Adult acne: Can natural hormone treatments help?

Date Updated: 03/03/2020

Answer Section

Hormones likely play a role in the development of adult acne, but hormones generally aren't the root cause of acne.

It's true that some people with hormonal imbalances due to diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome experience more problems with acne. However, most of those with adult acne have no measurable hormonal imbalance.

A number of so-called natural acne treatments promise to "equalize" hormonal imbalances to reduce adult acne breakouts. But "natural hormones" are often derived from plants. Their chemical structure is different from hormones produced in the body, so their effectiveness may be limited. And because hormonal imbalance isn't thought to play a major role in acne anyway, the premise behind such products is shaky at best.

Adult acne can be a distressing and frustrating problem. Successful treatment of severe adult acne may take months or even years. But the good news is that effective treatments are available. If you're concerned about adult acne, consult a dermatologist to learn more about safe, proven treatments. Also, check with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.