Hormonal acne does not look like teenage acne. It often appears in adulthood, follows the menstrual cycle, mainly affects the lower face, chin, and jawline, and sometimes the back or décolletage. It is often accompanied by oily skin and red, inflamed pimples that appear in the days before menstruation. And it often resists topical treatments alone.
The reason: its origin is internal. Acting from within, through diet and the right supplements, can truly make a difference.
Understanding hormonal acne
Hormonal acne is directly linked to androgens - male hormones present in all women. During periods of hormonal imbalance (before menstruation, after stopping the pill, in cases of PCOS), androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause excess sebum production. This excess sebum clogs pores, creates an environment favorable to acne-causing bacteria, and triggers inflammatory processes.
Other aggravating factors include stress (which raises cortisol and indirectly stimulates androgens), a high-glycemic-index diet (which stimulates insulin and therefore sebum secretion), and dairy products in some people.
Natural solutions for hormonal acne
Before turning to supplements, a few dietary basics can transform the situation:
- Prioritize low-glycemic-index foods: vegetables, legumes, whole grains
- Increase omega-3 intake (oily fish, flaxseeds) to reduce inflammation
- Ensure sufficient zinc (oysters, pumpkin seeds, meat) and vitamin A (carrots, sweet potatoes) intake
- Limit ultra-processed foods, which are high in fast-acting sugars and pro-inflammatory fats
For skincare: gentle cleansing morning and evening, a niacinamide or zinc serum, and a non-comedogenic moisturizer. And - above all - never attack the skin with alcohol-based products or drying treatments, which trigger increased sebum production in response.
Choosing the right supplements for your skin
Since hormonal acne originates internally, the most effective supplements are those that act on hormonal balance and sebum regulation.
Ingredients to look for include zinc (contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, authorized EFSA claim), vitamin B6 (contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, authorized EFSA claim), and sebum-regulating botanical active ingredients such as nettle or prickly pear.
One next-generation active ingredient is now a benchmark: Actrisave®, a synergy of black rice and prickly pear, acts directly on the sebaceous glands to prevent the appearance of blemishes, particularly during periods of hormonal imbalance.
For the signs of aging that often accompany damaged skin, Reggenerate™ (eggshell membrane extract naturally concentrated in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid) provides complementary anti-aging and plumping action.
Epycure's solution for visibly clearer skin
Epycure offers two formulas specially designed for blemish-prone skin and for skin seeking to regain radiance and firmness:
Anti-Blemish Gummies were developed for hormonal acne, in both teenagers and adults. Their key active ingredient, Actrisave® (250 mg/day) - an exclusive synergy of black rice and prickly pear - acts on the sebaceous glands by rebalancing the androgenic hormones involved in hormonal acne. A study demonstrated enhanced anti-proliferative activity on sebaceous gland cells when these extracts were used together.
In synergy:
- Nettle: recognized for helping problem skin by contributing to clear skin (authorized EFSA claim)
- Zinc (10 mg/day, 100% NRV): contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and helps regulate inflammation
- Vitamin B6 (1.4 mg/day): contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity (authorized EFSA claim)
Formula made with 99.4% ingredients of natural origin. Sugar-free Gummies with redcurrant flavor. Made in France.
Lab'Epycure results after 3 months: 85% found their skin more beautiful, 73% had fewer cysts and microcysts, and 73% found the treatment effective on their blemishes.*
*26 people tested the treatment for 3 months.
Timeline of effects: Day 30: reduced skin irritation, Day 60: sebum regulation, Day 90: visibly reduced blemishes.
The Plumper Skin Treatment complements this approach for those who also wish to address firmness, hydration, and the first signs of aging. Its key active ingredient, Reggenerate™ (300 mg/day), an eggshell membrane extract concentrated in collagen (types I, V, and X), elastin, and hyaluronic acid, was validated by a double-blind clinical study conducted on 50 volunteers over 60 days. In synergy: vitamin C (contributes to normal collagen formation to ensure normal skin function), zinc, and borage oil for deep hydration. Formula made with 95.1% ingredients of natural origin.
Lab'Epycure results after 3 months: 97% found the treatment effective for skin beauty and firmness, 78% had less visible wrinkles and fine lines, and 97% had more hydrated skin.*
*32 people tested the treatment for 3 months.
In summary
Hormonal acne is not inevitable. Acting from within - through diet and targeted active ingredients - is the most effective long-term strategy. Your skin deserves better than a surface-level battle.
