Medicinal herbs for hormonal acne. Hormonal acne treatment options
Wojciech Wiśniewski
2026-03-19
4 min. read
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The sudden emergence of painful pimples caused by acne undoubtedly disrupts the comfort of life for many women. While this condition is typically associated with puberty, there has been an increase in recent years in cases of late-onset acne in women.
Acne induced by hormonal imbalances
Acne induced by hormonal imbalances, though it may occur at any age from adolescence, most frequently affects women over 25 and is referred to as adult acne (late onset acne). The skin lesions primarily manifest on the face (chin, around the mouth), neck, and occasionally on the back, in the interscapular region. While the pathogenesis of adult acne remains incompletely understood, its development is influenced not only by hormonal factors but also by various environmental elements (poor diet, chronic stress, pollution). According to recent studies, sex hormones (androgens) play a pivotal role in acne formation. These male hormones stimulate sebaceous gland growth, enhance sebum secretion, and contribute to excessive keratinization of the sebaceous ducts.
Hormonal Acne Treatment: Approaches and Recommendations
To determine the appropriate therapy for hormonal acne, laboratory tests should be conducted to measure levels of testosterone (free and total), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and the LH/FSH ratio [2]. Given the diverse causes of acne, an endocrinological diagnosis is recommended. Tests should be performed outside the ovulation phase, ideally during menstruation. The primary goal of hormonal therapy is to reduce sebum production by sebocytes [2]. Various medications are used in treatment, including anti-androgens (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide, cyproterone acetate) and hormonal contraceptives (oral contraceptives - OC) [2, 3]. For late-onset acne, additional non-hormonal therapies (antibiotic therapy, vitamin supplements, herbal medicine, cosmetic procedures) are necessary. Acne treatment is a lengthy process requiring patience. A diet with a low glycemic index supports the reduction of skin lesions [1]. Proper daily skincare with appropriate cosmetics, as well as procedures like microdermabrasion, laser therapy, chemical and cavitation peels, are also crucial.
Herbal remedies for managing hormonally-triggered acne
The medicinal properties of plants, which have been harnessed for centuries, provide effective support in addressing skin concerns. Herbal medicine, as an adjunct to acne treatment, relies on the use of botanical ingredients in the form of infusions for consumption, cleansing solutions, and herbal masks that exhibit anti-inflammatory, toning, and calming effects on acne-prone skin.