16 Show-Stopping Ankle Boots That Will Make You Want to Skip the Rest of Summer

Fall is on the horizon, people, and there’s no better way to usher in the official start of the new season than with a fresh pair of kicks (because duh). To ensure your feet and fall wardrobe are up to 2016 standards, an all-star pair of ankle boots (or two, or three) to combat the elements and transition your favorite summer pieces for fall is definitely in order. Whether you’re looking for scene-stealing embellishments to elevate a favorite sweater dress or just want a streamlined set of steppers for everyday wear with an arsenal of fall fashion essentials, you’ll find it all right here. Check out 16 pairs of fall ankle boots that will have you thinking twice about slipping into the same ol’ set of snoozy flats.

1. Vagabond Kaley Leather Ankle Boots ($175): There’s no time like RN to scoop up a pair of snakeskin-inspired steppers. Besides the chic factor, these exotic stunners will keep your toesies covered in the face of dropping temps. Wear them with cropped flares, a rib knit sweater and a shearling-lined coat for a decidedly ’70s-esque ensemble.

2. Zara High Heel Leather Ankle Boots With Toe Cap ($139): With Aurora Red being one of this season’s must-wear colors, the timing of these fiery steppers couldn’t be better. Their toe cap detailing and streamlined style will straight-up stun whether you wear them with an airy floral dress or chic suiting.

3. Mango Contrast Material Ankle Boots ($130): It’s time to step up your style game with these ultra modern boots that will fit right in with your It-girl aesthetic. For an off-duty look, a pair of cropped jeans, ruffle neck blouse and jacquard boyfriend jacket will earn you a place of prestige among the fashion set.

4. Topshop Kiwi Flower Boot ($70): Sky-high stilettos just aren’t practical when fall rolls around (especially when it comes to navigating rain-slicked sidewalks and black ice); luckily form and function go hand-in-hand this season with lug-sole boots undergoing a major makeover to bring you sturdy shoes with high-fashion sensibilities. Case in point: these flowery embellished stompers that are serving up the perfect blend of fierce and feminine panache. Style with a jersey midi dress, pendant necklace and snuggly longline cardi for an easy-breezy look any ‘90s style icon would swoon over.

5. & Other Stories Tassel Detail Suede Ankle Boots ($245): Nada to wear? Not even a thing when you add these two-tone ankle boots to the equation. When your Stan Smiths and lace-up flats start to feel meh, these tassel-trimmed numbers will infuse your ensemble with just the right amount of ‘tude.

6. Topshop Portugal Limited Edition Boot ($190): Any of-the-moment shoe that looks this DDG with everything from overalls to mini dresses is an all-around winner in our book. Run, don’t walk, to pick up these limited-edition boots STAT — they’re guaranteed to sell out!

7. Bella Vita Mod Moto Bootie ($210): Do moto boots ever actually lose their appeal? We’re going to go out on a limb and say no. This lust-worthy Italian leather set — complete with badass studded straps — is everything. Embrace your inner bohemian goddess by dressing them up with a suede patchwork skirt, round sunnies and a peasant top for an afternoon of boutique hopping or an upcoming film fest.

8. Lost Ink Denny Floral Cut Out Heeled Ankle Boots ($62): Fact: It’s impossible to have a bad day when your steppers are this on-point (these flowery dreamboats are basically summer incarnate). Put the chic in sports chic by pairing them with a sleek slip dress, a turtleneck tee and a mesh bomber jacket. Bonus points for an embroidered beanie and luxe backpack.

9. Daisy Street Star Print Denim Heeled Ankle Boots ($57): If you simply can’t get enough of the whole denim-on-denim trend, you’ll fall head over heels for these star-studded boots. Keep it real by tossing on a suede pinafore, plaid shirt and lined jean jacket for a foolproof off-the-clock outfit.

10. Mango Decorative Buckle Boots ($80): Obsessed would be an understatement. The transformative powers of these mod mid-century boots are unmatched; whether you style them with a plain old tee and jeans or a leather mini skirt, you’re guaranteed #OOTD gold.

11. Zara Flat Military Ankle Boots ($70): You don’t have to count yourself among the grunge goddess crowd to rock a pair of combat boots. These khaki-colored stompers will practically pay for themselves once their wear-anywhere potential fully reveals itself. While they’re a shoo-in for your jeans-and-tee routine, their ability to toughen up flirty, feminine pieces is what will keep you coming back for more.

