Stress Acne Vs Hormonal Acne: Understanding Key Differences

Acne can be an incredibly frustrating and stubborn skin condition that most people face at some point in their lives. It can appear on the skin for various reasons, from clogged pores and excess oil production to environmental factors and even diet. However, two common triggers that can lead to breakouts are stress and hormonal imbalances. While stress acne and hormonal acne might appear similar, they are not the same, and each requires different treatment approaches. Understanding the key differences between these types of acne can help you manage your skin more effectively and, ultimately, clear up those frustrating breakouts.

Stress acne and hormonal acne differ in their causes, symptoms, and the best methods for treatment. Identifying the right type is crucial in choosing the appropriate skin care regimen. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each type distinct and how you can tackle them with the right approach. Whether you’re dealing with the pressures of daily life or navigating hormonal fluctuations, learning how your skin responds is the first step toward achieving clear and healthy skin.

What causes stress acne?

Stress acne, as the name suggests, occurs when the body is subjected to high levels of stress. When you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, your body releases cortisol, a stress hormone. This increase in cortisol stimulates your sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil production on your skin¹. The surplus oil can then clog your pores, making your skin more prone to acne breakouts. Stress acne often manifests in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, and small pimples, typically appearing around your forehead, chin, or jawline.

If you’ve noticed that your skin seems to worsen during busy periods at work or after a stressful event, it’s likely that stress is the culprit. You might also find it difficult to stick to your usual acne skincare routine when you’re stressed, further exacerbating the issue.

While stress acne can be frustrating, the good news is that it can be managed with proper lifestyle changes and skincare habits. Relaxation techniques, like meditation or yoga, can help lower cortisol levels² and, in turn, reduce stress-induced breakouts.

Hormonal acne, a different type of breakout

On the other hand, hormonal acne is directly related to fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more oil, creating an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria³. Hormonal acne tends to be cyclical, often aligning with changes in your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. It is most common in adult women but can also affect men, especially those experiencing hormonal imbalances.

Hormonal acne often presents itself as deep, painful cysts or nodules that don’t easily come to the surface. These breakouts are typically found along the lower face, particularly around the chin and jawline, and are often harder to treat than stress acne. Over-the-counter treatments may not be effective for hormonal acne, and in some cases, prescription medications, such as birth control pills or anti-androgen drugs, may be necessary. Consulting with a dermatology clinic can help you determine whether your acne is hormone-related and what course of action is best.

How to tell the difference between stress acne and hormonal acne

Visually, stress acne and hormonal acne can look quite similar, which makes it challenging to differentiate between the two. However, there are some subtle indicators to help you figure out which type you’re dealing with.

Location: Stress acne often appears on the forehead, chin, and around the mouth, while hormonal acne tends to form along the jawline, lower cheeks, and neck.
Timing: Stress acne may flare up in response to acute stressors, like exams or a major work project, whereas hormonal acne usually follows a more predictable pattern, coinciding with your menstrual cycle or other hormonal changes.
Type of blemish: Stress acne typically involves surface-level whiteheads, blackheads, and small pimples, while hormonal acne is characterised by deeper, painful cysts.

Managing stress acne

Once you’ve determined that stress is causing your breakouts, it’s essential to adopt strategies that target both the internal and external triggers. Stress management techniques like regular exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep can help lower cortisol levels², thus preventing further breakouts. Incorporating skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, resorcinol, and others⁴ can also be effective in keeping stress acne under control.

Additionally, consider visiting a dermatology clinic for professional advice tailored to your specific skin needs. A dermatologist can recommend products and treatments that not only target current breakouts but also prevent future ones. Certain treatments, such as chemical peels or laser therapy, might also be suggested to improve the overall texture and appearance of your skin.

