How do you tell if acne is hormonal or diet related?

Keep a diary: Hormonal acne is often associated with acne lesions along the jawline & sides of face, hormonal changes (e.g. Menstrual cycle, abnormal periods, etc), & sometimes unwanted hair growth. Few dietary causes of acne are substantiated by research studies. Dairy is one of the few research-supported causes of acne. Keep a diary of your breakouts, menstrual cycle, & diet. Consider seeing a dermatologist.

Journal: Always hard to know for sure and combinations generally contribute but a diary or journal marking what you eat and your cycle against how your skin is doing will be the best way to try and sort through it. Regardless of cause, consider an evaluation by a medical aesthetician at a well respected messpa or plastic surgeon's office near you. They can help with daily care to prevent acne.