Skin

Injections

AviClear

Chemical Peels

Extractions

Facial Thread Vein Removal

HIFU

HydraFacial™

Laser Treatment

LED Phototherapy

Mesotherapy

Microneedling

Plasma Shower

Plasma Surgical/ Lesion Removal

Polynucleotides

Profhilo Structura

Skin Boosters

Sweat Reduction

Skin Rejuvenation

Skin Tightening

Thames Skin Signature Facials

Vampire Facial

Face

Anti Injections

Dermal Fillers

Dermal Filler Removal

Electrolysis

Face Contouring

Facial Thread Vein Removal

HIFU

Juläine

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Rejuvenation Treatment

Lip Fillers

Microneedling

Non-Surgical Blepharoplasty

Non Surgical Rhinoplasty

Plasma Surgical/ Lesion Removal

PRP Dermal Fillers

Radiofrequency

Temple Lift

Thames Brow Lift

Thames Face Lift

Thames Neck Lift

Thames Skin Signature Facials

Thames Smile

Vampire Facial

Hair

Electrolysis

Eyelash Enhancement

Xxtralash

Keravive by HydraFacial™

Laser Hair Removal

Microneedling

Vampire Facial

Professional

Body

Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat Reduction/ Muscle Sculpting

HIFU

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Rejuvenation Treatment

Minor Operations

Plasma Surgical/ Lesion Removal

Radiofrequency

Sclerotherapy

Sweat Reduction

Weight Management

Injectable Treatments Guide

Skin Concerns Guide

Brands

AviClear

Aqualyx

Calecim

Cryosthetics Cryoglobe

Cutera Excel HR Laser

Cutera Excel V+ Laser

Cutera Secret Pro

Cutera TruSculpt Flex

Cutera iD

Dermalux

DermaPen - DMP8

Ketogenic Diet

Ellansé

Exosomes (EXO|E)

Eyelash enhancing serum

HIFU

HydraFacial

Hydrafacial PERK

InMode

Inmode Forma

Inmode Fractora

Juläine

Profhilo

Profhilo Structura

Plasma BT

Skinny pen injections

Skinade

The Skin Diary Skin Care Range

Teoxane Filler

Thermavein®

Vol U Lift

Totally Derma

Zo Festive Packs

Zo Peptide

ZO Skin Health

Skin

Acne

Acne Scarring

Actinic (Solar) Keratosis

Age Spots

Dark Circles

Dry Lips

Dry Skin

Eczema

Freckles

Hyperpigmentation

Keratosis Pilaris

Large Pores

Loose / Sagging Skin

Skin Tag

Melasma

Milia

Moles

Neck Wrinkles

Pigmentation

Psoriasis

Profhilo Structura

Rosacea / Facial Redness

Sebaceous Cysts

Scarring and Keloid Scarring

Sun Spots

Sweating

Warts & Verrucas

Wrinkles

Face

Crows Feet

Dark Circles

Double Chin

Eye bags

Facial Thread Veins

Facial Volume Loss

Forehead Lines

Frown Lines

Gummy Smile

Heavy Eye Lids

Jowls

Migraines

Lines

Misshapen Lips

Misshapen Nose

Nasolabial fold

Receding Chin

Sagging Wrinkly Neck Skin

Sunken Cheeks

Short Eye Lashes

Smokers Lines

Teeth Grinding

Unwanted Hair Growth

Weak Jawline

Hair

Hair Loss

Ingrown Hair

Scalp Sweating

Unwanted Hair Growth

Body

Ageing Hands

Body Fat

Cellulite

Hand Sweating

Lack Of Energy

Muscle Definition

Muscle Tension

Stretch Marks

Sweat Reduction

Thread Veins on Legs

Unwanted Hair Growth

Shop All

ZO Skin Health

Retinol and Blemish Complex

Exfoliating Cleanser

Gentle Cleanser

Hydrating Cleanser

Polish

Dual Action Scrub

Calming Toner

Complexion Renewal

Oil Control Pads

Instant Pore Refiner

Daily Power Defence

10% Vitamin C Serum

Exfoliation 10%

Enzymatic Peel

Skin Health Brightalive

Retinol Skin 1%

Firming Serum

Growth Factor Serum

Wrinkle + Texture Repair Retinol 0.5%

Radical Night Repair 1%

Acne Control

Complexion Clearing Mask

Rozatrol™

Hydrating Cream

Renewal Crème

Recovery Crème

+ Primer SPF 30

Daily Sheer SPF50

Smart Tone SPF50

Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Body Emulsion

Zo Growth Factor Eye Serum 15ml

Intense Eye Cream

Eye Brightening Repair Creme - Hydrafirm

Cellulite Control Cream

Private Portal

The Journey

Consultations

Patient Reviews

Wedding Preparation

Careers

Meet the Team

Dr Anna Hemming

The THAMES Philosophy

London Treatments

Pricing Brochure

Gift Vouchers

Thames Events

Online Bookings

What’s the Difference Between Teen Acne and Hormonal Acne in Adults?