Treating hormonal acne

Treating hormonal acne often requires a more targeted approach since over-the-counter products may not be enough to resolve deep, painful cysts. One of the most effective treatments for hormonal acne is the use of oral contraceptives, which help regulate hormone levels⁵ and, in turn, reduce acne flare-ups. Other prescription medications, such as spironolactone, retinoids, or isotretinoin, can also be used to treat more severe cases of hormonal acne.

Dietary changes can also play a role in managing hormonal acne. Some studies suggest that cutting back on dairy products and foods with a high glycemic index can help reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts. As with stress acne, consulting with a dermatologist is key to getting a personalised treatment plan.

Conclusion

Acne, whether stress-induced or hormonal, can be a persistent challenge, but knowing the difference between the two is the first step in treating it effectively. By recognising the root cause of your breakouts, you can adopt a skincare regimen that addresses your specific needs. If you’re unsure or dealing with more severe acne, visiting a dermatology clinic can help you find the right treatment plan for your skin.

Dr Angeline Yong at Angeline Yong Dermatology is a highly experienced, Ministry of Health-accredited dermatologist in Singapore who is passionate about raising awareness of skin health. With her comprehensive and personalised care, she ensures that every patient receives a tailored treatment regimen that addresses their unique skin concerns.

References

Yetman, D. (2020, June 25). 10 effects of stress on your face, and how to lower anxiety. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-on-face

Norelli, S. K., Long, A., & Krepps, J. M. (2023, August 28). Relaxation techniques. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513238/

MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Hormonal acne: Causes and treatment. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313084

Wells, D. (2018, August 14). How stress affects acne. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-acne#how-stress-affects-acne

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, December 5). Acne: Research summaries – which birth control pills can help reduce acne?. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279209/

Use of this website signifies your agreement to The Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

You are deemed to have entered into an agreement with Angeline Yong Dermatology and to have agreed to be bound by the terms set out below by accessing ayd.com.sg (“the Sites”) or by otherwise accessing any content found on this web site. By accessing or using the Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed, without limitation or qualification, to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. The Site is owned and operated by Angeline Yong Dermatology.

Intellectual Property Protection
Use of Angeline Yong Dermatology Content
Changes to the Site
Privacy Policy
No Warranty, Disclaimer of Liability and Indemnity
Force Majeure
Miscellaneous
Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Intellectual Property Protection

The contents and design of the Site and any material e-mailed to you or otherwise supplied to you in conjunction with the Site (such contents, design and materials being collectively referred to as the “Angeline Yong Dermatology Content”, are copyright of Angeline Yong Dermatology. You may not use or reproduce or allow anyone to use or reproduce any trademarks (such as ” Angeline Yong Dermatology” name and logo or other trade names appearing on the Site) for any reason without written permission from Angeline Yong Dermatology. The software, which operates the Site, is proprietary software and you may not use it except as expressly allowed under these Terms. You may not copy, modify, reverse engineer or otherwise interfere with the software.

Use of Angeline Yong Dermatology Content

You may retrieve and display the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content on a computer screen or mobile telephone, print individual pages on paper (but not photocopy them) and store such pages in electronic form for your personal, non-commercial use. You may not save or post any of the Content on blogs, Facebook, and other websites that allows viewing by the general public without written permission from Angeline Yong Dermatology. Except as expressly set out above, you may not reproduce, modify or in any way commercially exploit any of the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content.

Changes to the Site

Angeline Yong Dermatology reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, add or remove portions of the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content available on the Site at any time and to restrict the use and accessibility of the Site in its discretion and without prior notification.

Privacy Policy

The information that you provide about yourself and your company to Angeline Yong Dermatology will only be used in accordance with Angeline Yong Dermatology’s Privacy Policy Statement. We will:

retain your information only for as long as there is a business need
take reasonable steps to ensure that the information is accurate, adequate, relevant and up to date.
update or correct your information held by us whenever necessary
take appropriate measures to prevent and minimize risks of unauthorised access to the information

We may use your personal information, such as your name and contact details, for the following purposes:

to perform the services that you have requested, which may involve contacting you by telephone, mobile phone, fax machine, post or email, including sending you electronic direct mailers.
to allow us to promote our products, events and activities.

