Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. If you’re still dealing with breakouts well into your 20s, 30s, or even 40s, it might be time to look beyond skincare and consider what’s happening inside your body. To help us understand the deeper causes of adult acne, we spoke with Madison Dohnt—a science-backed naturopath, nutritionist, and creator of the Balance Your Hormones Program —who shares her expert insights on how internal health can be the key to clearer skin.
The truth? Hormonal imbalances are one of the biggest hidden causes of acne. If your skin flares up at the same time every month, you’ve got deep, cystic pimples along your jawline, or nothing seems to work long-term—your hormones are likely involved.
So, let’s break it down. What’s really going on with your skin, and how do you get to the root cause.
How Hormones Impact Your Skin
Your hormones regulate everything from oil production to inflammation, and when they’re out of balance, your skin cops the consequences. The most common culprits behind hormonal acne include:
- High Androgens (Testosterone, DHEA-S) → Stimulates excess oil production, leading to clogged pores and deep, painful breakouts.
- Low Progesterone → Increases sensitivity to stress and inflammation, worsening skin flare-ups before your period.
- Oestrogen Imbalances → Too much or too little oestrogen can disrupt your cycle and contribute to stubborn acne.
- Insulin Resistance → Spikes in insulin from a poor diet can drive up testosterone and lead to breakouts.
- High Cortisol (Stress Hormone) → Triggers inflammation and oil production, making acne worse.
Is Your Acne a Sign of a Hormone Imbalance?
If you’re experiencing any of the following alongside breakouts, it’s a sign your hormones could be out of whack:
- Irregular periods or worsening PMS
- Jawline, chin, or back acne that flares before your period
- Oilier skin than usual, despite using mattifying products
- Unexplained weight fluctuations or sugar cravings
- Anxiety, mood swings, or poor stress tolerance
These symptoms aren’t random—they’re your body’s way of flagging an imbalance. Instead of trying to fight acne with more products, the real solution is to address the underlying hormonal issues causing it.
The Problem With Quick Fixes
Let’s be real. Most conventional acne treatments don’t actually fix the root cause. They just suppress symptoms, and the second you stop using them, the breakouts come right back.
- The Pill: Temporarily reduces acne by shutting down your natural hormones—but breakouts often return worse than before when you come off.
- Antibiotics: Kill off gut bacteria (which you actually need for clear skin) and don’t address hormonal drivers.
- Harsh Skincare: Over-exfoliating or using drying treatments can make your skin overcompensate with more oil.
Instead of bouncing between treatments that don’t last, the goal should be long-term skin health by balancing your hormones naturally.
How to Balance Your Hormones for Clear Skin
If you’re sick of covering breakouts with makeup and want to clear your skin for good, here’s where to start:
1. Identify Your Imbalances
Pay attention to your symptoms, track your cycle, and consider testing your hormones to pinpoint the root cause.
2. Balance Blood Sugar
Every time you spike your insulin with processed carbs and sugar, testosterone follows—fueling acne. Focus on protein, healthy fats, and fibre at each meal.
3. Support Your Gut
Your gut health affects your hormones more than you think. Fermented foods, probiotics, and fibre-rich meals help reduce inflammation and clear skin.
4. Lower Stress & Cortisol
Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your hormones. Support your nervous system with gentle movement, deep breathing, and a proper sleep routine.
5. Ditch Toxin Overload
Many skincare and household products contain hormone-disrupting chemicals. Opt for non-toxic alternatives to reduce the burden on your body.
The Bottom Line
If you feel like you’ve tried everything and your acne still won’t budge, it’s time to stop fighting your skin and start working with your body instead. When you support your hormones, your skin will reflect that balance. Inside the Balance Your Hormones program, Madison walk women through exactly how to pinpoint imbalances and fix your symptoms step-by-step—so you can heal your skin from the inside out.
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