Monthly Archives: April 2025

Understanding Hormonal Acne and Its Challenges

Hormonal acne is a persistent and frustrating condition that affects both teenagers and adults alike. This type of acne is deeply connected to the body’s hormonal fluctuations and can often seem resistant to traditional treatments. Understanding the characteristics and challenges of understanding if you are experiencing hormonal acne is the first step in developing an effective skincare routine tailored to manage and mitigate its impact. This involves recognizing specific signs, such as breakouts that coincide with hormonal changes or are primarily located around the jawline and chin, which can be crucial clues in answering the question, “how do I know if my acne is hormonal?”

Characteristics of Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is typically characterized by its timing and location. It often appears in cyclical patterns, aligning with hormonal changes. The menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause are often what causes acne in adults. Here are some key characteristics of hormonal acne:

• Location: Hormonal acne often manifests around the jawline, chin and lower cheeks. These areas are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes and tend to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
• Type of Blemishes: Hormonal acne usually consists of deep, cystic breakouts that are often painful and inflamed. These cysts are large, red and may not come to a head, making them difficult to treat with typical over-the-counter acne products.
• Timing: The breakouts often coincide with hormonal fluctuations. For women, this can be during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Stress and certain medications, like birth control, can also influence hormone levels and trigger breakouts.
• Severity: Unlike teenage acne, which may clear up as hormones stabilize, hormonal acne can persist into adulthood. This persistence can be emotionally draining and can impact self-confidence.
• Resistance to Treatment: Hormonal acne can be particularly stubborn, often not responding well to conventional acne treatments that might work for other types of acne. This is because the root cause is hormonal imbalance, which needs to be addressed alongside topical treatments.

Understanding these characteristics can help in identifying hormonal acne and finding the most effective acne treatment strategies to manage it.

Daily Skincare Routine for Hormonal Acne

Creating a consistent skincare routine is crucial for managing hormonal acne. A well-structured routine of skin care and a tailored diet for hormonal acne help control excess oil production, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation, leading to clearer and healthier skin. Here’s a comprehensive daily skincare routine designed to combat hormonal acne effectively.

Morning Routine

Gentle Cleanser

Start your day with Kate Somerville’s EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Cleanser. This gentle yet effective cleanser removes excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. The sulfur content helps exfoliate and unclog pores, reducing the risk of acne breakouts.

Toner and Treatment Products

After cleansing, apply a toner that targets acne-causing bacteria and balances your skin’s pH. Follow up with treatment products like benzoyl peroxide or serums such as the Vita C Firming and Brightening Retinol Treatment. This serum combines the anti-aging benefits of retinol with the brightening power of vitamin C, helping smooth texture and brighten dark spots.

Moisturizer and Sunscreen

Hydration is key, even for acne-prone skin. The Oil Free Moisturizer works great in tandem with serums or treatments because it does not have active ingredients that could conflict with other products. Finish with the Illuminating SPF Drops to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can exacerbate acne and lead to dark spots.

Evening Routine

Makeup Removal

Never skip makeup removal. Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover to cleanse your skin thoroughly, ensuring all makeup, dirt and pollutants are washed away. This step is crucial to prevent pore-clogging and irritation.

Cleanser and Exfoliation

Follow with the Goat Milk Cleanser to remove any residual impurities while soothing and hydrating your skin. Incorporate exfoliation a few times a week to slough off dead skin cells and keep your pores clear. Choose exfoliants containing lactic acid or salicylic acid for their acne-fighting properties.

Night Treatments

At night, your skin repairs itself, so it’s the perfect time to apply targeted treatments. Retinoids or treatments containing niacinamide can help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. These ingredients work to speed up cell turnover, reduce inflammation and clear up any existing spots.

Best Skincare Products for Hormonal Acne

Finding the right products can make a significant difference in managing hormonal acne. It’s essential to know which ingredients to look for and which to avoid to keep your skin clear and healthy.

Ingredients to Look For

• Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid penetrates deeply into the pores, helping to exfoliate from within and clear out dead skin cells and excess oil. It’s excellent for preventing acne breakouts and managing oily skin.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Known for its antibacterial properties, benzoyl peroxide reduces the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and helps to prevent clogged pores. It’s particularly effective for inflammatory acne.
• Retinoids: Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that promote cell turnover and prevent the formation of new acne lesions. They also help reduce inflammation and improve skin texture and tone.
• Hyaluronic Acid: While acne-prone skin still needs hydration, hyaluronic acid provides moisture without clogging pores. It helps maintain the skin’s barrier and keeps it plump and hydrated.
• Sulfur: Sulfur has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce excess oil and unclog pores, making it an excellent ingredient for treating hormonal acne. Kate Somerville’s EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser is a great option.

Ingredients to Avoid

• Heavy Oils: Ingredients like mineral oil and coconut oil can clog pores and exacerbate acne. Stick to oil-free or non-comedogenic products to avoid breakouts.
• Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and trigger acne. Opt for fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of irritation.
• Alcohol and Sulfates: These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and leading to an overproduction of oil. This can result in more breakouts. Choose gentle, sulfate-free cleansers like the Goat Milk Cleanser for a soothing and hydrating cleanse.

