Hormonal acne
4 signs your acne is hormonal, and why skincare can't reach it
With 18 years of clinical experience treating acne, Vivian Tam explains the telltale signs that your acne is hormonal.
Real customer, unedited picture. Individual results vary.
Count how many of these you've got. Tick the ones that sound like you as you read.
It gets worse in the week leading into your period
Every cycle, same pattern. One week before period? The two whole weeks after ovulation? If you could mark your next flare on the calendar, that's a strong clue the breakouts are keeping time with your hormones.
Chin and jawline acne, or clusters at your cheeks
And it's usually deep and sore. These are the spots that sit under the skin, take weeks to settle and keep coming back to the same places.
It got worse once you came off the pill
It is one of the most common stories in our reviews. Skin that behaved for years can struggle for months once the pill stops.
It turns up with other PMS symptoms
Like bloating, fluid retention, mood swings, cramping, and dips in energy. When your skin flares at the same time as the rest of your body, it's part of a bigger pattern, not a surface problem.
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If you ticked even one, this isn't just a surface issue.
Why skincare isn't the answer
Cleansers, serums, acids and patches work where you put them, on the surface. They work on the healing, but don't do much to stop breakouts coming back. Hormonal breakouts start from an internal imbalance. Vivian Tam, founder of Zilch Formulas, says to look at it from the inside out.
That's why she formulated Zilch Acne Formula. 17 Chinese herbs, originally prescribed for in-clinic acne patients. It works from within on what's building up underneath that causes breakouts, for lasting results.
Internal inflammation, heat-toxin and stagnation. Those patterns together turn up as breakouts at the skin level. Acne Formula cools and supports inflammation relief. The skin calms down, and new breakouts start to slow.
- Calms heatClears heat to alleviate inflammation, swelling and itching.
- Clears toxinsSupports elimination of toxins that can trigger breakouts.
- Boosts circulationPromotes circulation to break up blockages behind painful swelling.
- Supports repairHerbal ingredients support healthy tissue repair.
"Faceless brands have nothing to lose. My reputation goes out with every bottle sold."
Vivian Tam, founder of Zilch Formulas
What to expect
Most users notice inflammation and redness calming within 2 to 3 weeks, with more significant improvements from week 4 onward. No product works for everyone, so Acne Formula is covered by the 60-Day Clearer Skin Guarantee when you start with 2 or more bottles. If you don't see improvements within 60 days, we'll refund your purchase.
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Week 1
The herbs are getting to work
Nothing dramatic happens in the first days but rest assured, the herbal ingredients are doing their thing: working to reduce inflammation, support toxin elimination, move stagnation, and support skin healing.
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Weeks 2 to 3
Calmer, less red and sore
Existing inflammation and redness are calmer and flatter. Fewer new blemishes, and breakouts that are less deep and painful. Stubborn, deep spots are finally shifting.
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Weeks 4 to 6
Fewer blemishes, more even skin
More significant improvements, fewer blemishes (if at all!) and a more even complexion.
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Weeks 6 to 8
New breakouts become rare
New breakouts are rare and existing spots are milder, and resolve more quickly. Skin is no longer 'acne-prone'.
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Beyond
Lasting results.
Zilch is a short term commitment for lasting changes. Most customers take it for around 3 months, then decide what their skin needs from there.