12. Kendall and Kylie Ella Lace Up Peep Toe Booties ($199): Unpredictable fall weather calls for a pair of lace-up booties with an undeniably sultry side. The exposed front and open toe let feet breathe when things start to heat up, while the suede upper brings just enough protection to the table to ward off dipping temps. For a look that knocks it out of the park, DO throw in some printed trousers and a sheer frilly blouse. A signature red lip is obligatory.

13. Kurt Geiger Nova Ankle Boot ($355): Life’s too short to play it safe. Live a little with these contemporary boots that are ready to come out and play. Put a fierce finish on your usual Saturday uniform by throwing these bad boys into the mix.

14. Kelsi Dagger Jalen Boot ($160): Go ahead and add a pair of rad Western boots to your collection, because these toffee-colored numbers are just too good to pass up. Perfect for both work and play, they nail it every single time (yeah — they’re that good). #Winning

15. Rodarte Patchwork Boots ($425): Start saving up for these patchwork stunners now — they’ll easily be the best purchase you make this season (and many more to come — they’ve got that forever thing going for them). Whether you style them with a mini skirt and a sheer floral blouse for dinner with bae or a long-sleeve bodysuit and boyfriend jeans for Sunday brunch, the sartorial options are endless.

16. Lost Ink Geneva Gray High Cut Clear Heel Ankle Boots ($78): Get ready to rack up the compliments with these patent point-toe boots that are throwback perfection. When styled with a graphic mini dress or pleated culottes, you’ll be more than ready to take on Friday night in true girlboss fashion.

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We’re total sneaker heads over here, so we’re uber excited for what spring has to offer in the shoe department. It appears spring 2025 is brimming with fresh sneakertrends that embrace all things colorful and retro – a power combo! If you’re looking to step up your ‘fits with something a lil’ bit different on your feet, this season’s kicks are anything but basic.

Scroll on to see the 4 sneaker trends set to dominate spring 2025!

1. Pink Sneakers

Urban Outfitters

Gola Elan Sneakers

Pink sneakers are popping off this spring, ranging from pastels to bold, hot pink shades. They’re the perfect sneakers to snag if you’re seeking a seasonal pop of color!

Anthropologie

Puma Palermo Sneakers

For a playful feel, wear hot pink kicks with an all-black outfit to make them stand out. For a more femme look, wear some pastel pink sneakers with light-wash jeans and a flowy white top.

2. Retro Track Sneakers

Onitsuka Tiger

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers

Inspired by vintage running shoes from the ‘70s and ‘80s, retro track sneakers are definitely on the come-up. Brands are continuing to bring a mix of nostalgia and sporty aesthetics to the forefront, and we couldn’t love it more!

Saucony

Saucony Trainer 80 Sneakers

These sneaks are not only stylish, but practical, too! Seek out a comfy pair with some chic suede detailing or bold color blocking. Whether you pair ‘em with wide-leg trousers for a vintage-inspired outfit or biker shorts for a lax weekend look, a good set of bold retro sneakers will undeniably turn heads your way.

3. Hiking Sneaks For The Street

Keen

Keen Jasper Zionic Sneakers

We’re starting to spot hiking-inspired sneakers on the street more and more. Technical shoe brands like Keen and Salomon have styles that are both functional and fashionable!

Salomon

Salomon XT-6 Sportstyle Sneakers

With rugged soles, durable materials, and utilitarian designs, these shoes provide unmatched comfort, too. To give your ‘fits a sportier vibe, try hiking sneakers with cargo pants and a fitted tank top. For added contrast, certain styles also look ahh-mazing with mini dresses and denim jackets!

4. Sneaker Charms

Free People

Free People Shoe Charm & Pin Pack

Customizing your look is key in 2025 – so sneaker charms let you infuse your kicks with personality! From pearls and pendants to lace and beads, you can truly find sneaker charms of all kinds… or make your own!

Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita Notice Lace Sneakers + Gold Charm Bundle

Shoe charms also work well beyond sneakers. You can easily tack them onto boots or loafers!

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Get excited, because Trader Joe’s just brought back a seasonal flavor of one of their most beloved frozen desserts. Mini-sized and perfect for mid-day – or, let’s be real – midnight snacking, the Hold The Cone ice cream has gracefully returnedwith the taste of none other than coffee! Yum. TJ’s fans are already running to their nearest stores to grab a box (or two!), so you're definitely going to want to grab this limited-time item before it runs out.

Scroll on to discover more about the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones from Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones category includes classics like strawberry, chocolate, and chocolate chip, but a newcomer just joined the lineup: coffee bean! The cones are truly a cult-favorite item amongst shoppers, including myself!

