How to Treat Hormonal Acne in 2025: 7 Resolutions for Clear Skin

As we step into 2025, it’s time to redefine how we approach skincare, especially when it comes to hormonal acne. For decades, the focus has been on topical treatments—cleansers, toners, and creams. But this year marks a shift in perspective: skincare is becoming an inside-out journey. Hormonal acne isn’t just a surface issue; it’s deeply tied to internal imbalances, making hormone health the cornerstone of clear skin. If you’ve been searching for resolutions that truly work, here’s a list of transformative steps to tackle hormonal acne from within.

1. SWITCH TO HORMONE-SAFE SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Why it matters: Many skincare products, especially those for acne-prone skin (like benzoyl peroxide), contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can throw your hormones off balance, leading to conditions like estrogen dominance—a common root cause of hormonal acne. On top of that, harsh scrubs and active ingredients can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation, dryness, and breakouts.

RESOLUTION TIPS

• Read ingredient labels carefully and get rid of any products with EDCs. Parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances are common offenders.

• Apps like Yuka make it easy to scan the barcodes of skincare and personal care products and identify these harmful ingredients in a matter of seconds. Yuka also offers alternative non-toxic, hormone-safe recommendations.

• As you remove products from your bathroom cabinet, use it as an opportunity to try paring down your skincare routine to a few simple products, like a gentle cleanser (or two if you prefer double cleansing to remove sunscreen or makeup) and a moisturizer.

2. PRIORITIZE WHOLE, NUTRIENT-DENSE FOODS

Why it matters: Processed foods also often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and additives that disrupt hormone balance. Added sugars, in particular, can cause blood sugar spikes, elevating insulin levels and further affecting hormonal stability. Whole foods, especially those that are organic, are the best option for overall health and hormone regulation. This includes high-quality animal proteins which play a key role in supporting liver function and estrogen detoxification.

RESOLUTION TIPS

• When grocery shopping, focus on purchasing non-packaged food items. Foods that come pre-packaged are more likely to contain EDCs. Scanning barcodes with an app like Yuka can help guide you when purchasing packaged food products.

• Organic animal products are usually the best option, but hormone-free and antibiotic-free are a good alternative. Terms like grass-fed, free-range, and pasture-raised are beneficial but don't always guarantee that synthetic hormones, antibiotics, or other harmful chemicals are absent.

• Eating fibre-rich vegetables (like broccoli, sweet potatoes, and carrots) helps to further promote clear skin by supporting digestion and hormone elimination.

3. CONSIDER TARGETED HORMONAL ACNE SUPPLEMENTS

Why it matters: Supplements are a simple yet powerful way to not only address nutritional deficiencies, but also provide your body with additional hormone support. If you're experiencing hormone imbalance symptoms beyond acne, a hormone imbalance could be the root cause of your breakouts, and some targeted hormone support might be the key to resolving those pesky pimples. That said, it’s important to consult with a naturopath or healthcare provider to find the best approach for your individual needs.

RESOLUTION TIPS

• Pay attention to hormone imbalance symptoms beyond acne. For women, your menstrual cycle is a key indicator of hormonal health. Irregular, heavy, or painful periods can signal an imbalance.

• High estrogen is one of the most common hormone imbalances in women and includes symptoms like PMS, mood swings, bloating, weight gain, headaches, and tender breasts.

• Take our free quiz to help determine if high estrogen could be the root cause of your acne and other symptoms and whether Balance can help clear your skin.

4. OPTIMIZE YOUR SLEEP

Why it matters: Sleep is a critical time for your body to repair itself. During deep sleep, your body naturally regenerates skin cells and regulates hormones like cortisol—a stress hormone that, if unbalanced, can trigger acne and other hormonal issues. Quality sleep also supports the detoxification processes of the liver, which is vital for clearing excess hormones such as estrogen and other acne-causing toxins. Essentially, consistent, restful sleep provides your skin and body the reset they need to stay healthy.

