Hormonal Acne in Your 30s & 40s: Understanding Triggers & Effective Solutions from Your Skincare Specialists

 
 

And, you thought you were done with skin surprises as an adult… 

Here’s the truth: Breakouts don’t always end after high school. For many women, acne reappears (or stubbornly lingers) well into their 30s and 40s, but it hits differently. Painful cysts around the jawline. Breakouts that last for weeks. A frustrating cycle that feels out of sync with the rest of your life, and a body that can feel foreign. It’s a lot to navigate. 

Bonita Babe - You’re not doing anything wrong. 

You’re just dealing with hormonal acne, and it has its own rules. 

So What Exactly Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is driven by fluctuations in hormones - particularly androgens like testosterone - that increase oil production, trigger inflammation, and throw off your skin’s natural balance. FUN!

It often shows up as:

Deep, cystic breakouts on the lower face, jaw, and neck.

Flares before your period or during perimenopause.

Acne that resists over-the-counter products or your usual skincare routine.

And unlike teenage acne, it’s not just about oil or clogged pores - It’s a whole other ballgame. One your mom probably didn’t talk about, because we are still just diving into it. 

This type of acne is linked to internal shifts - Including stress, diet, birth control changes, pregnancy, postpartum, or the hormonal chaos of perimenopause/menopause.

Common Triggers in Your 30s & 40s

Here’s what we see most often in clinic:

Stress & Cortisol Overload: Chronic stress throws off your hormone levels and revs up inflammation.

Perimenopause: As estrogen drops, androgens can become more dominant, which kicks up oil production and breakouts.

Gut Disruption: A sluggish gut or poor detoxification can make hormonal imbalances worse.

Skincare That’s Too Harsh: Stripping your skin can backfire causing irritation, barrier damage, and more breakouts.

This isn’t just a surface issue - It’s a whole-body conversation.

What Actually Works? (Spoiler: It's Not Just One Thing)

Hormonal acne needs a multimodal approach - We treat it from the inside and the outside for long-term results.

Here’s how:

1. Professional Skin Treatments That Target the Root

Your skincare products can only do so much. In-clinic treatments deliver deeper results:

Potenza RF Microneedling: Reduces active breakouts, clears post-acne scarring, and rebalances skin texture and tone.

HydraFacial - Deeply cleanses pores, removes dead skin cells, and infuses targeted serums to reduce acne and congestion without stripping the skin of essential hydration.

LED Light Therapy: Kills acne-causing bacteria and supports skin healing - Especially when inflammation is high.


2. Internal Support = Game-Changer

We often recommend working with a holistic practitioner to assess hormone levels, gut health, and stress resilience. Common approaches include:

Adaptogens for stress support (think: ashwagandha, macca root).

Hormone-balancing nutrition with healthy fats, fiber, and blood-sugar stabilizing meals.

Supplements like zinc, DIM, or omega-3s (targeted, not DIY).

Hydration - Get your H2O’s to help clear internal waste and remove extra toxins from the body.

3. Skincare That Respects the Barrier

A lot of women overcorrect by going too hard on exfoliants. We focus on restoring the skin’s microbiome and calming inflammation. Try:

Gentle exfoliation - PCA Skin® Blemish Control Bar

Barrier-repairing moisturizers - PCA Skin® Clearskin Moisturizer

Non-comedogenic SPF every. single. day. - Total Protection® No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Get The Support

Hormonal acne in your 30s and 40s is common, but it’s also highly supported when you connect with a skincare team that gets it (that’s us!). The key is understanding that this isn’t just a “skin issue.” It’s a reflection of what’s happening deeper in the body.

When you combine evidence-based skincare, targeted in-clinic treatments, and personalized internal support, your skin doesn’t just clear up - It comes back stronger.

At Bonita, we support women at any age and stage of their skincare journey to help you navigate hormonal changes along with new skincare shifts. Get in touch with us for a full consultation on all things acne beyond your 30s. 

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