Acne is one of the commonest skin conditions, but not all acne is the same.

For many people, hormonal changes are at the heart of their breakouts — whether they be during puberty, pregnancy, or adulthood.

Understanding how hormones influence oil production and skin inflammation is the first step toward choosing the right treatment and achieving lasting clarity.

1. Hormonal acne

Is most commonly seen during puberty and adolescence, when elevated hormone levels — particularly androgens — stimulate the skin’s oil glands to produce more oil. This increased oil production can overwhelm glands if they have narrowed or blocked openings, and prevent the oil from reaching the skin’s surface. When the oil becomes trapped, the glands swell to form whiteheads and blackheads.

The trapped oil then creates the ideal environment for the normal bacteria living within the glands to multiply, leading to the inflammation we recognise as acne.

If the acne is severe, prescription medications, antibiotics, and topical treatments may all be required to achieve clear skin and prevent permanent scarring.

2. Adult acne

By contrast, adult-onset acne is generally milder and can be caused by hormonal imbalances, underlying medical conditions, or the side-effects of some medications.

Unlike teenage acne, adult acne can usually be managed successfully without prescription drugs, focusing instead on the cause, skincare, gentle exfoliation, and lifestyle adjustments.