Effective hormonal acne remedies

3 min read

Hormonal acne is the pits! We’ve rounded up our favorite and most effective hormonal acne remedies for pregnancy, lactation, trying to conceive, and getting off hormonal birth control!

 

Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) for hormonal acne treatment

Benzoyl peroxide is an acne treatment that has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Benzoyl peroxide is super effective for blackhead breakouts as well as hormonal/inflammatory breakouts. BP doesn’t have the exfoliating properties that Salicylic acid (SA) does, but it’s more potent and works so well for most people.

  1. Humane Acne Wash
    • Kate’s all time favorite! The benzoyl peroxide (BP) Acne Treatment busts hormonal acne in a flash! It’s 10% BP which is high, so always check with your provider before starting anything new. They do have 5% concentration option as well.
    • We recommend building your way up to daily treatment, especially if you have sensitive skin, as this tends to dry out skin. Try once every other day to start, and build up to every day. Follow with an oil free moisturizer or alternate with a moisturizing cleanser like the BeautyCounter Cleansing Balm.
    • Humane also has a spot control serum that’s benzoyl peroxide based for intermittent breakouts. Another reason why we love it! 
  2. Acne Free
    1. Another BP based product, but not as much benzoyl peroxide (on 2.5%), so not as strong, but we still like it! The micro benzoyl peroxide is less irritating to the skin.

hormonal acne

Salicylic Acid (SA) favorites for hormonal acne 

Salicylic Acid (SA) regimen is safe for pregnancy and lactation. It’s a common misconception that topical salicylic acid is not safe for pregnancy – it is not recommended to ingest SA during pregnancy and lactation (unless directed by your provider), but topical is SA is safe.

  1. CounterControl by Beauty Counter
  2. Tula

3. CeraVe (Budget Friendly)

    • We love this CeraVe wash as a budget friendly salicylic acid option for hormonal acne! Kate didn’t find it to be as effective it’s BeautyCounter alternative, but can’t beat it for the price. Follow with an oil free moisturizer or alternate with a moisturizing cleanser like the BeautyCounter Cleansing Balm.

 

Hormonal acne is distressing and so common! If these at OTC remedies aren’t strong enough, make sure to talk to a dermatologist for stronger, safe options. Additionally, if you were taking any oral medications for acne (examples are antibiotics or Acutane), make sure to contact your provider ASAP to make sure it’s safe for pregnancy or lactation.

 

Other helpful blog posts:

Have more questions?  Schedule a text or video chat consult with Kate, Lauren or Natalie (NICU RNs) and they can help answer any questions that you have!

**This post is educational in nature. You should always check with your provider before starting any new regimen including a skin regimen. Bumblebaby makes a commission on some items listed.

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