Our body & its patterns

At CKIN, we know that managing acne isn’t just skin-deep; it’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. Acne often has a genetic component—if acne runs in our family, we may be more likely to experience it ourself. Research has even identified specific gene variants that influence factors like sebum production, inflammation, and bacterial growth.

Beyond genetics, hormonal fluctuations also play a significant role in acne development.

While these biological factors, like our genetics and hormonal cycles, are out of our direct control, there are actionable ways to manage their effects. Lifestyle, environment, and skincare routines can all impact acne prevalence and severity. The good news? These are areas where we have the power to create positive change. Through informed choices and step-by-step improvements, we can nurture healthier, clearer skin — and cultivate confidence along the way.

Hormones and their impact on skin and acne

While acne is often thought of as a teenage problem, many of us encounter it throughout life due to hormonal fluctuations. Hormones like androgens (e.g. testosterone), progesterone, and estrogen fluctuate over time and have a significant impact on our skin — especially for those of us with acne-prone skin.

There are other hormones, such as luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, that also affect skin health particularly during pregnancy.

Hormonal acne among women

Women experience unique hormonal changes throughout life,
with five key stages:

• Infancy
• Puberty (adolescence)
• Reproductive age
• Climacteric period (around menopause)
• Post-climacteric years

In addition to these shared stages, women encounter hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum periods. These fluctuations often influence sebum production, leading to acne flares. For instance, over 40% of pregnant women experience acne due to hormonal changes activating sebum glands.

By understanding how hormones shift during different life stages and menstrual phases, we can make more informed skincare choices that align with our skin’s needs.

Hormonal acne among men

Men also experience hormonal shifts that impact skin health and acne, though not in a cyclical and regular pattern like women. In fact, research suggests hormonal factors may play an even greater role in male acne than in female acne, due to consistently higher testosterone levels.

Testosterone is the most well-known androgen, a group of male sex hormones primarily produced in the testes, with smaller amounts made by the adrenal glands in both men and women. Testosterone drives male traits such as a deeper voice, facial hair, muscle mass, and plays a role in sex drive, bone growth, and sperm production.
Higher testosterone levels lead to thicker, oilier skin and more active sebaceous glands, increasing sebum production. Excess sebum can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Facial hair, such as beards and mustaches, can further trap oil and bacteria, creating a breeding ground for acne.

Besides the face and neck, men are also prone to acne on the chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Sweating, especially during workouts or in warm weather, can worsen acne, particularly when wearing nonbreathable or sweat-trapping fabrics.

Keeping a skin diary to better understand our body, skin and its patterns

Keeping a skin diary can be a valuable tool for understanding how our skin and acne status changes with hormonal fluctuations
and other impact factors like diet, stress and skincare routines. Here are some things to include in our skin diary:

Daily skin observations

Note changes like breakouts, redness, or oiliness.

Hormonal tracking

Record your menstrual cycle and any skin changes across phases.

Dietary records

Identify potential food triggers or helpful nutrients.

Stress levels

Log significant stressors and emotional shifts.

External aggressors

Keep a record of elongated exposure to UV rays and other environmental pollutants.

Skincare routine

Track the products you use and any adjustments made.

Emotional wellbeing

Track your emotional journey and monitor fluctuations in mood,
emotions and relationships with others.

By understanding our skin’s unique patterns, we can tailor our skincare routine to work in harmony with our body.

At CKIN, we’re here to support you with tools, insights, and guidance. Together, let’s embrace the journey to clearer skin, balanced hormones, and greater confidence—inside and out.

References

• Mohamed L Elsaie(2016): Hormonal treatment of acne vulgaris: an update
• Hyun Jee Kim 1, Yeong Ho Kim(2024): Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies

• Emily Henderson, B.Sc(2022): Study identifies 29 new genetic variants linked to acne
• Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD — Written by Jennifer Huizen(2024): What to know about hormonal imbalances

• Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MPH(2019): Can Testosterone Trigger Acne?
• R. S. Raghunath, Z. C. Venables, G. W. M. Millington(2015): The menstrual cycle and the skin