If your breakouts always seem to pop up along your chin and jawline, it’s usually not a coincidence, it's a clue.According to skin mapping and hormone research, chin and jawline acne are often linked to hormonal fluctuations.. In fact, research shows that hormonal acne accounts for nearly 50% of adult female acne cases.

Why Hormonal Acne Happens

 

Hormone Fluctuations Throughout the Cycle

• Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens naturally rise and fall throughout the month.
  
  

• Studies show that oil production (sebum) increases in the luteal phase (days before your period) due to progesterone and androgen spikes. ( Source : Profiling and Hormonal Therapy for Acne in Women)

Cortisol & Stress

• Stress hormones can directly worsen acne by increasing oil production and inflammation (Source: National Library of Medicine)
  
  

• Chronic stress may also disrupt estrogen-progesterone balance, prolonging breakouts.
  
  

 Inflammation & Skin Barrier Dysfunction

• Harsh products or over-cleansing weaken the barrier, triggering more redness, irritation, and deep breakouts (source: Skin Pharmacology and Physiology)
  
  

The Hidden Triggers You Might Miss

• Endocrine disruptors : Ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol mimic hormones and may interfere with natural balance (source: Environmental Health Sciences )
  
  

• Blood sugar spikes : High-glycemic diets are linked to increased acne severity due to androgen stimulation (source: National Library of Medicine)
  

• Gut health : Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) can impair estrogen metabolism and fuel inflammation (source: Frontiers in Microbiolog ).
  
  

How to Clear Hormonal Acne Naturally

Gentle Exfoliation

Daily sunscreen, makeup, and buildup can clog pores but harsh exfoliators often strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and unbalanced. A gentle exfoliating oil is the best way to deeply cleanse without damage. Our Papaya + Squalane Exfoliating Oil uses natural fruit enzymes to dissolve impurities, clear pores, and refresh skin  all while nourishing and protecting your skin’s barrier.

Hormone-Safe, Nutrient-Rich Skincare

Choose products free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and phenoxyethanol. Look for magnesium, antioxidants, and plant oils to calm inflammation.

Sync Skincare with Your Cycle

When you match your skincare to each phase of your cycle, you’re giving your skin the right support at the right time. Your body changes every week  and so do your hormones. As your hormone levels shift, your skin’s needs shift too. By adjusting your routine each phase, you can give your skin exactly what it needs to stay balanced, clear, and glowing all month long.

• Menstrual phase → Hydrate and soothe.
  
  

• Follicular phase → Brighten and exfoliate gently.
  
  

• Ovulatory phase → Balance oil.
  
  

• Luteal phase → Calm inflammation and prevent breakouts.
  
  

Magnesium Rituals for Cortisol Control

Topical magnesium can help lower cortisol, relax muscles, and improve sleep  indirectly reducing stress-induced breakouts.

Oil Balancing

Lightweight oils like jojoba and squalane mimic sebum, helping regulate oil production without clogging pores.

Blood Sugar Balance

Low-glycemic diets are associated with reduced acne severity. Think whole grains, protein, and fiber-rich foods.

Support Gut Health

Prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber support a healthy gut which plays a key role in hormone metabolism, reducing inflammation, and promoting clear, balanced skin.

Hormonal acne isn’t just about what’s on your skin  it’s about what’s happening inside your body. By supporting your hormones, nervous system, and skin barrier together, you can reduce flare-ups and enjoy clearer, calmer skin.

If you’re not sure where to start, Book a Skin Reset consultation with Lauren Hackney Behringer at Behrhaus for a personalized hormone-safe skincare plan that works with your body, not against it.