Hormonal acne can be persistent, frustrating, and often unresponsive to conventional treatments. Many women experience recurring breakouts along the jawline, chin, and cheeks—especially during menstrual cycles, perimenopause, or periods of stress.

At Eastential Chinese Medicine in Abbotsford, we provide a natural and holistic approach to managing hormonal acne by addressing underlying imbalances that may be contributing to skin flare-ups.

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is commonly associated with fluctuations in hormones such as androgens and oestrogen. This can lead to increased oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation.

Common triggers include:

Menstrual cycle changes
Perimenopause and menopause
Stress and elevated cortisol
Digestive imbalance and gut health
Diet and lifestyle factors

How Acupuncture May Help Hormonal Acne

Acupuncture is traditionally used to support the body’s natural regulatory processes. In the context of hormonal acne, treatment aims to assist with:

Supporting hormonal balance
Reducing inflammation in the body
Promoting healthy circulation to the skin
Assisting the body’s stress response
Supporting overall skin health

Many patients report improvements in both skin clarity and general wellbeing over time.

Note: Individual results may vary. Acupuncture is used as a supportive therapy and is not a replacement for medical treatment where required.

A Holistic Approach to Skin Health

At Eastential, we take an integrated approach that may include:

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Customised herbal formulas may be prescribed to support internal balance and skin health.

Dietary & Lifestyle Guidance

We provide tailored advice to support digestion and reduce inflammatory triggers.

Stress & Nervous System Support

Managing stress is an important part of addressing hormonally influenced skin conditions.

Why Choose Eastential Chinese Medicine?

Located in Abbotsford, Melbourne and also offers telehealth
10+ years of experience in treating dermatology concerns
Individualised treatment plans
Focus on root-cause approach
Experience in women’s health and skin conditions
Holistic care supporting overall wellbeing

Book an in person consultation

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to see results for hormonal acne?

Results vary depending on the individual. Some people may notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may require ongoing treatment to support longer-term changes.

Is acupuncture safe for acne treatment?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. At Eastential, all treatments follow strict hygiene and professional standards.

Can acupuncture help with hormonal imbalance?

Acupuncture may support the body’s natural regulatory processes, which can assist with symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations.

Do I need to take herbs as well?

Herbal medicine may be recommended as part of your treatment plan, but it is optional and tailored to your needs.

Is this suitable during perimenopause?

Yes, many women seek support for skin changes during perimenopause, and treatment can be tailored accordingly.

Book a Consultation

If you’re looking for a natural approach to managing hormonal acne in Melbourne, we welcome you to book a consultation at Eastential Chinese Medicine.

Book an in person consultation

Acne at 12 to 20

Acne usually starts at puberty. The surging and fluctuation of hormones becomes a bane of any teenager’s life. Types of acne ranges from a few pimples during, before or after the menstrual cycle to deep cystic, angry acne on the forehead, cheeks, jawline, neck and/or on the back and shoulders. At this stage of acne, most common prescription from your doctor would be to go on the pill or Roaccutane. The pill is used as a band-aid solution to hormonal acne, painful periods, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), severe premenstrual syndromes and etc. This is also a stressful period for young boys with surging testosterone hormones that can affect their confidence and emotional well-being. As age progresses, the severity of it usually starts declining. However, some will persist until adulthood.

Acne at 20-35

Those that were blessed with clear skin throughout their teenage years then suddenly, acne starts popping out in adulthood are due to fluctuation of hormones caused by stress, lifestyle and diet. Another type of acne that I commonly see in the stage is women with PCOS. This type of acne are a continuation from puberty where menstrual cycles are irregular that had not been diagnosed until later stage into adulthood. In addition, women at this stage are thinking of coming off the pill for fertility purposes or a decision to address issues of hormonal changes that affected you in your teens such as hormonal acne, irregular cycles, painful periods, severe premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis and etc. Coming off the pill may cause the hormones to fluctuate as there is no longer a controlled mechanism derived from the pill. The body often revert back to where it was before you started on the pill. As mentioned before, the pill is often a band-aid solution.

Acne at 45+

This stage of acne is commonly seen in women that are peri-menopause. In addition to typical peri-menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, day/night sweats, irregular cycles, weight gain, insomnia etc, acne and dry skin may be present. This is caused by increase in luteinising hormones which increases androgen levels. In addition, stress and poor lifestyle choices may be a contribution to late onset acne.

What is common amongst the stages of acne is the fluctuation of hormones. This fluctuation can be due to the imbalances of hormones during teenage years, gyneacological problems (PCOS, Endometriosis etc), stress, emotional challenges, lifestyle and diet. In Chinese medicine, we look at the body holistically in terms of Yin and Yang. Yin provides softness and cools the body down and Yang provides energy and warmth to the body. This delicate balance can often be displaced due to factors outlined above. Can Chinese medicine and acupuncture re-balance this? Absolutely!

Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can reduce and manage the symptoms and the root cause of acne . In essence, acne from Chinese medicine perspective is caused by Heat or Damp Heat. The source of Heat or Damp Heat can arise from hormonal imbalances, emotional factors, stress, poor diet of spicy, deep fried, greasy foods, sugar and etc. Organs that affects acne are Lungs, Stomach, Large Intestines, Small Intestines and Conception vessels. To determine what may cause the breakout of acne, a detailed consultation is carried out. From my clinical experience, each person presented with acne have different diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, the treatment is tailored towards your constitution and overall state of your body and health. To find out how I can help you reduce and manage your flare ups, BOOK ONLINE for a consultation to begin your journey in rectifying the root cause of your acne.