Trader Joe's

According to Trader Joe’s, the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones feature mini chocolate sugar cones lined with a “chocolatey” coating that are then packed with a rich and “strongly flavored” coffee bean ice cream.

Trader Joe's

Chocolate and coffee is a truly stunning food combo, so coffee and dessert lovers will adore this new iteration. Additionally, their small size makes them absolutely irresistible for snacking sessions – I could honestly eat the whole box in one sitting.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the returning find with their Instagram followers, and it was an instant hit among those who know and love ‘em, and people who have never tried the cones before.

“Yassss my favorite flavor!!!” one person commented.

“I will be buying two boxes tomorrow,” another declared.

“I don’t understand why this is a seasonal flavor!” someone else pointed out.

Reddit

One box of the Trader Joe’s Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones is just $4, and that guarantees you 8 mini-sized ice cream cones to share – or keep all to yourself.

You can find this new drop in between TJ’s freezer aisles next to so many more sweet finds like the Blood Orange Mochi and the Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream. I’m craving ice cream already!

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Even if you own endless options, what truly makes a great shoe collection is having the right ones. From classic sneakers to sleek boots, these 8 shoe styles are essential for pulling together any outfit in style and practicality. If you’re looking to build up a versatile shoe lineup, these must-have pairs belong in every closet.

Scroll on for 8 essential shoes worth investing in for every occasion!

1. Classic (& Comfy!) Black Heels

Steve Madden

Steve Madden Irenee Black Leather Heels

A well-fitted pair of heels can instantly elevate any outfit, whether it’s for work, formal events, or nights out.

DSW

Naturalizer Bristol Sandals

The most crucial part about having a pair of go-to heels is that they’re comfortable. Don’t go too crazy with the heel height or settle for straps that dig into your skin! Having a reliable black or nude heel also ensures you can wear ‘em across tons of different occasions.

2. Tall Black Boots

Amazon

QIY Knee High Boots

Tall black boots go with just about anything, so they’re not only stylish, but practical, too! Choosing a pair of tall black boots with a comfy insole and walkable heel height can be really useful for the cooler months.

Free People

Jeffrey Campbell Katrina Pull-On Tall Boots

They look effortlessly chic over skinny jeans, under skirts, or with sweater dresses!

3. Ballet Flats

Rothy's

Rothy's The Double Buckle Mary Janes

Ballet flats are the perfect mix of comfort and femininity, and they’re pretty much the ideal everyday shoe for work and weekends alike.

Quince

Quince Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flats

Ballet flats provide a formal, polished look without the pain of heels and can be worn with anything from office attire to baggy jeans and a graphic tee. A neutral or classic black pair is a closet essential for easy styling!

4. Walking Sneakers

Saucony

Saucony Ride 18 Sneakers

If you like to get your steps in, you might as well do it in sheer comfort!

New Balance

New Balance 530 Sneakers

A supportive pair of walking sneakers is a must for staying active. Whether you're running errands, exploring a new city, or going on a long hot girl walk, the right pair will keep your feet oh-so happy. Look for cushioned soles and breathable materials.

5. Street Style Sneakers

Adidas

Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

While walking sneakers are a total necessity, they don’t always work with every outfit due to their more technical-looking designs. That’s why you need a stylish pair of fashion-forward sneaks!

SeaVees

SeaVees Acorn Trainers

Street style sneakers are perfect for casual outfits, and especially for occasions you don’t really feel like wearing open-toed shoes.

6. Cozy Sandals

Teva

Teva Flatform Universal Sandals

Sandals with a lil’ bit of support are crucial – especially for spring and summer. When it’s hot out, you want your feet to be able to breathe without sacrificing comfort.

Chaco

Chaco Townes Midform Sandals

Opt for cushioned soles, secure straps, and soft materials to keep your feet comfortable while still looking cute!

7. Rain Boots

Quince

Quince Waterproof Ankle Rain Boots

We all know that rainy days can quickly ruin your shoes. That’s not until you have a sturdy pair of rain boots to rely on! Waterproof and durable, they keep your feet dry while still looking stylish.

Hunter

Hunter Refined Tall Rain Boots

A sleek pair in black or a fun pop of color can brighten up a gloomy day while protecting your steps from puddles and mud.

8. Slippers

Nordstrom

UGG Tazz Platform Slippers

When you’re stuck at home, a cozy pair of slippers is essential. They provide warmth and such coziness, especially during colder months.

