ACNÉ HORMONALE Hormonal acne: understand the causes and take natural action for your skin

Pimples that appear in cycles around the chin, jaw, or cheeks, and worsen before your period or during periods of stress: if this sounds familiar, you may be affected by hormonal acne. Very different from teenage acne, it affects a growing number of adults, particularly women aged 25 to 45. It is estimated to affect up to 40% of women aged 25 to 40 and often resists topical treatments alone.

Understanding its mechanisms helps you better care for your skin every day.

Understanding hormonal acne

LHormonal acne is directly linked to fluctuations in androgen hormones, mainly testosterone and its derivative DHT (dihydrotestosterone). These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands, increasing sebum production and promoting clogged pores.

This excess sebum creates an environment that favors bacterial growth (particularly Cutibacterium acnes) and triggers an inflammatory reaction: these are red, inflamed pimples.

Several situations can cause or amplify this imbalance. Here’s how to group them:

Possible hormonal causes in women

• The menstrual cycle: the drop in progesterone and estrogen during the luteal phase (before menstruation) allows androgens to take over, causing a common flare-up in the week before menstruation.
• Pregnancy and postpartum: the hormonal upheaval during this period can trigger or worsen blemishes, even in people who have never had them before.
• L'arrest of the contraceptive pill: the return of the natural cycle may be accompanied by a rebound in androgen levels.
• Perimenopause: this transitional period changes the hormonal balance and can contribute to blemishes.
• Polycystic ovarian metabolic syndrome (POMS): polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the former name for POMS. This condition, characterized by an excess of androgens, is one of the most common causes of persistent hormonal acne in adult women.

Lifestyle factors

• Stress: cortisol directly stimulates the sebaceous glands and worsens skin inflammation. It also activates the adrenal glands, which produce DHEA, a precursor to androgens.
• L's high-glycemic-index diet: simple sugars cause insulin spikes, which stimulate androgen production. Dairy products may also play a role for some people.

Metabolic and digestive factors

• Insulin resistance: it increases the production of IGF-1, a growth factor that amplifies the effect of androgens on the skin and stimulates sebum production.
• Intestinal dysbiosis: an imbalanced microbiome can impair the elimination of excess hormones.

Unlike teenage acne caused by widespread hormone production, adult hormonal acne is often localized: the U-zone (jaw, chin, neck), and sometimes the back and chest. These areas are particularly rich in androgen receptors.

Lesions are often deeper (microcysts, nodules), take longer to heal, and can leave lasting marks. They often follow a cyclical pattern, with breakouts before menstruation.

Natural solutions for rebalancing the skin

Before turning to more intensive solutions, natural measures can help care for the skin every day. For deep or persistent lesions, medical advice is still helpful.

L'diet

L'diet plays a major role. High-glycemic-index foods (fast-acting sugars, white bread, soda) cause insulin spikes that increase androgen production. Following a low-GI diet rich in vegetables, oily fish, and fiber helps stabilize the hormonal response.

Also limit ultra-processed foods: high in fast-acting sugars and pro-inflammatory fats, they sustain insulin spikes and inflammation.

If you notice a link with your skin, you can also reduce dairy products: they can stimulate IGF-1, the growth factor that activates the sebaceous glands.

Also consider omega-3s (oily fish, flaxseeds, walnuts): they help regulate the inflammatory response, including in the skin.

When it comes to minerals and vitamins, zinc is found in oysters, pumpkin seeds, and legumes. It helps maintain normal skin and acts on 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.

Vitamin A, found in carrots and sweet potatoes, also helps maintain normal skin.

Stress management

Stress management is just as essential. Reducing cortisol through meditation, regular physical activity, or deep breathing limits one of the main triggers of breakouts.

Getting enough sleep and relaxing activities such as yoga complement these habits: they help lower cortisol, which stimulates sebum production.

Topical treatments

Suitable topical treatments complement this approach: a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and targeted active ingredients such as salicylic acid (to unclog pores), niacinamide, or azelaic acid.

Gently cleanse your skin morning and evening. Avoid alcohol-based or drying products: irritated skin produces more sebum in response. Changing your pillowcase regularly also limits contact with sebum residue.

Patience is key: skin takes at least 4 to 6 weeks to renew its cell cycle.

Choosing the right dietary supplements for your skin

Dietary supplements can support the skin from within. Some micronutrients have a recognized role:

• Zinc helps maintain normal skin and protect cells from oxidative stress. It also acts on 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.
• Selenium helps maintain normal skin and protect cells from oxidative stress. It supports the skin's anti-inflammatory response.
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation to support normal skin function and protects cells from oxidative stress.
• Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormonal activity, particularly during menstrual cycle fluctuations.
• Lnettle is known to help problem skin by contributing to a clear complexion.

When choosing, look for a formula of natural origin with well-researched, properly dosed active ingredients: several complementary actives target more factors than a single ingredient.

Plan on a course of at least 3 months: skin renews slowly, and the effects build gradually.

For deep, recurring blemishes, additional support for the skin barrier and hydration is helpful: a supplement rich in collagen and repairing actives supports the skin's structure and helps with healing.

Epycure's solution for clearer skin

Epycure offers two complementary formulas designed for skin prone to hormonal blemishes.

Gummies for blemish-prone skin

Gummies for blemish-prone skin work from within with a complex of zinc, selenium, and vitamins C and E to help balance the skin and protect skin cells from oxidative stress. Their gummy format makes them easy and enjoyable to incorporate into a daily routine.

Its key active ingredient is Actrisave® (250 mg per day), an exclusive synergy of black rice and prickly pear:

• Prickly pear is rich in isorhamnetin, a flavonoid that helps rebalance androgen hormones.
• Black rice is concentrated in anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties that help limit sebum oxidation and pore blockage.

A study showed enhanced antiproliferative action on sebaceous gland cells when these two extracts are combined.

The formula also contains nettle (25 mg), zinc (10 mg, 100% of the RDA), and vitamin B6 (1.4 mg, 100% of the RDA).

At Lab'Epycure, after 3 months, 85% of the 26 participants say their skin looks better, and 73% find the course effective against blemishes. The effects increase over time: by day 30, reduced skin irritation; by day 60, sebum regulation; by day 90, a visible reduction in blemishes.

Dosage: 2 gummies per day for adults, 1 gummy per day from age 12. The formula is made with 99.4% naturally derived ingredients, is vegan and gelatin-free (apple pectin), and has a redcurrant flavor.

Plumped Skin Course

The Plumped Skin Course works deep within the skin's structure. Its key ingredient, Reggenerate™ (300 mg per day), is a patented eggshell membrane extract naturally rich in type I, V, and X collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. It supports firmness, hydration, and healing. A great way to reduce the appearance of marks left by blemishes and restore a radiant complexion.

It is combined with vitamin C, zinc, and borage oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which strengthens the skin's lipid barrier. A double-blind clinical study involved 50 volunteers over 60 days.

In Epycure's internal test, 97% of participants noticed firmer skin and 97% more hydrated skin after 3 months. 78% also observed less pronounced wrinkles and fine lines.

Together, these two formulas cover the full spectrum: sebum-regulating and antioxidant action on one side, deep repair and plumping on the other. A comprehensive, natural, and lasting approach to skincare.