be controlled and managed with proper treatment. But over-the-counter treatments aren’t usually successful in treating hormonal acne except if it is the mild form.
Oral medicines, on the other hand, work by balancing the hormones and clearing the skin. Common examples of these drugs include anti-androgen drugs and oral contraceptives.
The oral contraceptive treatments of hormonal acne usually contain ingredients that balance the hormones that can cause acne.
However, for people with medical conditions like high blood pressure, breast cancer, or blood clots, oral contraceptives are a big no.
Factors to Consider to Find a Good Face Wash for Hormonal Acne:
Before choosing the best cleanser for hormonal acne, it is essential first to recognize your skin type. Is it normal, dry, oily, or a combination of both?
Then you need to know the different forms of acne. Acne reveals on the skin in the form of pimples, blackheads or whiteheads, and acne scars. So you need to understand the form of acne you have and how it appeared on your skin.
You should also know the four primary methods of combating acne, which are;
- Killing acne-causing bacteria
- Exfoliating dead skin cells that clog pores
- Removing excess oil or
- Decreasing inflammation
Usually, the best cleansers for hormonal acne are products containing natural antimicrobial properties. So your choice of product should contain ingredients like activated charcoal, vitamin C, etc.
Below are some examples of active acne-combating ingredients.
Alpha-hydroxyl Acids (AHAs): AHA like glycolic and lactic acid peel off the pimples-causing dead skin cells and leaves smoother softer skin..
Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient treats and prevents acne. It kills acne-causing bacteria, removes excess oil, and exfoliates dead skin cells. Facial cleansers, cans, gels, and spot treatments contain this ingredient in strength ranging between 2.5 to 10%.
Clay Masks: Clay masks are a well-established acne treatment with anti-inflammatory properties. Clay helps in soothing the skin and temporarily reduce oil production.
Salicylic Acid: This is a beta-hydroxy acid, which is an effective and powerful exfoliant. It keeps the pores clear by cleaning out the hair follicles from germs and grimes. This ingredient, in a way, is related to aspirin with its anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Sulfur: It decreases excess oil in the skin and counters inflammation. It also exfoliates dead skin cells and is particularly helpful to people with both acne and rosacea.
Tea-tree oil: This natural anti-blemish has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm hormonal acne. Research shows that 5% of tea-tree oil has results that equal 5% benzoyl peroxide.
Other useful ingredients that you should look out for in your face wash include peppermint, jojoba beads, and honey. But on the whole, you should go for any face wash that is most effective on your skin with no side effects.
Acne Diet: 5 Foods to Avoid For Acne:
When you have chronic hormonal acne, you tend to notice that almost everything fails to give results.
Poor diet isn’t among the causes of hormonal acne, but it can trigger or worsen your skin issues.
There are five foods you should exclude from your food habit when you are dealing with acne.
Sugar: A diet that’s low in both natural and processed sugar level is best for reducing inflammation and regulating hormonal fluctuations.
Skimmed Milk: Skimmed milk can affect teen’s skin negatively compared to full-fat milk.
Dairy: The problem with dairy is that the milk from pregnant cows contains a high level of progesterone. This can have a fatal effect on hormonal balance, causing acne.
Chicken: Chicken and meats containing added hormones are bad news for hormonal acne patients when consumed excessively.
Coffee: Coffee heightens the stress hormones, such as cortisol. It may double the amount of oil produced by your sebaceous glands, and your skin will become more prone to breakouts.
Few Tips For People Dealing With Hormonal Acne
Acne is quite common among teenagers, but anyone can get affected.
To keep your pores free from clogging and preventing your skin from becoming too oily, you should:
- Clean your skin gently but regularly with a mild, non-drying soap.
- Never use hot water to wash the affected part. Always use cold water.
- Use a wash containing salicylic acid or benzoyl if your skin is oily and acne-prone.
- Wash your face gently, not more than two times a day and especially after heavy sweating. It helps clear skin pores and helps in maintaining skin health.
- Ensure that you always wash after exercise.
- Avoid scrubbing your skin.
- Comb or pull your hair back away from your face.
- Avoid using alcohol or toners that have drying effects on the skin.
- Avoid all oil-based cosmetics.
Acne medications can have side effects like skin drying or peeling. You should counter this by using a moisturizer that is water-based or non-comedogenic.
Some non-comedogenic products might still cause acne outbreaks on your skin. Therefore, you should avoid any skincare product that makes your acne worse.
Some acne medications can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so when you are going out, use sunscreen and hats regularly.
To further prevent acne:
- Never aggressively squeeze, scratch, puncture, or scrub pimples as they will worsen it and cause inflammation on the skin surface.
- Use a gentle cleanser always. Make sure they are made for your skin type like these are good for dark skin tones.
- Avoid humid environments that might cause too much sweating.
- Avoid wearing tight headgears like caps, headbands, and other hats.
- Avoid excessive touching of your face.
- Avoid oily skincare materials, cosmetics, or creams.
- Don’t leave makeup on overnight.
Does Progesterone Cause Acne?
Yes, it does. The progesterone level rises during the middle of the cycle, which may stimulate extra secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands. This may cause swelling of the skin and shrinking of skin pores.
When the sebum increases along with dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it increases hormonal acne breakouts.
Are Testosterone and Acne Connected?
Yes, they are. Acne sometimes breaks out in response to a rise in male hormones, especially testosterone.
What is a Healthy Diet for Acne Patients?
Eating a regular meal consisting mostly of vegetables is highly recommended when acne is involved. A diet consisting of unprocessed food, drinking lots of water daily to flush out toxins always provide a fruitful outcome.
Adding foods high in zinc (pumpkin, beef, and cashew) to the daily diet helps regulate hormone levels.
Why Does Acne Breakout Happen During Menopause?
Acne in women at the time of menopause may break out due to hormonal fluctuations. The androgen levels of women who suffer from hormonal acne around menopause are mostly normal, but they have lower levels of the estrogen hormone. This imbalance in hormones causes the acne to flare in these women.
What are the Causes of Hormonal Acne?
Several conditions can trigger the levels of the hormone that lead to acne. Examples are;
- Puberty
- Menstruation
- Menopause
- Increased levels of androgens
Acne ruins good looks and poorly affects self-esteem, especially in teens. So it is vital to have a daily skincare routine to help protect the skin.
So, everyone must find a face wash that works great for you, and we hope you will find them from the above Ten.