Understanding Hormonal Acne & How to Calm It

Understanding Hormonal Acne & How to Calm It

Hey Kiya Collective,

Let’s talk about the breakouts that don’t care how clean you eat or how many serums you own — the ones that show up like clockwork before your period or settle in around your chin and jawline no matter what you do.

That, love, is often hormonal acne — and it’s more common than you think.

In this guide, we’re breaking down what causes it, how to spot it, and most importantly — how to care for your skin (and your body) with rituals that work with your cycle, not against it.

🔄 What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is triggered by fluctuations in your body’s hormones — particularly androgens like testosterone. These hormones can increase oil production, clog pores, and lead to deep, often painful breakouts that show up around the lower face, chin, jawline, neck, and sometimes the back.

It can happen at any age — not just during puberty — and is especially common in people with:

  • PCOS

  • Irregular menstrual cycles

  • High stress levels

  • Coming off (or going on) hormonal birth control

📍 Common Signs You’re Dealing With Hormonal Acne

  • Breakouts flare just before your period (days 21–28 of your cycle)

  • Spots are deep, tender, and slow to heal

  • Acne appears mainly around the jawline, chin, or neck

  • You experience oiliness + dryness at the same time

  • Breakouts are resistant to topical treatments alone

If any of these sound familiar, your skin might be reflecting something deeper.

🧘🏾♀️ Step 1: Regulate From Within

Topical care is important, but hormonal acne starts inside. These internal shifts can help reduce flare-ups over time:

✨ Balance blood sugar — pair carbs with protein + fat to avoid insulin spikes (which can trigger androgen production) ✨ Reduce chronic stress — use daily rituals like breathwork, journaling, or gentle movement to lower cortisol ✨ Track your cycle — knowing when breakouts may appear helps you prep in advance

Tip: A hormone-aware journal can help connect your skin patterns to your monthly cycle.

🌿 Step 2: Treat Skin Gently + Consistently

Instead of harsh spot treatments, opt for products that soothe inflammation and support skin repair. Our favourite ingredients?

✨ Tea Tree — antibacterial and calming for active spots ✨ Niacinamide — reduces inflammation + oil production while evening tone ✨ Baobab Oil — deeply nourishing and full of skin-repairing antioxidants

The Kiya Hormonal Acne Ritual:

📆 Step 3: Sync Your Ritual With Your Cycle

Hormones fluctuate throughout your cycle — and your skincare should shift too. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Week 1 (Menstrual Phase)

  • Skin may feel dry or sensitive

  • Focus on hydration + barrier repair

  • Use toner + Whipped Shea Butter consistently

Week 2 (Follicular Phase)

  • Skin is usually calm and glowy

  • Maintain a simple, supportive routine

  • Add gentle exfoliation (1x with body scrub or soft mask)

Week 3 (Ovulation Phase)

  • Increased oil production begins

  • Keep skin balanced with toner + lightweight serum

  • Avoid overloading with rich products

Week 4 (Luteal Phase)

  • Breakouts may flare here

  • Focus on anti-inflammatory rituals + calming ingredients

  • Don’t pick! Use black soap and tea tree to stay ahead

💛 Final Thoughts

Hormonal acne is a signal — not a flaw.

Your skin is in constant conversation with your hormones, and the more you learn to listen, the more empowered you become.

You don’t need to punish your skin. You need to support it.

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