RESOLUTION TIPS

• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule—going to bed and waking up around the same time each day (with at most an hour variance). 

• Even if you're in bed for that number of hours, you're likely not getting that many hours of quality sleep. Sleep trackers (like WHOOP and Oura Ring) can help you determine how much sleep you're actually getting, as well as other helpful metrics for hormonal regulation. 

• Create a calming bedtime routine: dim lights, avoid screens, and consider calming teas like chamomile. You should also avoid alcohol, caffeine, heavy meals, and intense activity a few hours before bed. 

5. BALANCE YOUR WORKOUTS

Why it matters: In recent years, high-intensity workouts have taken the spotlight, but overtraining can disrupt hormones like cortisol, progesterone, and estrogen, leading to breakouts. While exercise is crucial for hormone regulation, balance is key. Cardio, strength training, and flexibility all play important roles in keeping your hormones in check and supporting overall health. A well-rounded routine also includes rest and recovery days.

RESOLUTION TIPS

• Notice signs of overtraining, which comes with symptoms like persistent fatigue, frequent injuries, sleep disturbances, mood swings, frequent illness, and digestive issues. If you're experiencing several of these, it’s a sign your body needs more rest and recovery.

• Incorporate strength training 2-3 times a week. It not only boosts metabolism and supports hormone health, but it's also associated with nearly a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, lung cancer, and all-cause mortality.

• Mix in low-intensity activities like yoga or walking, which not only provide a gentle workout but also help calm the mind. So, by practicing these regularly, you’re one step closer to also achieving the next resolution—stress-relief.

6. EXPLORE STRESS-RELIEF TECHNIQUES

Why it matters: Chronic stress triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, throwing everything out of balance. When this response is activated repeatedly, cortisol levels rise, and the nervous system becomes dysregulated over time. This imbalance can suppress immune function, impair skin healing, increase inflammation, and disrupt hormone regulation—all of which contribute to acne flare-ups. Managing stress effectively helps restore balance to your nervous system, hormones, and skin.

RESOLUTION TIPS

• Note three things you're grateful for each day. You don't have to write them down, but we love The 5-Minute Journal because it adds structure and accountability to the practice. This simple habit can help reduce stress and boost mood, helping you maintain a more positive perspective throughout the day.

• Every hour or so, do something that helps to release tension and lower cortisol, whether it’s a short walk, stretching, or deep breathing. It may be helpful to put these directly in your calendar to improve consistency.

• Try sound baths, meditation, or breathwork to calm your mind and body. Insight Timer and Retreat are some of our favourite apps for these types of relaxation exercises.

7. INCORPORATE DIGITAL DETOXING

Why it matters: Excessive screen time not only exposes you to blue light, which has been linked to inflammation and premature aging, but it can also increase stress and disrupt sleep—two major contributors to elevated cortisol levels, a hormone known to trigger acne. Extended screen time also often leads to doom scrolling, which can negatively affect mood and overall well-being. Taking intentional breaks from screens can have a significant positive impact on your hormonal balance, skin health, and mental wellness.

RESOLUTION TIPS

• Set a designated screen-free period 1-2 hours before bed and after waking up. This helps your body wind down at night and wake up calmly in the morning, supporting better sleep and reducing stress.

• Leverage built-in device features to limit screen time. For example, the iPhone's Downtime feature lets you lock certain apps during a selected period. This can be especially helpful in the morning and evening.
  

• Instead of reaching for your phone, try reading a physical book, journaling, or engaging in a soothing activity like knitting or doing a puzzle.

NEW YEAR, NEW SKINCARE RESOLUTIONS

Hormonal acne is more than skin deep, and treating it requires a holistic approach. This year, commit to these resolutions and see the difference they can make not just for your skin but your overall health.

Ready to take control of your skin in 2025? Start with our free quiz to determine if hormonal imbalances could be the root of your acne and explore how Cocoon’s Balance supplement can help you achieve clear, confident skin.