Bombas

Bombas Sunday Mule Slippers

Look for pairs that offer some support for walking around indoors. Choose soft, plush materials for the ultimate cozy experience!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

With an acting career that spans over four decades, Tom Hanks (born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks) is revered as one of the most beloved and well-respected actors in Hollywood. Whether he’s portraying a lovable man-child in Big or voicing a trustworthy cowboy sheriff doll in Toy Story, the now 68-year-old actor and filmmaker has managed to capture the hearts of audiences around the world, solidifying himself as an American cultural icon. Aside from having many prestigious awards under his belt, Hanks’ impressive acting catalog includes a movie or two that is an absolute must-watch. (Ahem, I’ve watched You’ve Got Mail more than a dozen times, but who’s counting?)

From Cast Away to Apollo 13, here’s a list of the best Tom Hanks movies everyone should watch at least once—if you haven’t already!

1. Forrest Gump

Paramount Pictures

One of the most memorable quotes from this widely-praised classic comes from Forrest Gump himself, where the titular character repeats a phrase often used by his late mother: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

That’s just one of the inspirational lessons you will take away throughout the film. Serving as an adaption of Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same title, Forrest Gump follows an Alabama man who doesn’t let his intellectual shortcomings stand in his way. From fighting on the front lines of the Vietnam War to captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest Gump is living his life to the fullest.

But he yearns to be with his childhood love, Jenny, who goes on to live a troubling life. Not only was Forrest Gump a box office success (garnering a whopping $678.2 million worldwide during its theatrical run, btw) but it was admired by critics and fans alike, earning an 8.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. While this Tom Hanks movie has faced some controversy over the years, its redeeming qualities make it one of the most iconic movies of the 90s.

2. Toy Story

Disney

Woody is the true definition of best friend goals. Woody’s unwavering fearlessness and ability to go to infinity and beyond for Andy (AKA his owner) and his fellow toys is quite endearing. It’s hard to picture anyone other than Tom Hanks voicing the iconic vintage doll. From the moment Woody is first introduced on screen, Hanks brings a story of charm and je ne sais quoi to the character that can’t be replicated.

While the Toy Story movie franchise consists of four movies (with a fifth movie currently in the works, ICYMI), the first Toy Story movie will always be a fan favorite, earning an 8.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Philadelphia

TriStar

Moving, poignant and unforgettable. Those are the three words that describe Hank’s phenomenal (and don’t forget Oscar-winning!) performance in 1993’s law drama Philadelphia. Meet Andrew Beckett, a lawyer working at a prestigious law firm in Philadelphia. In a desperate attempt to save his career, he keeps his HIV diagnosis and homosexuality a secret from his co-workers.

However, an employee discovers his secret, and as a result, Beckett is let go from the law firm. Angered by the firm’s decision, Beckett enlists the help of a Black lawyer named Joe Miller (played by Denzel Washington) and sues his former employer for discrimination.

From the talented ensemble cast to the film’s underlying message of social injustice and prejudice, Philadelphia is an absolute must-watch from beginning to end. And the ratings speak for themselves: Philadelphia has a 7.7/10 on IMDb and 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. ​Big

20th Century Fox

If you ask me, Big is like the big brother to 13 Going on 30 and 17 Again. Directed by Penny Marshall (who you may recognize from the TV sitcom Laverne & Shirley!), Big follows a 12-year-old boy named Josh Baskin, who wishes he was “big.”

One day, he wakes up as an adult. However, Josh longs for the days of childhood. But what makes this film so great? Hanks brings such a childlike innocence to the role that you can’t help but smile whenever he appears on screen. Whether he’s playing with toys or gleefully playing a sonnet on a life-size piano keyboard with his feet, Big makes you feel an enchanting sense of nostalgia, where you can think back to a time when life was so carefree and being a child wasn’t a distant memory. Also, it has a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb and a whopping 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

5. Sleepless in Seattle

TriStar

As someone who has watched Sleepless in Seattle more than once, I can’t say enough how much this timeless rom-com deserves a spot on this list. From the undeniable chemistry between Hanks and Meg Ryan to the talented ensemble cast, this is a movie I put on whenever I’m in the mood for a genuine, heartwarming romance. What’s not to love?

Following the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin and his son move to Seattle for a fresh start. One night, Jonah calls into a radio station to find his dad a new wife. While driving late at night, a journalist named Annie Reed is listening to the same radio segment and she falls for Sam, but—get this—she’s engaged.