Importance of Consistency

Consistency is vital in a hormonal acne skincare routine, especially for those with acne prone skin. Regular use of the right products ensures that your skin remains balanced, preventing the hormonal fluctuations from causing severe breakouts. Stick to your routine, be patient and remember that clear skin takes time and dedication.

Transform Your Skin with Kate Somerville

At Kate Somerville, we understand the emotional and physical toll that hormonal acne can take. Our acne treatment products are designed to support your skin’s health, offering solutions that are both effective and gentle. By following this comprehensive skincare routine and using our trusted products, you can achieve the beautiful, clear skin you’ve always wanted. Let us help you transform your skin and regain your confidence.

Sources:

My first memory of khadi is through my late father. Before I attended my first fashion week, I had read enough to know that fashion shows could transcend the usual cycles of commerce and seasons to be moving spectacles. When Alexander McQueen staged his ‘Dante’ show (autumn/winter 1996) in a Baroque church in London, it screamed rebellion—gunfire opened the show, with tattered lace, military jackets and religious iconography storming the runway. Sabyasachi’s 2013 ‘Opium’ show conjured a decaying haveli, complete with crystal chandeliers. And who could forget Galliano’s Fall 1994 collection, crafted to perfection despite him being broke and sleeping on a friend’s floor?

When a fashion show becomes a true spectacle, it is reaffirming because it goes against the grain of conventional thinking. How can the runway move us? Or, make us quite literally cry? And yet, the Khadi India show, tucked away quietly in the middle of a busy fashion week calendar populated by star designers, did more for my grief than anything else.

When I was young, I was busy chasing trends and equated khadi to cheap kora. Once, my Dad brought home this grape-hued fabric to be made into a kurta for my mother from the now-defunct Khadi Grama Saubhagya store, close to our home, near the Chendamangalam weaving cluster in Kerala. My father told me better: “Khadi is so much more than what you’re taught in your history books, but the world is far too caught up in trends to see its potential.”

Courtesy: Fathima Abdul Kader

Your mom uses one type. Your coworker, another. Your sister swears by a brand you’ve never heard of. And your closest friend forgot to put theirs on this morning (gasp!).

With so many options, how do you choose the perfect facial sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle? Today, we’re answering your most common questions. From SPF and UV rays to layering and expiration dates, we’ll help you find your new favorite sunscreen and fit it into your skincare routine with ease.

What is sunscreen (and do I really need it every day)?

Let’s start with the basics: sunscreen is a product formulated to protect your skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation—specifically UVA and UVB rays. Its main job is to help prevent immediate damage like sunburn, as well as long-term effects like photoaging and the risk of developing skin cancer.

Sunscreens use filters that absorb, reflect, or scatter the sun’s rays, helping to shield your skin. But not all types of solar radiation affect your skin the same way. Some of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds and windows. Others reflect off surfaces such as water and snow. And some can make your skin age faster than others.

This is where the type of sunscreen you choose can make all the difference. And it also makes daily use essential for healthy, happy skin.

How sunscreen works

First, let’s talk about the solar spectrum. The solar spectrum is made up of different kinds of radiation, and a couple of them might sound familiar:

• UVA rays: Often referred to as aging rays, as these rays are responsible for premature skin aging (photoaging), including dark spots and wrinkles. This type of ray is present all year round and can pass through glass, reaching your skin while you’re at home, driving, or working at the office.
• UVB rays: Think B for burning, as these rays are the main cause of sunburn and DNA damage to skin cells. Their intensity varies depending on the time of day, season, location, and altitude.

Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB radiation—helping to reduce the risk of sunburn, photoaging, and most importantly, skin cancer.

• Blue light: Reaching us both indoors and outdoors, we’re exposed to solar blue light every day. Recent studies have linked it to the appearance of dark spots or uneven pigmentation, especially in people with deeper skin tones.
• Infrared: Also known as heat rays, you feel the sun’s warmth when your skin absorbs this type of radiation. But it can also cause oxidative damage in your skin—driving the signs of photoaging.

Some innovative sunscreens can also help defend against blue light and infrared or heat damage.

Can sunscreen help combat skin aging?

Your skin has a memory, and sun damage adds up over the years. Every time you’re exposed to UV radiation, free radicals are created. These unstable molecules break down skin proteins and accelerate visible signs of aging.

While your body naturally fights back with antioxidants, too much sun can cause oxidative stress, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. Fortunately, sunscreen can help protect your skin against the photoaging effects of the sun—especially formulas packed with added antioxidants.

If I don’t burn, should I still wear sunscreen?

Yes! Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as “safe tanning” or immunity from the the sun’s effects. No matter your skin tone, unprotected exposure can damage skin cells, speed up the natural aging process, and increase skin cancer risk. Do your best to protect yourself with sunscreen and good habits, such as seeking shade or wearing a hat.

How to choose a sunscreen

Types, textures, and benefits. These are the starting points for finding the best sunscreen for your skin. Now, let’s dig into each factor.

