NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN ONTARIO
Natural Treatment For Hormonal Acne
What You Can Do To Heal Hormonal Acne
Hormonal Acne
Acne isn’t just a teenage issue. Many adults — especially women — struggle with persistent breakouts well into their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. If you notice that your breakouts cluster around your jawline, chin, or neck, or tend to flare before your period, there’s a good chance hormones are playing a role.
As a naturopath in Ontario with a focus in hormones and skin health, I see hormonal acne frequently. The good news? Understanding the root causes means we can create a treatment plan that actually addresses why the breakouts are happening — not just mask the symptoms.
Topics of importance:
How hormones trigger acne
The role of androgens (testosterone, DHEA)
Why breakouts cluster around the chin and jawline
Blood sugar and insulin resistance links
Naturopathic approaches: nutrition, stress support, hormone testing, topical & internal treatments
When to consider bioidentical hormones
Why Hormonal Acne Happens
Hormonal acne often comes down to a combination of factors:
Androgens (Testosterone and DHEA)
Androgens increase oil (sebum) production, which can clog pores and lead to cystic acne. In conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), excess androgens can drive persistent, deep breakouts.
Estrogen and Progesterone Fluctuations
During the menstrual cycle, falling estrogen and progesterone levels just before a period can increase oiliness and inflammation. This is why many women notice breakouts in the luteal phase (the week before their period).
Cortisol (Stress Hormone)
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which worsens inflammation and makes the skin more reactive. Cortisol also disrupts blood sugar balance, indirectly aggravating acne.
Insulin and Blood Sugar Imbalance
Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can spike insulin, which stimulates androgen activity and excess oil production. This is why stable blood sugar is so important for hormonal acne management.
The Naturopathic Approach to Hormonal Acne
Instead of focusing only on topical solutions, naturopathic medicine looks deeper — at hormones, digestion, stress, and nutrition — to support skin health from the inside out.
Here are some of the ways I may support patients with hormonal acne:
Lab Testing: Checking hormones, blood sugar, thyroid function, and nutrient levels to identify root causes.
Nutrition Strategies: Reducing high-glycemic foods, supporting gut health, and adding anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Hormone Support: Using natural therapies, supplements, or in some cases bioidentical hormones for perimenopausal or menopausal patients.
Stress Management: Cortisol regulation through lifestyle, sleep, and adaptogenic support.
Topical Care: Recommending gentle, evidence-based skincare to support barrier function without over-drying.
Why See a Naturopath for Acne?
Acne can be emotionally and physically frustrating, especially when conventional approaches like antibiotics, birth control, or harsh topicals don’t provide lasting relief. A naturopathic doctor with a focus in dermatology and hormones takes the time to uncover what’s really driving your breakouts and works with you to create a long-term plan.
The Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with persistent jawline or chin breakouts, or you suspect your acne is linked to your cycle, stress, or hormone changes, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Working with a naturopath in Ontario can help you better understand your hormones, improve your skin health, and restore your confidence from the inside out.
👉 Ready to get started? Book an appointment today to explore a personalized plan for your hormonal acne and overall skin health.
Dr. Janna Fung, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Janna Fung is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a special interest in dermatology and women’s health. She has a passion for evidence based preventative medicine and strives to empower patients with the knowledge to achieve their optimal health. She understands collaborations is the only way to develop realistic sustainable health/wellness results and strives to develop individualized health goals with patients.