No Warranty, Disclaimer of Liability and Indemnity

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the high quality and accuracy of the Site, Angeline Yong Dermatology makes no warranty, express or implied, concerning the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content, the Site, software or products or services available through the Site (the “Site Services”), which are provided “as is”. Angeline Yong Dermatology expressly disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to warranties of fitness for a particular purpose and warranties of merchantability. In no event will Angeline Yong Dermatology, its affiliates or other suppliers be liable for direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information or other pecuniary loss) arising directly or indirectly from the use of (or failure to use) or reliance on the Site Services, even if Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates has been advised of the possibility that such damages may arise.

Angeline Yong Dermatology does not guarantee the accuracy, content, or timeliness of the Site Services or that they or related systems are free from viruses or other contaminating or destructive properties. Angeline Yong Dermatology accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided “as is” with no warranty, express or implied for the information provided within them.

Upon accessing to this Site, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates from any claims and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, related to any breach of these Terms by you or your use of any Site Services.

Force Majeure

Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates will not be liable or deemed to be in default for any delay or failure in performance or interruption of the delivery of the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content resulting directly or indirectly from any cause or circumstance beyond its or their reasonable control, including but not limited to failure of electronic or mechanical equipment or communication lines, telephone or other interconnect problems, computer viruses, unauthorized access, theft, operator errors, severe weather, earthquakes or natural disasters, strikes or other labour problems, wars, or government restrictions.

Miscellaneous

Changes to these Terms. Angeline Yong Dermatology may, in its discretion, change these Terms (including those relating to your use of Site and/or the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content. When Terms are changed, Angeline Yong Dermatology will notify you by email or by publishing details of those changes by including them in these Terms. If you use the Site after Angeline Yong Dermatology has published or notified you of the changes, you are agreeing now to be bound by those changes. If you do not agree to be bound by those changes, you should not use the Site any further after they are published. Access to certain areas of the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content may be subject to additional terms and conditions.

Advertising, Third Party Content and other Web Sites. Parts of the Site may contain advertising or other third-party content. Advertisers and other content providers are responsible for ensuring that material submitted for inclusion on the Site complies with international and national law. Angeline Yong Dermatology is not responsible for any third-party content or error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertising material. The Site may contain links to other web sites. Angeline Yong Dermatology is not responsible for the availability of these web sites or their contents.

Assignment of Agreement. This agreement is personal to you and your rights and obligations under these Terms may not be assigned, sub-licensed or otherwise transferred. This agreement may be assigned to a third party by Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates.

Non-Waiver. No delay or omission on the part of either party in requiring performance by the other party of its obligations will operate as a waiver of any right.

Notices. Notices to Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates must be given in writing by letter.

Severability/Survival/Statute of Limitations. If any provision of these Terms is invalid or unenforceable, such will not render all the Terms unenforceable or invalid but rather the Terms will be read and construed as if the invalid or unenforceable provision(s) are not contained therein. Any cause of action of yours with respect to these Terms must be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction in Singapore, within one year after the cause of action has arisen, or such cause will be barred, invalid, and void.

Whole Agreement. Save as expressly referred to herein, any representation, warranty, term or condition not expressly set out in these Terms shall not apply.

Headings. Headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal meaning or effect.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the Laws of the Republic of Singapore. The parties irrevocably agree that the courts of Singapore shall (subject to the paragraph below) have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute which may arise out of, under, or in connection with these Terms or the legal relationship established by them, and for those purposes irrevocably submit all disputes to the jurisdiction of Singapore courts. For the exclusive benefit of Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates, Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates shall retain the right to bring proceedings as to the substance of the matter in the courts of the country of your residence or, where these Terms are entered into in the course of your trade or profession, the country of your principal place of business.

Media.

Stress Acne Vs Hormonal Acne: Understanding Key Differences