Struggling with breakouts that flare around your period, jawline, or chin? You’re not alone. Hormonal acne is incredibly common among women and can be stubborn, painful, and emotionally draining. The good news? The right skincare routine can make a massive difference — especially when it includes exfoliants, skin barrier support, redness relief, and oil-regulating ingredients.

In this guide, I’m sharing our favourite products for acne-prone skin — products we’ve personally tested or seen incredible results from. They help:

✅ Reduce redness & inflammation
✅ Smooth texture & clear clogged pores
✅ Heal active breakouts faster
✅ Balance excess oil production
✅ Improve scarring and post-acne marks

Note: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Stubborn Acne

Below, I’ve organized products into how you might incorporate them into your routine depending on your skin’s needs. You don’t need to use all of them every day — think of this as your “acne-fighting toolkit.”

Step 1: Target Excess Oil & Acne Healing

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

This is a staple in any acne-fighting routine thanks to its oil-regulating and skin-repairing properties.

Why it’s great for hormonal acne:

• Helps reduce excess sebum (oil), especially during luteal-phase flare-ups
• Supports skin barrier healing
• Fades post-acne dark spots and scarring over time

Ideal for: Daily use (AM or PM)

Step 2: Gentle Exfoliation for Smoother, Clearer Skin

Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum (with Lactic Acid)

This serum is a powerhouse when your skin feels textured, congested, or dull.

What it does:

• Contains lactic acid for gentle exfoliation
• Helps resurface uneven texture
• Leaves skin feeling incredibly smooth the next morning
• Peptides also support skin repair

Ideal for: 1–2 nights a week (PM)

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel Pads

These dual-step peel pads are cult-favourites for a reason — even the sensitive skin version packs a glow.

Why they work:

• Clears clogged pores and removes dead skin buildup
• Reduces inflammation and smooths rough texture
• Leaves skin brighter and glowing
• Can be used daily or a few times a week depending on tolerance

Ideal for: Daily or weekly use (PM)

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

A budget-friendly exfoliating toner that’s very effective — and not just for your face.

Why it’s loved:

• Helps prevent clogged pores and ingrown hairs
• Evens skin tone and brightens acne scars
• Can be used on body areas like armpits, bikini line, back, chest, and buttocks

Ideal for: 1–3 nights a week (PM, avoid using with other exfoliants the same night)

Step 3: Calm Redness & Heal Active Breakouts

Dr. Jart Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum Sheet Mask

This is your SOS treatment when your face feels hot, inflamed, or recovering from a breakout.

Why it’s amazing:

• Fast-tracks healing of active acne lesions
• Soothes irritation after picking or flare-ups
• Great for “emergency” redness before an event

Ideal for: Weekly or as needed

Dr. Jart Cicapair Cooling Gel Moisturizer

If your skin gets red, inflamed, or sensitive, this moisturizer is perfect for daily use.

Benefits include:

• Reduces visible redness from hormonal flare-ups
• Lightweight gel texture that won’t clog pores
• Strengthens damaged skin barrier

Ideal for: Daily use (AM + PM)

When to See a Professional

If you’re experiencing painful cystic acne or repeated flare-ups that don’t respond to skincare alone, there may be underlying hormonal imbalances (like PCOS, high androgens, or progesterone sensitivity).

At HorminaCare, our nurse practitioners dive deeper into identifying root hormonal causes and providing testing, supplements, lifestyle guidance, and prescriptions when needed.

Book a free consultation to explore your acne from a hormonal lens.