
Hormonal acne, deep jawline and chin breakouts that flare on a cycle, responds to targeted medical management at SOM's dermatologist-led aesthetic center in Encinitas.
At SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, hormonal acne, deep breakouts along the jawline and chin that flare with the menstrual cycle, is managed through a dermatologist-led aesthetic center. Options include hormonal therapy such as spironolactone or combined oral contraceptives, topical retinoids, and isotretinoin for severe cases, often with skincare and in-office support. Pricing depends on your plan and insurance. Results build over a few months.
In consult
Jawline, chin, cyclical
Spironolactone, OCPs
Dermatologist-led
2–3 months
1–2 years
Medical plan
2–3 months
Ongoing management
Varies by therapy
Hormonal Rx, topical
Dermatologist-trained provider
Hormonal acne is driven by androgens that increase oil and clog pores, producing deep, tender breakouts along the jawline, chin, and lower face, often flaring before your period. It frequently persists into adulthood and does not fully respond to topicals alone.
SOM's medical team treats the hormonal driver directly, with therapies like spironolactone or combined oral contraceptives, plus topical care and, for severe cases, isotretinoin. The plan is tailored and monitored for safe, lasting clearing.
Real hormonal expertise, not just products.
Targets the hormonal driver, not only the surface.
Dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method.
Hormonal options matched to your health and goals.
Clearing deep breakouts early prevents scarring.
• Deep breakouts along the jawline and chin
• Acne that flares with your cycle
• Adult acne that persists past the teen years
• Acne not controlled by topicals alone
• Want to treat the hormonal cause
• Open to medical, monitored therapy
• Pregnant or trying to conceive (affects some meds)
• Certain heart, kidney, or potassium conditions
• History of blood clots (some oral contraceptives)
• Cannot attend monitoring visits
• Allergy to a prescribed medication
• Prefer in-office procedures only (ask about lasers)
A consultation with the SOM medical team determines the safest hormonal plan for you.

Dermatologist-trained SOM providers plan and deliver Hormonal Acne through the SOM Method, with consultation, candidacy review, individualized treatment planning, documentation, and follow-up.
New patient rate
Available after first visit
Costs vary by therapy and insurance; confirmed in consultation
Final pricing is confirmed in consultation. 0% APR financing through Cherry and CareCredit for qualifying patients.
Your SOM provider reviews your breakout pattern, cycle, and health history.
A hormonal option (e.g., spironolactone or a pill) plus topical care is started.
Follow-ups track progress and safety, with labs where appropriate.
Once clear, a maintenance plan keeps breakouts and scarring away.
Note where and when you break out and how it relates to your cycle. List medications you take, including birth control, and any history of clots, kidney, or heart conditions, which guide therapy choice.
• Note breakout pattern and cycle timing
• List current medications and birth control
• Share clot, kidney, or heart history
• Mention pregnancy plans
• Come ready to discuss a medical plan

Your visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A dermatologist-trained SOM provider reviews your breakout pattern, often jawline and cyclical, discusses hormonal therapy options like spironolactone, and may order labs. It is a medical consultation tailored to hormonal acne.
• 20–30 minute medical visit
• Breakout pattern reviewed
• Hormonal therapy discussed
• Labs ordered if needed
• Tailored to hormonal acne

Hormonal treatments work gradually; give them 8 to 12 weeks to show their full effect. Take medication as directed, use SPF, and attend follow-ups and any labs. We adjust as your skin and cycle respond.
• Works gradually, give it 8–12 weeks
• Take medication as directed
• Daily SPF
• Attend follow-ups and labs
• We adjust to your response

• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Attend lab and follow-up visits as advised
• Report side effects or mood changes promptly
• Use sunscreen, some acne meds raise sun sensitivity
• Follow pregnancy guidance for your medications
• Call us right away with any unusual symptoms
• Do not use spironolactone if pregnant
• Do not start an estrogen pill with a clot history without review
• Do not share prescription medication
• Do not stop abruptly without guidance
• Do not skip recommended bloodwork
• Do not replace medical review with online advice
Recurring lower-face breakouts or flares around a menstrual cycle can suggest a hormonal component, but appearance alone does not prove the cause. Your clinician reviews the pattern, medicines, and symptoms such as irregular periods before deciding whether further evaluation is needed.
Hormonal therapies like spironolactone or combined oral contraceptives target the cause, alongside topical care and, for severe cases, isotretinoin. The SOM medical team tailors the plan.
Spironolactone may help acne in appropriate patients, but suitability depends on kidney function, other medicines, and health history. It is not used for acne during pregnancy, and potassium or other monitoring is individualized rather than assumed to be unnecessary.
Hormonal therapy usually takes a couple of months to show clear improvement, with continued benefit over time. Your SOM provider sets expectations and adjusts your plan.
People of any sex can have acne influenced by hormones, but treatment choices differ. Spironolactone and combined oral contraceptives are generally used for acne in appropriate female patients, while others may need different medication and evaluation.
Hormonal acne can return if therapy stops, since it treats an ongoing cause. Many patients stay on a maintenance plan or transition with guidance from the SOM medical team.
Compare other approaches to acne care.
SOM Aesthetics is at 25 E E St, Encinitas, CA 92024, accessible from Del Mar, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. Call (760) 766-7546.