4 common hormone-related skincare complaints – and how to fix them

When we experience issues that affect the appearance of our skin, it impacts upon our confidence, mood and wellbeing. Often we’re looking for external sources behind the issue (and external remedies), but often we need to look deeper than the skin itself and take a look at what’s going on in the body.

Sometimes, problems within show up on our skin. Hormones have a hugely important role to play in many of our bodily processes – more than most people realize – and the same is true of our skin health.

Here we’ve shared several common skin complaints that are often hormone-related – with simple starting points to help you begin to find a treatment that works for you.

Dry, dehydrated skin

As we enter menopause and peri-menopause our skin can naturally lose moisture and become dry and tight-feeling. Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can even occur. This is due to dropping estrogen levels, which cause lower oil production and loss of elasticity.

The first step towards hydrating your skin remains within – focus on drinking plenty of filtered water each day, and avoid diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol. Using serums containing hyaluronic acid can deeply hydrate the skin to alleviate dryness and support a more plumped-up appearance. Regular facial massage to increase circulation and in-clinic treatments that boost collagen production can also lessen the aesthetic impact of dehydrated skin.

Acne

Acne amongst teenagers is common as our hormone balance is heavily disrupted during puberty, causing excess oil production and red, angry pores blocked with sebum and dead skin cells. Acne in teens is often treated with harsh creams, antibiotics and steroids in absence of any way to remedy the natural fluctuation of hormones that occurs at this time, but many of these treatments can have severe side effects.

Although many people assume they’ve left their acne-inflicted years behind as they hit their 20s and 30s, adult acne is an increasingly common issue for women of this age – becoming more prevalent in recent years. This is likely due to overexposure to EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) found in common household cleaning products, beauty products, fragrances and food, but can also be influenced by events such as pregnancy, coming off hormonal birth control and even menopause. Conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Endometriosis can also be behind the hormonal imbalances causing adult acne.

An integrative approach can help to combat adult acne and even alleviate teenage acne in some patients. Determining a hormonal profile and identifying any imbalance before making lifestyle changes is key where adult acne is concerned. Cutting out lactose (found in dairy), sugar and identifying sources of EDCs can all help to rebalance the hormones and the skin.

Rosacea

Rosacea is characterized by red, blotchy skin and raised bumps mostly found on the nose, cheeks and chin. Triggers are often complex and elusive and include certain skincare products, allergens, heat, weather, foods, stress and medications. The wide array of potential triggers and lack of knowledge over the specific

causes behind a person’s own condition can make treating rosacea frustrating and stressful for sufferers.

Rosacea is more commonly experienced by women aged 35 and above, and incidences increase in women in their 40s, 50s and 60s. This led to research concluding that rosacea can be influenced by our hormones, especially for women who are peri-menopausal or menopausal – although the menstrual cycle also influences rosacea flare-ups in younger women.

Regulating hormone levels can significantly reduce the impact of rosacea through minimizing flare-ups and taking away some of the painful side-effects. Supporting women with other symptoms of menopause is also useful – as hot flashes can also trigger rosacea flare-ups due to heating the skin.

Melasma

Melasma is a type of skin pigmentation where excess melanin shows up as swathes of darker patches on the face. Unlike other types of pigmentation, Melasma is not only caused by UV exposure – it’s actually linked to our vascular system and influenced by hormonal changes in the body. Many women experience Melasma during and after pregnancy, and when peri-menopausal or menopausal.

Although topical treatments and in-clinic options can be effective in lessening the appearance of pigmentation, addressing Melasma from within is key. This is best done under the guidance of a medical professional who can help you to understand how any hormone imbalance could be impacting your skin.

Struggling with hormonal imbalance or not sure where to start? Help is here with my free Hormone Guide – download it here.