Hormonal Acne vs. Bacterial Acne: How to Tell Which You Have and How to Treat It

Acne is a prevalent skin condition that can affect individuals of all ages, but determining the underlying cause is key to choosing the most effective treatment. Two of the most frequent culprits behind acne breakouts are hormonal changes and bacterial contamination. Although they might appear similar at first glance, their origins, treatments, and prevention methods are distinct. In this guide, we’ll explore how to identify which type of acne you're dealing with, delve into the root causes of each, and outline the best strategies for treatment and prevention.

Distinguishing Between Hormonal and Bacterial Acne

Though both types of acne can coexist, it’s essential to distinguish between them for targeted treatment. Here are some tips to help identify whether your acne is hormonal or bacterial:

• Location: Hormonal acne often affects the lower face and jawline, while bacterial acne is more likely to occur in oil-rich areas like the forehead, nose, and chin.

• Timing: Hormonal acne tends to flare up in sync with hormonal cycles (such as before menstruation), while bacterial acne may worsen due to external factors like poor hygiene or excessive oil production.

• Type of Lesions: Hormonal acne usually manifests as deep cysts, whereas bacterial acne presents as smaller, red pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Consulting with a dermatologist can provide a clear diagnosis and ensure that you’re using the right treatments for your skin.

Hormonal Acne: The Influence of Hormones

Hormonal acne occurs when changes in your hormone levels—particularly an increase in androgens—cause your sebaceous (oil) glands to produce excess sebum. This excess oil clogs your pores, providing an environment where acne-causing bacteria can thrive. Hormonal fluctuations due to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often trigger hormonal acne. Hormonal acne typically appears as deep, painful cysts on the lower face, jawline, and chin. Women may notice a pattern of breakouts that worsens just before or during their menstrual cycle.

How to Prevent and Treat Hormonal Acne

Managing hormonal acne requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on balancing hormones and maintaining a consistent skincare routine. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly around menstruation, pregnancy, or stress, can lead to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation, causing breakouts. While some treatments focus on balancing hormones, you can take steps that don’t involve medication.

One key strategy is adopting lifestyle changes. Reducing stress through practices like meditation, exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet can help regulate your hormones naturally. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and low in sugar may also reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin.

In terms of skincare, incorporating products that target excess oil production and keep pores clear is essential. Leovard’s Multicleanser, formulated with salicylic acid, offers an effective solution. Salicylic acid deeply penetrates the pores to exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce oil production, helping to prevent the formation of painful cystic acne. Additionally, this gentle yet powerful cleanser contains ginger extract, which combats inflammation and promotes skin elasticity, aiding in the healing of post-acne scars.

By combining consistent skincare with stress management and healthy lifestyle habits, you can effectively manage and reduce the occurrence of hormonal acne over time.

Bacterial Acne: The Role of Bacteria and Inflammation

Bacterial acne, also known as inflammatory acne, is primarily caused by the overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria on the skin. These bacteria feed on the excess oil produced by your sebaceous glands, leading to inflammation and the development of pimples, pustules, and cysts.

People with oily skin or those who neglect proper skin hygiene are more prone to bacterial acne. It’s common on the forehead, nose, and chin—areas that tend to have higher oil production.

Bacterial acne presents as red, inflamed pimples that may be filled with pus. Unlike hormonal acne, which affects deeper layers of the skin, bacterial acne tends to surface as whiteheads, blackheads, and red pimples.

How to prevent and treat bacterial acne?

The key to treating bacterial acne is reducing the bacterial load on the skin while minimizing inflammation. Over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be highly effective at killing acne-causing bacteria and unclogging pores. For more persistent or severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics, such as clindamycin, to further control bacterial growth and inflammation.

To manage bacterial acne effectively, it’s important to combine targeted skincare products. Leovard’s Multicleanser, with its blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid, helps deeply cleanse the skin, exfoliate dead cells, and clear clogged pores, creating an environment where bacteria have less chance to thrive. This step is crucial for preventing new breakouts.

For optimal results, pair the Multicleanser with Leovard’s Tonic, which brings the anti-inflammatory power of witch hazel together with the antibacterial properties of white willow bark and green tea extract. These ingredients work synergistically to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and fight acne-causing bacteria. Used regularly, the Tonic not only helps soothe active breakouts but also prevents future lesions, offering a balanced approach to bacterial acne management.

By combining these products, you can create a comprehensive routine that addresses both bacterial control and inflammation, helping to maintain clear, healthy skin over time.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Treating Acne

Treating acne—whether hormonal or bacterial—requires a comprehensive approach that includes both topical treatments and lifestyle changes. Leovard’s range of products, including the Multicleanser, Tonic, and and even the gentle and lightweight Multi Cream, offer scientifically backed ingredients to combat both hormonal and bacterial acne effectively.

By targeting the root causes of acne, balancing oil production, and reducing bacterial overgrowth, these products provide a holistic solution for clearer, healthier skin. For optimal results, combine your skincare routine with a balanced lifestyle, including proper diet, hydration, and stress management, to keep your skin glowing and acne-free.