Happy Hormones, Happy Skin

Understanding the Link Between Hormones and Skin Health

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that influence your skin throughout life - not just from puberty, but from birth onwards. From early development to puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and the hormonal shifts of midlife, these changes all play a role in how your skin looks and feels.

For example, increased androgen levels during puberty can lead to acne, while the decline in oestrogen during menopause often results in dryness, thinning, and reduced elasticity. Similarly, men experience a gradual decrease in testosterone, which can reduce collagen production and skin hydration, affecting resilience over time.

While hormonal changes are a natural part of ageing, their effects on the skin can be supported with targeted lifestyle and environmental interventions. These might include tailored skincare, nutrition, stress management, and, where appropriate, discussions with a healthcare professional about additional support options.

 How This Can Present on the Skin

Hormonal imbalances may show up as:

• Acne: Linked to androgen surges in puberty, pregnancy, or hormonal conditions.

• Dryness and thinning: Often caused by declining oestrogen during menopause.

• Pigmentation changes: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy (melasma) or menopause.

• Oiliness or breakouts: Common in puberty or with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS.

• Reduced elasticity and dullness: Often due to declining collagen production.

Tips for Supporting Hormonal Skin Health

• Eat a balanced diet: Include foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins to support hormone health and skin regeneration.

• Stay hydrated: Water helps maintain skin elasticity and aids in hormone regulation.

• Manage stress: Chronic stress affects cortisol levels, which can worsen hormonal skin issues.

• Sleep well: Quality sleep allows the body to repair itself and balance hormones.

• Maintain a Skincare Routine: Use products tailored to your skin’s changing needs, adjusting as necessary to support your skin’s health and balance over time.

Need Extra Support?

If you suspect a hormone imbalance, speak to your GP or healthcare provider, who can arrange tests or refer you to a specialist. A qualified skin therapist, such as a corneotherapist - trained in skin barrier care, can provide tailored skincare advice to support your skin barrier and promote long term resilience.

Trusted Resources: Hormones & Skin Health

Hormonal Changes & Puberty

• NHS – Hormones, Puberty, and Sexuality
  https://cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/child-development-and-growing-up/hormones-puberty-and-sexuality/
  Explains how hormonal changes during puberty affect the body - including increased oil production and breakouts—as part of broader development.

• NHS – Acne: Causes
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/causes/
  Details how hormone fluctuations, particularly during puberty, can increase sebum production and contribute to acne.

Hormonal Conditions

• NHS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/
  Explains how PCOS, a hormonal imbalance, can lead to symptoms like oily skin and acne.

• British Association of Dermatologists – Acne
  https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/acne/
  Covers how conditions like PCOS and hormonal shifts can worsen acne, with treatment guidance.

• British Association of Dermatologists – Melasma
  https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/melasma/
  Describes how hormonal changes during pregnancy or due to medications can trigger melasma (dark skin patches).

Menopause & Midlife Skin

• NHS – Menopause
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/
  Covers physical and skin-related changes linked to menopause, including dryness, sensitivity, and hormonal acne.

• The Menopause Charity
  https://www.themenopausecharity.org
  Offers guidance on managing hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, including common skin concerns.

Endocrine & Hormonal Health

• Society for Endocrinology – Your Hormones
  https://www.yourhormones.info
  Trusted UK resource explaining how hormones affect different systems in the body, including the skin.

• British Thyroid Foundation
  https://www.btf-thyroid.org
  Explains how underactive or overactive thyroid hormones can cause skin issues like dryness, swelling, or changes in texture.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.

Version: [March / 2025]

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.