To be human is to embrace a state of constant change.
Our skin, just like the seasons, is also continually transforming influenced by any number of factors, both external and internal, with hormones playing a key part.
But what exactly do we mean when we say ‘hormonal skin’? Hormones are chemical messengers which govern virtually every function in the body – sleep, appetite, healing. Their effects on skin can be positive, as well as negative.
If there’s one silver lining to growing older it may be that – with practise – we can start to tune into these hormonal shifts a little more keenly. As we pass through puberty, potentially pregnancy, and later the perimenopause and menopause, observing how our skin changes according to the waxing and waning of hormones can provide vital insight.
As a guide androgens like testosterone – which tend to peak at ovulation and again just before a period – are linked to oiliness and breakouts. Post-menopause, testosterone is generally lowered but may still be subject to fluctuations.
If you’re suffering with excess oil and breakouts, a double cleansing routine can help skin regain balance. Our Active Repair Nourishing Cleansing Balm thoroughly cleanses and decongests while respecting skin’s moisture barrier. Follow with Energising B5 Gel Cleanser to sweep away any last traces and prep skin for your onward regime.
Oestrogen, on the other hand, has a direct influence on collagen and hyaluronic acid – it’s the reason skin typically glows during pregnancy, but may start to feel dry with more noticeable lines as we age. Our firming Active Repair Copper Peptide Serum and Active Repair Copper Peptide Cream can help by stimulating new collagen and elastin synthesis, which may already be starting to wane naturally with age.
Sensitivity and redness are other classic hallmarks of hormonal skin, often associated with hot flushes. Declining oestrogen has also been linked to impaired immune function, which is thought in some cases to be a trigger for rosacea.
If skin feels stressed and inflamed, try adding a soothing formula like Super Hydrating Overnight Mask into your regime 2-3 times a week. Enriched with an anti-redness complex made with ginger, turmeric and probiotics, it’s designed to soothe and support a compromised skin barrier, so you wake to a calmer-feeling complexion.
