Updated Jan 6, 2026
Acne – a seemingly small word that can cause so much stress, especially when it manifests as hormonal acne or cystic acne. Understanding the nuances between these two pimple types is crucial for informed skincare choices and supporting clearer-looking skin. If you’re experiencing severe breakouts and are wondering, “Why am I getting cystic acne all of a sudden,” we’ve got you covered.
Let’s learn about hormonal acne and cystic acne, exploring their causes, signs, and recommended treatment. ou’ll also discover how Rael’s holistic cycle-sync approach can help support your skin’s appearance throughout your cycle, promoting a clearer-looking, balanced complexion.
An Overview of Hormonal Acne and Cystic Acne
Before diving into the battle of hormonal acne vs. cystic acne, let's understand what each pimple signifies.
Hormonal acne is primarily triggered by fluctuating hormone levels, especially during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or while using hormonal contraceptives. It typically appears as deep, tender, red bumps, often concentrated around the jawline, chin, and cheeks. Hormonal acne can affect both teens and adults, regardless of age. Recognizing its symptoms early can help improve your skin’s appearance. One essential step in managing these breakouts is understanding how to wash your face properly to prevent further irritation and clogged pores.
Cystic acne, on the other hand, is a severe type of acne characterized by painful, pus-filled cysts beneath the skin's surface. These cysts can lead to deep scars and often require professional evaluation.
What are the Causes and Signs of Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne arises due to hormonal changes in androgens (male hormones found in both men and women). When androgen levels spike, they stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil production. This surplus oil clogs the pores, fostering an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria.
Unlike regular breakouts, hormonal acne signs tend to be persistent and cyclical, worsening before or during menstruation due to hormone changes and fluctuating hormone levels. One of its hallmark signs is location: hormonal acne often appears along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. These breakouts are deeper, manifesting as inflamed, tender bumps beneath the skin's surface, contrasting with the superficial nature of common pimples. Additionally, hormonal acne is often less responsive to traditional over-the-counter skincare approaches.
Recognizing its unique features empowers individuals to seek appropriate treatments, preventing emotional distress and long-term skin damage. Understanding these causes and signs is pivotal in managing cystic acne effectively, promoting both physical and emotional well-being.
Hormonal Acne and PCOS: What’s the Connection?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can increase the risk of developing hormonal acne. Women with PCOS often have elevated androgen levels, which stimulate excess oil production and clogged pores. If you notice persistent blemishes along your jawline and chin that doesn’t respond to typical treatment options, it might be worth discussing PCOS with your doctor.Recognizing this connection can encourage proactive conversations around skin and hormonal health and support overall well-being.
Our Approach to Combating Period Acne
We created Miracle Clear Trio to address your skin health needs in regard to your hormones. Recognizing this connection can encourage proactive conversations around skin and hormonal health and support overall well-being. We incorporate ingredients like succinic acid and vitamin B5 to help support a clearer-looking complexion and smoother-looking skin. We also recommend:
Acne Patches: Your Invisible Shield to Heal and Protect
Imagine a powerful ally combating acne whether you’re awake or asleep. Our pimple patches are precisely that.These transparent, virtually invisible patches act as a barrier, shielding blemishes from external exposure while supporting the skin’s natural recovery process. Hydrocolloid patches help absorb excess fluid and support a calmer-looking blemish. These patches provide relief and visibly reduce the size and redness.
Spot Treatments: Target Pimples Without Drying Out Your Skin
Our Miracle Clear Soothing Spot Gel is a fast-acting, non-irritating gel that is designed for use on emerging blemishes and visible breakouts. It s lightweight formula dries quickly and can be worn under makeup, making it the perfect on-the-go treatment. With key ingredients like succinic acid, tea tree extract, and cica extract, our gel acne treatment helps support clearer-looking skin and improve the appearance of redness over time.
Other Tips to Manage Your Skin
- Regular Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your skin to refine the look of pores for smoother-looking skin.
- Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which support skin health.
- Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or hobbies to keep stress hormones in check.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Touching your face transfers bacteria from your hands to your skin, contributing to blemishes forming. Be mindful of this habit.
Signs You Should See a Dermatologist
Any blemish occurrence can be more than just a cosmetic concern—it may indicate underlying hormonal imbalances or other health conditions. Seek professional guidance if you notice:
- Large, painful cysts that persist for weeks
- Blemishes that leave deep scars
- Breakouts resistant to over-the-counter treatments or your usual skincare routine
Nourishing Your Skin Inside and Out
Rael helps you maintain a harmonious balance between menstrual health and skin health throughout the highs and lows. Our comprehensive approach ensures that your skin receives the nourishment it deserves, fostering a radiant, healthy complexion. Knowing the difference between hormonal acne and cystic acne is the first step towards effective management. Try holistic cycle care and our clean skincare products to face these challenges with confidence.