Having hormonal acne as an adult can be miserable. We all expect hormonal acne to stop happening once we reach our 20s, but this isn’t always the case. Believe me, I know. Before I created, and then lived, the Flo Living protocol it took me 1.5 hours just to leave the house - my face and back were covered in cystic hormonal acne that I would have to cover with heavy makeup just to feel confident enough to carry on with my life. Hormonal acne can come with a shift in our cycle - like going from our ovulation phase to pre-menstruation phase, or it can come with a shift in our age as our hormonal patterns change from our 20s to our 30s. If you’re suffering with hormonal acne right now - I sympathize - and I have some great news. Hormonal acne is very responsive to treatment, healing (and then prevention) using natural supplements. The right choice and the right use of natural supplements can see your acne gone in just a couple of months.
My own experience with hormonal acne
Now, when I had acne I tried everything my doctor would give me. I was desperate to improve the way my skin looked, and the way I felt about myself. I imagine you’ve also gone through a list of potions and pills, hoping each would work for you. I personally tried a long course of antibiotics to stop the acne, which permanently stained my teeth slightly yellow (to this day!) and destroyed my gut microbiome so badly that I spent my entire freshman year of college with viruses, yeast infections and flu-like symptoms. I tried Retinol-A cream and Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide thinking I could heal my skin from the outside and just fix the surface of the issue. Needless to say, they didn’t work.
The problem with all of the treatments for acne that you’ve probably been offered, or tried already, is that they don’t solve the most common cause of an adult woman’s acne issues - her hormones. In fact, antibiotics and the birth control pill only worsen the hormonal imbalance that is triggering the hormonal acne. A combination of two health problems underpins the development of hormonal acne - a damaged and depleted gut microbiome and a deficiency in key miconutrients for skin health. These lead to hormonal imbalance and the development of acne as a result. Once I figured out how to eat and live to support my hormones with the Flo Living protocol my skin cleared up, and it’s been beautifully clear ever since.
How to use natural supplements to stop hormonal acne
It’s important to remember with natural supplements that they are great if you want to speed up the process of healing and recovery because you’re at a critical point with your acne. With hormonal acne, using natural supplements every day can get you to where you want to be much more quickly than food alone. However, your body holds a delicate balance of nutrients and minerals. Taking in too much of one via supplements can cause an imbalance in another. Food is a gentler, more natural, and more sensitive way of giving your body what it needs. But, if you’re reading this right now with raging hormonal acne and you want it gone ASAP, supplements are here to help that happen more quickly. Once you get back your clear skin, you can lower the amount of supplements you take, and allow your diet - food - to support your skin health. Hormonally-supportive foods and fewer supplements can then help you maintain the skin you love.
My top 5 natural supplements for preventing hormonal acne
- Magnesium. A lack of magnesium causes skin inflammation. Taking magnesium with calcium combined in supplement form can lower the amount of C-reactive proteins in your body which cause this inflammation. Calcium is part of our tissue matrix - bones, cells, and skin - and very important for skin cell renewal.
- Omega-3s. Getting your omega-3 fatty acids in fish or flax oil will give you almost instant results. Clearer, softer, smoother skin as well as stronger hair and nails - you can see it happen in days. They have a big picture, whole body affect, as well as results in the short term. Take a good fish oil or flaxseed oil brand.
- Zinc. Zinc deficiency is a very common issue for many women. When we are deficient in zinc our pores become easily irritated by bacteria and show redness. A large-scale scientific study actually concluded that zinc supplementation is very effective even when compared to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Try Thorne’s high potency zinc capsules. I also recommend having a little bit of grass-fed liver every week as part of a meal or as a snack. It’s full of copper and vitamin A. The copper will balance out the zinc in your body and the vitamin A is what your liver needs to detoxify from excess hormones. A well-functioning liver boosts your absorption of all vitamins and minerals and prevent deficiencies developing in the first place.
- Probiotics. We need probiotics for a healthy gut. A common symptom of a damaged and depleted microbiome is acne and other skin issues like rosacea. It’s particularly important with hormonal acne as your microbiome assists your body in processing and eliminating excess estrogen. If you’ve been on the Pill or antibiotics for any length of time, probiotics could be key to getting your skin back on track. I like Jarrow’s Stable-Dophilus formula.
- B Vitamins. Your skin needs B-vitamins to regenerate and renew as they provide the energy all of your cells need for fuel. Taking a good B-complex every day that includes a high level of B6 will target hormonal or pre-menstrual acne. B6 prevents skin inflammation and over-production of sebum (the oil your skin produces at can create acne issues).
Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this - the science of your body is on your side!
to your FLO,
Alisa
Good things come in threes:
I want to hear from you!
First, do you have hormonal acne?
Second, have you used the Pill or antibiotics to treat hormonal acne?
Third, everyone you know is hormonal – spread a little good ovary karma and share this article on social 😉
Need more Hormone Help?
If you’re needing some health upgrading, it’s time you started you looking into what’s going on with your hormones.
I’ve designed a 4 day hormone detox and evaluation to help you understand exactly what’s out of whack and how you can start getting back to balance so that your hormones no longer have to suffer.
