Female Face with visible acne spots and scaring  - zoom in on cheek and jawline
on June 13, 2026

Hormonal Acne Treatment: What Traditional Persian Medicine Taught Me About Adult Acne

If there is one skincare question I get asked repeatedly, it is how to treat hormonal acne naturally. I understand why. Acne affects far more than your skin. It can affect confidence, influence how you feel about your appearance and leave you constantly searching for the next product that promises results.

I know because I have lived it myself.

My acne started when I was around sixteen. It would come and go, often becoming worse during stressful periods of life. At the time, I did what most people do. I focused entirely on the spots. I wanted them gone and I believed the answer was always another product.

Over time, I became obsessed with skincare. I genuinely thought the solution was sitting on a shelf somewhere waiting to be discovered. If one cleanser failed, perhaps the next one would work. If one cream was not strong enough, perhaps I needed something stronger.

Eventually I was prescribed Roaccutane. It worked and I felt empowered when my skin improved. For the first time in years I felt hopeful. The side effects, however, were difficult. My skin became extremely dry, my lips were constantly dry and uncomfortable, and despite the improvement, the acne eventually returned.

I do not regret that journey. Roaccutane helped me at a particular point in my life. What it did not do was answer the bigger question I had started asking. Why was my skin behaving this way in the first place?

That question eventually led me towards Traditional Persian Medicine and became one of the reasons I created The East To West Lifestyle Co.

Does Traditional Persian Medicine Talk About Hormones?

Traditional Persian Medicine does not discuss hormones in the same way modern medicine does. Instead of focusing on hormone levels, it looks at the whole person. Temperament, digestion, sleep, stress, environment and lifestyle are all considered important.

If you are concerned about hormonal health, I always recommend speaking to a qualified healthcare professional. Traditional Persian Medicine is not a replacement for medical advice. What it offers is a broader framework for understanding balance and prevention.

For me, that broader perspective was transformative. I stopped looking at my skin in isolation and started paying attention to the bigger picture.

Why Temperament Changed My Thinking

As someone with a Choleric temperament, I naturally lean towards qualities of warmth and dryness. Learning about temperament helped me understand why certain habits, foods and routines seemed to influence my skin more than others.

It also helped me realise that one-size-fits-all beauty advice often falls short. Two people can have similar-looking skin concerns and yet require very different approaches.

This is one reason I encourage people to learn about their temperament. Understanding yourself often provides more useful answers than chasing trends.

The Connection Between Stress and Skin

Looking back, stress was one of the biggest triggers for my acne. At sixteen I did not see the connection. Today it seems obvious.

Traditional Persian Medicine places great importance on emotional wellbeing and daily habits. Modern sources such as the NHS and Healthline also discuss the relationship between stress and overall health.

When my skin becomes reactive today, I do not immediately rush out and buy a new product. Instead, I ask myself a few questions.

  • Am I sleeping properly?
  • Am I eating well?
  • Am I stressed?
  • Have I been consistent with my routine?

Those questions often tell me far more than my skincare cupboard does.

My Approach to a Hormonal Acne Diet

I am often asked about the best hormonal acne diet.

Traditional Persian Medicine does not believe there is one perfect diet for everyone. Instead, it encourages balance and appropriate choices for the individual.

When my skin feels unsettled, I focus on simple meals built around fresh vegetables, seasonal ingredients, hydration and consistency.

One of my favourite lunches includes cucumber, fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, mixed salad leaves, olive oil and lemon juice. It is simple, refreshing and easy to prepare.

I find that simple habits repeated consistently tend to be more effective than extreme approaches that are impossible to maintain.

Why I Introduced Sefidab®

My skincare philosophy has changed dramatically over the years.

I used to believe stronger products meant better results. Experience taught me otherwise. Some of the harshest products I used left my skin feeling stripped and uncomfortable.

That belief is one of the reasons I introduced Sefidab® products to the UK.

The Sefidab® Face Detox Rice & Rose Skin Peel Powder is inspired by traditional Persian beauty rituals and provides a gentler approach to exfoliation.

The Sefidab® Body Detox Calendula & Papaya Skin Peel Powder supports a similar ritual for the body and forms part of my wider approach to consistent skincare.

These products are not positioned as hormonal acne treatments. They are part of a broader skincare philosophy rooted in gentle, consistent care and traditional Persian beauty rituals.

What I Wish I Had Known Earlier

If I could speak to my sixteen-year-old self, I would tell her that skincare matters, but it is only one part of the picture.

I would tell her not to be afraid of modern medicine. I would also tell her that sustainable skin confidence comes from understanding your body more deeply.

Traditional Persian Medicine did not give me a miracle cure. What it gave me was a framework that encouraged me to stop chasing perfection and start building balance.

That lesson continues to shape my life, my business and my approach to beauty today.

FAQ

What causes hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, stress and other individual factors.

How can I treat hormonal acne naturally at home?

A consistent skincare routine, balanced nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress management may help support overall skin health.

Does diet affect hormonal acne?

Diet can influence overall wellbeing and may affect how some individuals experience skin concerns.

LINKS USED IN THIS ARTICLE

The East To West Lifesyle Co Homepage
https://etwlife.com

Sefidab® Face Detox Rice & Rose Skin Peel Powder
https://etwlife.com/store/Sefidab-r-Original-Persian-Skin-Detox-Face-Peel-Powder-Rice-Rose-Aloe-Vera-and-Persian-Blue-Salt-p428399500

Sefidab® Body Detox Calendula & Papaya Skin Peel Powder
https://etwlife.com/store/Sefidab-r-Original-Persian-Skin-Detox-Body-Peel-Powder-Calendula-Papaya-&-Persian-Blue-Salt-p427998792

NHS
https://www.nhs.uk

Healthline
https://www.healthline.com

NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

British Association of Dermatologists
https://www.bad.org.uk

"I would recommend it to everyone – my skin is always left 
fully exfoliated but without any redness. It’s a great base to 
start my skincare routine."

Poppy - Sefidab® Face

"I bought this for my teenage daughter who is suffering from acne and has very sensitive skin; this has really helped her complexion and given her a boost of confidence."

Razia - Sefidab® Body

"I’m really happy with the results, I use it 1 to 2 times a week, and I’m always left feeling so refreshed and cleansed.  The glove is beautiful, too."

Niloo - Sefidab® Body