While acne severity tends to lessen as a person leaves the teenage years, some women in particular will continue to suffer from acne breakouts into their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. These women are genetically predisposed to hormonal breakouts because their sebaceous glands are more sensitive to stimulation by testosterone. Hormonal acne may worsen with menstrual periods, hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy, polycystic ovaries, or stress.