Short answer: If your acne flares before your period, sits along the jawline and chin, or comes with irregular cycles, excess hair growth or weight change, see a gynecologist first to check for a hormonal cause such as PCOS. If your cycles are regular and the main problem is active spots, marks or scars, start at a skin clinic. Many women need both: hormone care to slow new breakouts and skin treatment to clear what is already there.

1. What makes acne "hormonal"

Androgens stimulate the oil glands. When androgen levels are raised, or the skin is unusually sensitive to them, pores clog more easily and deeper, tender spots form. Typical signs are breakouts that follow the menstrual cycle, concentrate on the lower face and persist or begin in adulthood.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common underlying condition. Acne can also change when starting or stopping contraception, after pregnancy and around perimenopause.

2. Signs you should see a gynecologist

• Periods that are irregular, very far apart or absent
• New or increasing facial or body hair, or thinning scalp hair
• Acne that started or worsened after changing contraception
• Difficulty conceiving, or unexplained weight gain alongside acne

Assessment usually involves a cycle history, blood tests for hormones and a pelvic ultrasound. Our pages on PCOS treatment in Korea and irregular menstruation treatment explain what to expect. Where appropriate, birth control counseling covers pills that can help acne and those that may worsen it.

3. What a skin clinic adds

Hormone treatment reduces new breakouts over several months but does not remove existing spots, post-acne marks or scars. That is the role of a skin clinic. In Seoul, treatment typically combines extractions, medical peels, LED light, prescription topicals and, once acne is controlled, laser or RF microneedling for scars.

For English-speaking patients, YAAN Clinic in Gangnam describes its approach on its acne treatment program in Seoul page, and covers the later stage separately under acne scar treatment in Korea. Prices are published in won, which helps when planning a course of visits.

4. How the two fit together

A sensible order is: confirm or rule out a hormonal cause, start any medical treatment, and run skin treatment alongside it. Tell each doctor what the other has prescribed. Some acne medicines are unsafe in pregnancy, so mention pregnancy plans to both. Scar treatments work best after breakouts have settled, otherwise new spots keep creating new marks.

5. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive

Many standard acne treatments, including oral retinoids and some topical agents, are not used in pregnancy. Gentle skincare and selected procedures may still be possible. Raise this at your pregnancy checkup before booking any skin procedure.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my acne is hormonal?

Clues are flares before your period, spots on the jawline and chin, adult onset and other signs such as irregular cycles. Blood tests and an ultrasound can confirm a hormonal condition.

Can a gynecologist treat acne?

A gynecologist treats the hormonal cause, for example PCOS, and can prescribe suitable contraception. Skin procedures and scar treatment are done at a skin clinic.

Does PCOS always cause acne?

No. Acne is common in PCOS but not universal, and many women with acne do not have PCOS.

Will the pill clear my acne?

Some combined pills improve acne over three to six months. Progestin-only methods can worsen it in some women. The choice should be individual.

Can I have acne laser treatment while on hormonal treatment?

Usually yes. Tell the skin clinic about all medicines, especially any retinoids, because these affect which procedures are safe.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your own symptoms.