Hormonal vs bacterial acne: Symptoms, causes and solutions

ACNE, whether you're a teen battling breakouts or an adult managing surprise flareups, is more than just a skin issue.

- SARENE KLOREN

It can dent your confidence, disrupt routines, and even leave dark marks or scars. Yet not all acne is the same.

Distinguishing between hormonal acne and bacterial acne is vital, because the causes, symptoms and treatments of each differ markedly.

What is acne, and why does it happen?

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the oil-producing follicles found on the face, the back and the chest. It develops when follicles become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria.

Multiple factors like hormonal activity, diet, genetics, stress, or skincare choices, can contribute.

Hormonal acne

Causes & timing

Hormonal acne is triggered by fluctuations in androgen hormones, such as testosterone and DHEA, which stimulate sebum production and clog pores, setting the stage for bacteria and inflammation.