Unable to get him off her mind, Annie takes a leap of faith and writes to Sam, asking him to meet up on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. If that doesn’t scream romance, then I don’t know what does. Though Sleepless in Seattle received a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains one of my fave Nora Ephron films and Tom Hanks’ swoon-worthy portrayal of Sam is chef's kiss.

6. ​Cast Away

DreamWorks

If you were questioning Tom Hanks’ range as an actor, just put on Cast Away (which has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) one time and you’ll see for yourself. I mean, the man is acting alongside a volleyball named Wilson for most of the movie, for crying out loud.

Hanks is a force to be reckoned with in this film, where he plays a FedEx executive who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a deserted island. As he fights to survive, he dreams of one day reuniting with a person he holds near and dear to his heart: his soon-to-be fiancée.

7. ​Saving Private Ryan

DreamWorks

The first time I watched Saving Private Ryan was in Social Studies class. Middle school, to be exact. Set during WWII, Saving Private Ryan follows Captain John Miller and his regiment as they embark on a journey to locate Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat.

This movie will stick with you after the screen fades to black and the end credits roll. And Hanks’ ability to capture Captain John Miller’s sincerity and valiantness with so much authenticity was nothing short of spectacular. But that’s not the only reason why it deserves a spot on everyone’s watch list. While it’s certainly not an easy watch, this film tells an impactful yet inspiring story about resilience, loss, and the disastrous conditions of war. Not to mention, it has an impressive 8.6/10 rating on IMDb and 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Need I say more?

8. ​Catch Me If You Can

DreamWorks

What do you get when you put Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio in a crime-action comedy? Catch Me If You Can, that’s what! Serving as a live adaptation of Frank Abagnale Jr.’s autobiographical book of the same name, Catch Me If You Can revolves around the young conman, who becomes the most successful bank robber in the history of the U.S. before the age of 19.

Frank has done it all: he’s worked as a doctor, a lawyer, and as a co-pilot for a major airline. In a cunning game of cat and mouse, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (played by Hanks) tries to bring Frank to justice, only for Frank to be one step ahead. It garnered an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. And don’t even get me started on Hanks and DiCaprio being the ultimate on-screen duo.

9. ​Apollo 13

Universal Pictures

“Houston, we have a problem!” If you heard this iconic phrase before, I bet you didn’t know that it came from the 1995 docu-drama Apollo 13. Aside from its stellar ensemble cast, the film was also praised for its accurate retelling of the Apollo 13 lunar mission.

The year is 1970. A crew of three astronauts boarded a NASA spacecraft in hopes of landing on the moon. When an oxygen tank explodes during their mission, the crew must find a way to survive and make it safely back to Earth. Not only is it regarded as one of the best movies of all time, but it also received praise from critics, earning a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Splash

Buena Vista Pictures

Last but not least: Splash. Sure, the plot may be a bit cheesy. But it has everything that makes an '80s rom-com great. Strong chemistry? Check. Quirky humor? Oh, there’s a lot of that! Splash follows a man who's reunited with a mermaid that saved him from drowning 20 years ago.

Now, as an adult, he falls in love with the mermaid after she ventures onto dry land to find him. However, their perfect love story is cut short when a scheming scientist tries to expose her secret to the world. Now, I know what you’re thinking: This movie has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb and it somehow received a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (with an audience rating of 65 percent.) But Splash is an overall good time. If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, you’ll get it with Splash. (And can I just say that Tom Hanks is so charming and funny in this film?!)

What’s your favorite Tom Hanks movie? Did we miss one on the list? If so, let us know in the comments and read up on the 10 Cringy 90s Movies That Would Never Be Made Today for more!

I don't know whether to treat my period acne as guests or annoying pests. I'm familiar with balancing my hormones, but even that seems to be a great mystery when painful breakouts appear on my forehead or chin. Even relying on a face wash fromFarmacy Beautyisn't always a match for their stubbornness.

But esthetician Danielle Gronich wants to dispel the idea hormonal acne's impossible to treat. Plus, she's exposing the truth about ingredients that could be causing flareups 👀. Known as The Acne Guru, Gronich has over 10 years of experience treating cystic acne, and is the founder of both the San Diego Acne ClinicCLEARSTEM Skincare.

Ready for our acne to be in great hands?

Scroll to learn The Acne Guru's top 4 tips for treating stubborn hormonal breakouts

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

Taylor Nicole/Dupe Photos

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

Yan Krukau/Pexels

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

Ron Lach/Pexels

Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

The best things you and I can do are being mindful of what we eat, supplements we take, and what we put on our faces. Also, a lot of patience goes a long way when treating hormonal acne.

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