Click here to get your FREE detox and evaluation!
NAC has also helped my skin SO much!!
What is NAC?
N-acetyl cysteine!
Alisa
Is that safe for anyone to take? and if so what brand and dosage?
My numbers show I'm IN Menopause (44)... however I still get a cycle that is now regulated by birth control. Like many others here, I've tried EVERYthing under the sun.
The supplements I currently take are: Vitamin A, Calcium D Glucarate & Protandim. I'd like to incorporate the Jarrows Probiotic & B Complex you suggest but would like to get your thoughts first.
Is this supplement ???
N-A-C is my new favorite supplement!!
Thank you for this helpul post. I just have a question about the dosages of each of these supplements. Could you please recommend effective dosages.
Thank you,
Julie
I have been doing all of this and have seen such a change in my acne! I have a similar experience to you-always trying different things to clear up my skin. I changed my eating in nutrition school, which helped but when I went off of birth control, it was worse than it had ever been! I've always struggled with digestion so getting that more balanced has helped too.
Just this morning I realized I didn't even need to put makeup on, which is exciting!
Thanks so much for the work you do. It's giving me a great resource for my own clients since they're typically struggling with anxiety, hormonal issues and confidence. It's crazy how much women don't know about their bodies. xoxo.
What supplements/dosages are you taking exactly? I am looking to fight my hormonal acne with supplements and I don't know the right equation of vitamins. Would love to experience the same results as you have!
I'm using all of these supplements in addition to Chasteberry and still can't find relief. I have break out with cysts on my my neck and near and my ear and I have to take a cotton pad every night and scape off dead skin cells off the rest of my face.
You mention taking a magnesium and a B vitamin supplement. Do you have specific ones you trust and recommend? I've been searching, and would love your input on which ones to get. Thanks!
Natural Calm and Jarrow's B-Right!
Alisa
What brand do you recommend for Omega 3's?
Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver oil!
Alisa
With or without liquid butter?
I'm struggling in this area and I have bad acne. As soon as I have a piece of milk chocolate, its over. A day later its not just a pimple but a gigantic puss mound and it has a nerve to hurt. I work full time in NYC and commute to and from Brooklyn. By the time I get home dinner is already prepared and on the table for me. My husband attempts to follow the protocol for me as much as possible, but we also has two children (elementary & middle school), so you know what dinner can look like sometimes. I'm trying my best to eat well during the day and cut back on the bad stuff and take my supplements on my good days. But, this last cycle, my acne has been at its worst. It was usually one large pimple at a time coming out of my menstruation phase. This months cycle (during Follicular), 3 showed up and they were not small by no means. I may just be stressed doing so much at once. But I'd love to have clear skin once in my life. Thanks again for all the work you do. I am learning a lot. I just wish i could see more of what I'm learning.
Thank you for sharing your supplement recommendation list. Do you suggest Zinc Picolinate or Citrate? Also, which brand Vitamin B complex do you prefer?
Zinc Citrate is great! And B-Right from Jarrow.
Alisa
Hi Alisa!
The program is going wonderfully well for me and I have seen a lot of changes! Thank you so much!!! I was wondering if the Algae Omega supplement is as effective as the flax or fish (cod)?
Cheers!
I'm a 45 YO woman. Someday I will actually have a clear face, someday..........
If I'm already taking the prenatal vitamins you recommend (Maternal Symmetry), can I take some of these supplements as well? If so, what dosages?
I'm suffering with a lot of acne (mostly on my chin and jawline), but we are trying to get pregnant so there's not much a dermatologist can recommend.
DIM plus helped and still helps me so much! Skin is better than ever
Hey Alisa! My test results show optimal blood sugar (89), optimal zinc (14.9), optimal magnesium (2.1), optimal B12 (1098), etc. I don't consume dairy, gluten, soy, alcohol, caffeine, or any added sugars or processed foods. My doctors basically told me I am a shining example of health. But, I am still experiencing acne around my mouth (no known food allergies). The rest of my skin is still perfectly clear. I haven't switched any of my skincare products either, still using what I've used for the past 10 years.
I only started getting acne when I went WFPB vegan 2 years ago. I've lost 20 lbs in those 2 years, which has put my BMI at a dangerous 16.3 (extremely underweight). My period still comes every 28 days, and my morning bowel movements are like clockwork, always right when I wake up. Besides acne and weight loss, my only other symptom is terrible cramps the first day of my period, which I usually take 1 naproxen sodium for.
Do you think my B6 or omega-3's could be depleted, and that's causing my sudden acne? I had perfect skin before switching my diet. I always make sure to eat chia/flax seeds in my morning oatmeal bowl for ALA. I stopped consuming all oils though back in February, which is when the acne became its worst, which is why I think it's an EFA deficiency that my doctors are missing. Is there a test for that?
I stopped being WFPB vegan and have been following your protocol for the past month--here's hoping it works! If it doesn't clear up in another two months, I am going to join your MonthlyFLO program online. Thank you so much for all you do!
