Not all acne is the same and understanding what type of acne you’re dealing with is the first step toward clearer, healthier skin. While acne and hormonal acne can look similar on the surface, they have very different causes, patterns, and treatment approaches. At Anu Medical Spa, we often see clients frustrated after trying “everything,” only to discover they’ve been treating the wrong type of acne. Here’s how to tell the difference and what actually works for each.
What Is Acne?
Traditional acne is typically caused by a combination of clogged pores, excess oil production, and acne-causing bacteria. This type of acne is common in teens and adults and often appears in areas where oil production is highest.
Common Signs of Acne:
- Breakouts on the forehead, nose, and cheeks
- Whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed pimples
- Triggered by sweat, skincare products, makeup, diet, or environmental factors
- May worsen with poor exfoliation or heavy products
Because this acne forms at the surface level of the skin, it often responds well to treatments that focus on deep cleansing, exfoliation, and pore management.
Best Treatments for Acne:
- Customized facials
- Chemical peels
- Professional extractions
- Blue light therapy to target acne-causing bacteria
- Medical-grade skincare to regulate oil and prevent future breakouts
With consistent care, traditional acne can often be managed and significantly improved.
What Is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is driven by internal hormonal fluctuations, which increase oil production and inflammation in the skin. This type of acne is especially common in adults and often appears even in people who never struggled with acne earlier in life.
Common Signs of Hormonal Acne:
- Breakouts concentrated along the jawline, chin, and neck
- Deep, cystic, and often painful blemishes
- Flares around menstrual cycles, stress, or hormonal changes
- Breakouts that linger longer and are slower to heal
Because hormonal acne originates beneath the surface of the skin, it typically requires deeper, more corrective treatments that support skin renewal and reduce inflammation.
Best Treatments for Hormonal Acne:
- Chemical peels to improve cell turnover and reduce congestion
- Microneedling to support skin healing and reduce scarring
- Red and blue light therapy to calm inflammation and control bacteria
- A customized skincare routine tailored to hormonal patterns and skin sensitivity
Treating hormonal acne often involves patience and a long-term strategy focused on balance rather than quick fixes.
Why a Professional Evaluation Matters
Many people struggle because they are treating hormonal acne like traditional acne or vice versa. Using harsh products or aggressive treatments on the wrong acne type can worsen inflammation, disrupt the skin barrier, and prolong breakouts.
At Anu Medical Spa, we take a personalized approach, evaluating your skin, lifestyle, and break-out patterns to create a treatment plan that actually works for your skin.
Clear Skin Starts with the Right Plan
Whether you’re dealing with clogged pores, persistent breakouts, or deep hormonal acne, the right treatment can make all the difference. With professional guidance and customized care, clearer skin is absolutely achievable.
Schedule a consultation at Anu Medical Spa to determine whether your acne is traditional, hormonal, or a combination of both and take the first step toward healthier, more confident skin.
