Treat Hormonal Skin

How Hormones Affect Your Skin During Menopause, Your Period and Pregnancy

Hormonal changes at different stages of life can sometimes affect how your skincare routine feels and performs. In this blog, we look at some of the skin changes that may occur during perimenopause and menopause, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, with practical ways to adapt your routine. We will also mention some Dermalogica products that may be useful for different skin concerns.

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause and menopause are different for everyone. Alongside other symptoms, some people notice changes to their skin, including increased dryness or itching. Skin may also feel different from usual as hormone levels change.

Normalising the Conversation

Talking openly about perimenopause and menopause can make it easier to understand the changes taking place and decide whether your skincare routine needs adjusting. Menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier. Perimenopause happens before menopause and may continue for several years.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and periods may become irregular. Symptoms vary considerably from person to person and may include hot flushes, changes in mood, sleep difficulties and changes to the skin. Some people may notice increased dryness, sensitivity, oiliness or changes in the appearance and feel of their skin during this time.

Menopause

Menopause is defined as not having a period for 12 months when you are not using hormonal contraception. As hormone levels change, skin can become drier and may feel less comfortable than before, so you may find that a more nourishing and hydrating skincare routine works better for you.

Skincare Ingredients to Consider

When skin becomes drier or starts showing more visible signs of ageing, consider products that support hydration, help maintain the skin barrier and target concerns such as fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness. Ingredients including peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E may be useful additions, while retinol can be considered where suitable for your skin. Daily SPF is also an important part of any skincare routine.

Products to Consider

• Skin Resurfacing Lactic Acid Cleanser
• Antioxidant HydraMist
• Phyto Nature Firming Serum
• Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 Moisturiser
• Multivitamin Power Firm Eye Cream

Your Menstrual Cycle and Your Skin

Hormone levels naturally change throughout the menstrual cycle and, for some people, these changes can coincide with increased oiliness, sensitivity or breakouts. You may notice that your skin behaves differently at certain points of your cycle, although the timing and type of changes vary from person to person.

How Hormonal Changes Can Affect Your Skin

Androgens, including testosterone, play a role in the production of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin. The balance of several hormones changes throughout the menstrual cycle, which may help explain why some people notice increased oiliness or breakouts around the time of their period.

Before Your Period

Progesterone, oestrogen and other hormone levels change after ovulation and again as your period approaches. Breakouts around this time are common for some people, but there is no single hormonal pattern that affects everyone in exactly the same way.

Track Your Cycle

You may find your skin changes around ovulation, in the days before your period or during menstruation. Tracking your cycle can help you recognise whether these changes happen at a similar time each month, making it easier to adjust your skincare routine when needed.

Looking After Yourself

General wellbeing is important too. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and making time to relax can all form part of looking after yourself during your menstrual cycle.

Using a Breakout Serum

If you regularly experience breakouts, a targeted serum may be useful as part of your routine. Follow the individual product instructions and avoid overusing active ingredients. Ingredients such as Salicylic Acid can help keep pores clear, while Niacinamide can support the skin barrier and help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Products to Consider

• AGE Bright Clearing Serum
• AGE Bright Spot Fader
• Clearing Defense SPF30
• Breakout Clearing Booster

Pregnancy and Your Skin

Skin can change during pregnancy as hormone levels fluctuate. Some people notice changes such as increased oiliness, breakouts, sensitivity or pigmentation, while others may experience very little change. Your usual skincare routine may therefore need adjusting as your pregnancy progresses.

Breakouts During Pregnancy

Breakouts can occur during pregnancy, although everyone's skin responds differently. A simple routine with gentle cleansing, suitable hydration and products chosen for your current skin needs may help keep your skin feeling comfortable. Always check whether active ingredients are suitable for use during pregnancy before introducing them to your routine.

Skincare Ingredients During Pregnancy

Some skincare ingredients are not recommended during pregnancy. Retinol and other retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy. Dermalogica also advises avoiding retinol while breastfeeding. Always check the product label and current manufacturer guidance, and speak to your GP, midwife or pharmacist if you are unsure whether a skincare product or ingredient is suitable for you.

Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy

Skin may feel more sensitive during pregnancy, even if sensitivity has not previously been a concern. Keeping your routine simple and choosing gentle cleansers, moisturisers and hydrating products may help keep skin feeling comfortable. If irritation develops or persists, stop using the product and seek appropriate professional advice.

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma

Pigmentation changes are common during pregnancy and some people develop melasma, which usually appears as brown or greyish patches of pigmentation on the face. Sun exposure can make melasma more noticeable, so daily sun protection is particularly important. A Vitamin C serum may also be considered as part of a skincare routine for a brighter and more even-looking complexion.

Products to Consider During Pregnancy

Depending on your skin and individual circumstances, the following products may be worth discussing with your skincare professional. Always check current product guidance during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• UltraCalming Cleanser
• UltraCalming Mist
• Invisible Physical Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
• BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum

Finding the Right Routine for Changing Skin

Hormonal skin changes are personal, and the products that suit you at one stage of life may not always be the best choice at another. Paying attention to how your skin feels, keeping your routine consistent and introducing new active ingredients gradually can make it easier to understand what your skin needs.

If you have questions about choosing skincare for your changing skin, please message us and our experienced skincare team will be happy to help. If you are local to Southwick, you are also welcome to visit us for friendly skincare advice. For persistent, sudden or severe skin changes, or questions relating to pregnancy, menopause or another health condition, speak to your GP, midwife, pharmacist or dermatologist.