Hormonal acne is, quite literally, a relentless struggle. Many of us think of acne as a phase—a few red bumps that vanish when high school is over. But hormonal acne is different. It often lingers, affecting countless women from their teenage years well into adulthood, even through menopause. Unfortunately, I'm one of the 640 million people worldwide who grapple with adult hormonal acne. I know the effects all too well. 

What is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne isn’t your run-of-the-mill breakout. It’s driven by fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens, which can increase oil production and lead to clogged pores. This type of acne typically shows up around the lower face, jawline, and chin, and can appear as deep, painful cysts that take forever to heal. Unlike other forms of acne, hormonal acne tends to be stubborn and cyclical, flaring up around the same time each month. It can feel like a never-ending cycle—just when one blemish fades, another pops up to take its place. These cystic pimples can’t be popped and don’t disappear overnight with a pimple patch. It often feels like there’s no quick fix, or any fix at all.

For many suffering from stubborn acne, dermatologists will prescribe Accutane. Accutane, or isotretinoin, is often considered to be the holy grail of acne treatments. Originally developed as a last resort for severe acne, this powerful medication works by shrinking oil glands and reducing oil production to almost nothing. For some, it can be life changing, but for others it results in more than a handful of brutal side effects, isn’t effective, or needs repeat treatments. 

I have suffered from acne since 4th grade, and after worsening outbreaks I threw my hands up and accepted my accutane fate. But after 10 months of dry skin and chapped lips, my acne still had not subsided. I could not believe it. I reluctantly went off accutane and made an appointment with my gynecologist.After a hormone panel, my gyno switched my birth control and suggested I try a medication called Spironolactone. This quite literally changed my life. 

Those who have never suffered through the hell that is hormonal acne may not understand the far-reaching effects. Hormonal acne doesn’t just sit on the surface of your skin, it penetrates deep into your mental health. Not a day went by where I wasn’t feeling self conscious. I avoided mirrors, photos, dates, and social outings. I constantly covered my skin with makeup, which only made it feel worse. Acne tanked my self esteem for years. 

Where can I get treatment for hormonal acne?
Starting spironolactone was a whole new world. In weeks, my acne cleared up almost completely. Spironolactone is a bit of a secret weapon for hormonal acne. It was designed as a blood pressure medication, but later doctors discovered that it has a surprising bonus effect: it blocks androgens, the hormones that can cause excess oil production. By dialing down these hormones, spironolactone helps prevent deep, stubborn breakouts. 

When I moved across the country, I needed to refill my spironolactone prescription quickly, and I didn’t have time to search for a new doctor. I turned to the internet and found Apostrophe. Apostrophe is an online platform that provides access to an expert dermatology team and prescription treatments. They connect you with dermatology providers who will provide expert care for your skin all from the comfort of your home. I’ve been using Spironolactone through Apostrophe for almost two years now, and I truly can’t imagine life without it. 

What else does Apostrophe offer?
Apostrophe offers both topical and oral medications for the most sensitive skin to the most severe acne. Not only have I turned to Apostrophe for hormonal acne treatment, but also for rosacea. A provider prescribed me Metronidazole, which has worked wonders to keep my flares at bay. 

It can take months to get an appointment at your local dermatologist, and when it comes to skin, most of us don’t want to wait months. Apostrophe connects you with a dermatology provider who will help you treat your skin concerns. You can submit photos, ask questions, and get treatment in days. If you’re experiencing the dreaded hormonal acne, rosacea, wrinkles, we highly recommend turning to Apostrophe for answers and relief.