Hormonal Acne vs. Bacterial Acne: A Skincare Expert's Deep Dive
Introduction: Not All Acne Is Created Equal As a skincare expert, I often get asked the same question: "Why do my pimples keep coming back no matter what I apply?" The truth is, not all acne has the same root cause —and treating it requires understanding what's going on beneath the surface . Two of the most common forms of acne are hormonal acne and bacterial acne . While they may appear similar, their triggers, appearance, and treatment protocols differ significantly. In this blog, I’ll break down how to distinguish between them and recommend proven treatment strategies backed by science. 1. What is Hormonal Acne? Hormonal acne is caused by fluctuations in hormones —most commonly androgens like testosterone. These hormones increase sebum (oil) production , clogging pores and leading to inflammation. 🔍 Key Characteristics: Mostly appears along the jawline, chin, and cheeks Deep, painful cystic pimples that don’t come to a head Tends to flare up around menstru...