This is also me, to a TEE! (healthy eating, supplements, incorporating more seeds, weight loss) I have acne around my mouth and chin as well. Let me know if you have found any relief!!
Karissa, it worked for me!! I was clear 14 days after my comment in June and have stayed clear, as long as I follow the Protocol at least 80%. I also take probiotics and cod liver oil. Now I use S.W. Basics skincare line. My skin has never looked so good!
Alisa, do you find that we need more omega-3's in the winter?
My skin was perfectly clear following your protocol from June-December, and the last two months has been acting up a little around my chin/mouth.
I had reduced the amount of omega-3 I was taking and then the sun went away....any other ideas?
Hi Alissa, how many MG of NAC and L-Glutamine do you recommend when trying to get you period back after being on the pill?
Thank you for answering my question of FB live!
Hannah
Hi can you buy one multi vitamin box that has all this in or are buying a bottle of each supplement. I want to help my 17 year old daughter
Thank you
Hi Natasha,
I would get them separately so that you can get the best kind of each supplement. If you are looking for more guidance, please reach out to my team at [email protected]!
Alisa
Please Grandma Needing Advice for a 13 year old granddaughter with Bad Acne!
What Vitamins can I give her to help with her acne?
She is using the face wash and cream. (Not working so good!)
I am currently raising My Granddaughter.
She just started her “monyhly”
And is getting Terrible Acne.
She keeps herself Very Clean, eats pretty well ( she doesn’t like Much junk food- strange I know!) and her skin is not really greasy. So I’m Pretty SURE It’s Stress related...
Neither I or any of my grown children had acne issues and I’m completely Lost as to how to Help!
She is so upset about this and I’d Really appreciate Any Help!
She’s gone through enough heart ach at this early age!
I need to help her feel better about herself Anyway I can!
Any Help would Be Greatly Appreciated!
I have had hormonal acne for years and tried so many things! The one thing which worked for me was reducing my high androgen/ DHT levels, as this is a massive cause of hormonal acne.
The supplement I use for this is SkinClear Elixir by a company called Botanycl. It contains natural ingredients which are shown to reduce androgens in women. I started takign this 2 weeks ago and noticed a difference straight away and I now dont have a single blemish on my face. My skin is the best its been!! Definitely give this a try if your looking for a natural approach to hormonal acne..
Is it safe to take this when on the contraceptive pill?
Do you if they sell this in the US? I only see it sold in UK 🙁
Hi Alissa! I was blown away by everything I read because it described my daughter. We have tried everything with no results. Today we went to our local health food store and bought what you suggested. Should she follow the dosage on the bottles (1a day of all but vit B which is 2) ? She was also recommended to take saw palmetto , super enzymes and green tea extract, should she? Also ( I'm so sorry for all this but I'm so excited for her) she's vegan and you recommend liver, can she take it in pill form or is there a substitute? Tku soooo much!!!!
Hi Becky,
So glad you found the website! I would hesitate to give any more advice unless I were to find out more about her specific situation. Please feel free to reach out to my team to get more support!
Alisa
What type of probiotics should I get? I've got all the other supplements but there are several different kinds of probiotics. I also live in Canada so brands vary. Thanks ?
try Garden of Life or Renew Life brands!
Alisa
I had horrible hormonal acne when I came off the pill and I read up on a few supplements that seemed effective. While looking on amazon I found one supplement that had vitex dim b6 and magnesium all combined.. It's really worked well for me but it took almost 2 months to really take effect. The brand name is Naturamone.. I take once a day to maintain now and it has really helped.
I have looked into the Naturamone supplement recently. I have regular cycles and am trying to get pregnant, so I don’t want to mess that up. How has it affected you?
Hello Alisa,
Thank you for the informative post. I have been struggling with hormonal acne since more than 1.5 years. Before that, I had clear skin all my life (I just turned 29). I took BC pills for 15 days in Jan 2017 and since then I started getting acne, however, it started to worsen after 6 months when I started getting cystic acne. I am still battling with angry, inflamed acne. I had ultrasound and my left ovary is bigger than the right one but the Gyno has ruled out PCOS. BC has triggered this massive chain of acne.
Nuts and flaxseeds break me out right away. I have tried various supplements; berberine quickened my heartbeat and Omega 3 fish oil gave me under the skin bumps on my forehead. Probiotic wasn't a massive help either.I am now taking zinc and vitamin D, it is helping somewhat but I still get acne. I avoid dairy and sugar for the most part. I have become very depressed because of persistent acne and losing the will to carry out daily acitivities. Is there any way out? Can you suggest anything? I am running out of options to clear this pill-induced acne.
Hi Alisa,
This is great article and explains the excat condition what I am facing rite now. I am already taking some medications but those are not effective.
Can you please recommend per day dose of above mentioned supplements?
Thank you
I have had trouble with my hormones for the past few years. I don't have much of a problem as far as hormonal acne though sometimes I get a pimple around my period. I do though have terrible insomnia which seems to have gotten worse with age as well as hot flashes. I seem to about every night wake up constantly. Do you have any suggestions for what supplements to take to balance hormones that would help with sleep?