Which is better, SPF 30, 40 or 50+?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, doesn’t measure time—it’s a comparison of how much more protection your skin has with sunscreen than without. For example, if your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 30 would extend that time to about 300 minutes, assuming you apply enough and reapply regularly.

But there are a few things to note here. This timeframe depends on your skin type—fair skin types can burn faster than average. Moreover, most people don’t apply enough sunscreen, in amount or frequency.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing SPF 30 or higher and reapplying at least every two hours. Beyond that, it’s about understanding your skin, the amount of time you spend in the sun, and personal preference.

When it comes to SPF, the number matters—but applying enough, and often, matters more.

Is there a difference between face sunscreen and body sunscreen?

The major difference between body and face sunscreen is texture and formulation. Sunscreen shouldn’t feel like a chore to wear, and the best choice is one you’ll wear every day. For face sunscreens, look for an ultralight emulsion formula. Opt for one that melts into skin easily, without leaving a greasy residue or white cast.

Which ISDIN sunscreen is right for you?

Tinted versus invisible. Mineral or chemical protection. With so many choices, the most important thing is making sure your skin is in good hands.

Look for a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, high SPF, and a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly. ISDIN facial sunscreens check all these boxes and more. Let’s find your perfect match:

360° protection, invisible coverage & 12-hour hydration:* Fusion Water MAGIC

This advanced formula boasts broad spectrum SPF 40 sun protection while helping to defend against free radical damage from blue light, pollution, infrared, and heat. All with a lightweight texture you’ll love wearing.

This is your sunscreen if:

• You’re looking for a hydrating finish that works well under makeup or on its own
• You’d like an invisible, ultralight texture with no white cast, pilling, or greasy feeling
• You’re focused on helping to prevent your first fine lines and wrinkles

Premium all-mineral protection: Eryfotona Actinica

Eryfotona Actinica is an ultralight, all-mineral SPF 50+ sunscreen designed to both protect your skin from sun damage and help repair existing damage. Its classic, invisible finish melts right into skin.

This is your sunscreen if:

• You’ve noticed a few signs of sun damage and photoaging and want to soften them
• You’re looking for very high SPF coverage with an invisible finish
• You’d prefer a water-resisitant suscreen
• All-mineral formulas are important to you

Premium all-mineral tinted protection: Eryfotona Ageless

Eryfotona Ageless is an all-mineral tinted SPF 50 sunscreen designed to protect the skin while targeting existing and expected signs of skin aging due to the sun. It contains a powerful blend of peptides and antioxidants, including peptide Q10 and vitamin E.

This is your sunscreen if:

• You’ve noticed a few signs of sun damage and photoaging and want to soften them
• You’re looking for very high SPF coverage with a tinted finish
• You’d prefer a water-resisitant suscreen
• All-mineral formulas are important to you

Your skin is in good hands: All ISDIN sunscreens are also non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested.

How to wear sunscreen

Now’s the moment. You’ve found your everyday skincare ally: the perfect facial sunscreen. The next step? Make sure you’re wearing it the right way and reapplying often enough.

Should I apply sunscreen before or after moisturizer?

Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine, so you’ll apply it after your moisturizer. Here’s a quick breakdown of a morning skincare routine:

Step 1: Cleanse
Step 2: Apply eye contour cream
Step 3: Apply your serum
Step 4: Moisturize
Step 5: Protect skin with sunscreen

Make sure to leave some time between applying your moisturizer and moving on to your sunscreen step to ensure the product has absorbed correctly. Another tip? Apply your sunscreen according to the product label and at least 15 minutes before leaving the house in the morning or before sun exposure.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

Reapply at least every two hours, regardless of the protection factor. And even more frequently (every 40 minutes or so) while swimming, sweating, or after you’ve dried off with a towel. All of these measures depend on the activity you’re doing, the intensity of the sun when you’re exposed, and even on skin type.

What about reapplying sunscreen over makeup? Opt for a tinted formula and a mineral brush for extra coverage and protection. 

Does sunscreen expire?

Sunscreen does have an expiration date. But don’t worry, it’s probably not any time soon! 

The Food and Drug Administration mandates that all sunscreens must have an expiration date. However, that timeline only considers optimal storage conditions. So if you’re prone to leaving your sunscreen in a hot car, your formula might tap out sooner. 

To keep your sunscreen in tip-top shape, avoid exposing the bottle to excessive heat or direct sun. And make sure to toss out sunscreen that is past the expiration date or shows any notable changes in color or consistency. Here at ISDIN, we advise that with average use and storage, most sunscreens should be used up within a year. 

Loving your skin means protecting it every day

Through the years, rain or shine, the best way to give your skin the TLC it deserves is by keeping it safe. And sunscreen is your trusty ally along the way. Because happy skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin is beautiful.

Reference:
*Data on file. ISDIN, 2025.
Naidoo, K., Birch-Machin, MA. Oxidative Stress and Ageing: The Influence of Environmental Pollution, Sunlight and Diet on Skin. In Cosmetics (2017): 4, 4.
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs

Editorial Team

Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.