Published 22nd May 2026
min read

Expert Reviewed By

Teen acne during puberty is driven by the surge of hormones during teenage years, typically appearing on the forehead, nose and upper cheeks. Hormonal acne in adults is triggered by ongoing hormonal fluctuations, linked to the menstrual cycle, stress, pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal acne in adults tends to appear as deep, painful cysts along the jawline and chin.

Thames Skin Clinic is a doctor-led acne clinic in Twickenham treating teenagers and adults from South West London.

What’s the Difference Between Teen Acne and Adult Hormonal Acne?

Teenage acne affects most young people at some point during puberty, usually between the ages of 12 and 18. Acne is common in teenagers because of the shifts of adolescence, particularly a rise in androgens and testosterone, which cause the skin’s oil glands to go into overdrive.

acne in adults can affect women and men well into their 30s, 40s and beyond. According to the, adult acne is increasingly common, with women more commonly affected than men.

At, Dr Anna Hemming treats teenagers experiencing their first breakouts as well as adults dealing with persistent hormonal acne.

For many people, yes. Teenage acne does improve significantly once hormone levels stabilise, typically in the late teens to early 20s. However:

The most important thing to understand is that persistent teen or adult acne is not a hygiene problem or something to simply wait out. Acne has identifiable causes, and it responds to the right treatment. If your acne is cyclical or leaving marks on your skin, a professional assessment is the right next step.

Explore or with Dr Hemming at our clinic.

What Causes Teenage Puberty Acne

Teen acne during puberty is caused by a hormonal surge that directly overactivates the skin’s oil glands. Three things happen in sequence:

What Does Hormonal Adult Acne Look Like?

Does Hormonal Adult Acne Follow a Pattern?

Yes, and that pattern is one of the clearest signs that hormones are the driver of acne, especially for women who experience acne breakouts in the days before their cycle.

If you notice a predictable monthly pattern, particularly deep spots on the chin and jawline in the week before your period, it’s an indicator that hormones are the primary driver of your acne.

What Causes Hormonal Adult Acne

involves the same androgens driving excess oil, but the triggers are ongoing and more varied than during .

All acne has a hormonal component, since hormones regulate sebum production. The term "hormonal acne" specifically describes breakouts that occur in to hormonal fluctuations. Those fluctuations can come from multiple sources:

Many adults travel to our hormonal acne clinic in South West London for expert assessment and treatment. with us and we can create a treatment pathway for you.

Acne Treatments at Thames Skin Clinic

is a doctor-led skin clinic specialising in in Twickenham, Kingston. and South West London. We treat patients for acne, rosacea, pigmentation and acne scarring using medically led, bespoke treatment plans. 

is the founder and medical lead at Thames Skin Clinic. As a former GP who served Buckingham Palace for seven years, she brings over two decades of medical experience to aesthetic and regenerative skin care.

Acne is one of her core specialisms. She has been recognised nationally for her expertise:

Dr Hemming and her team take a holistic, medically led approach to acne by assessing hormonal history, lifestyle, skin type and severity before recommending a treatment pathway.

To book a consultation with Dr Anna Hemming, today or . 

To learn more about acne in both teens and adults, read our comprehensive guide to .

Can Hormonal Acne in Adults Be Treated Without ?

Yes. Hormonal acne in adults can be significantly improved without Roaccutane. Treatment depends on the severity of the acne, the level of and the underlying hormonal triggers.

At Thames Skin Clinic, treatment plans are tailored to the individual and may include medical grade skincare and AviClear laser treatment. AviClear targets the sebaceous glands directly to reduce excess oil production that contributes to hormonal breakouts.

For persistent or painful hormonal acne, a professional assessment is important to prevent scarring and ongoing inflammation.

When Should I See a Doctor About Acne?

You should see a doctor about acne if your breakouts are painful, persistent or leaving marks or scars on the skin. Acne that does not improve with over the counter products often needs professional .

For teenagers, early treatment can help reduce the risk of long term scarring and support confidence during puberty. For adults, cyclical breakouts around the chin and jawline point to hormonal acne, which needs professional treatment.

At Thames Skin Clinic in Twickenham, Dr Anna Hemming the underlying causes of acne before creating a personalised treatment plan. Many patients travel to our South West London acne clinic for expert treatment of teen acne and hormonal acne in adults.

Monday - 09:30-16:30

Tuesday - 09:00-17:30

Wednesday - 09:00-19:30

Thursday - 09:30-17.30

Friday - 09:00-17:30

Saturday - 09:00-16:30 by appointment

Thames Skin Clinic
Baylis Mews,

Twickenham TW1 3HQ

Telephone

Email

Copyright © 2026 Thames Skin Clinic. All rights reserved.

Make an enquiry

Please consent to providing your above data to us in accordance with our .