How Hormones Affect Your Skin (And What You Can Do About It)
Key takeaways
- For example, androgens stimulate the skin’s oil glands, leading to increased sebum production.
- That extra oil can cause clogged pores and breakouts.
- In contrast, estrogen helps maintain skin thickness, hydration, and collagen.
- When estrogen levels drop, skin can become thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles.
Overview
Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that influence many aspects of our skin’s health. For example, androgens (like testosterone) stimulate the skin’s oil glands, leading to increased sebum production.
That extra oil can cause clogged pores and breakouts (as seen in teenage acne). In contrast, estrogen helps maintain skin thickness, hydration, and collagen.
What’s happening in your skin
When estrogen levels drop (as during menopause), skin can become thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles. Progesterone and melanin changes also explain phenomena like pregnancy “glow” or dark patches (melasma). Stress hormones (cortisol) boost inflammation and oiliness, worsening acne, eczema, or rosacea.
Image: Women of different ages illustrating hormonal changes affecting skin. These hormonal shifts happen throughout life. Puberty ramps up androgens (so more acne).
The menstrual cycle also plays a role: rising estrogen just before ovulation can improve skin, while higher progesterone (after ovulation) may make skin oilier and more break-out prone.
What to do
Pregnancy floods the body with estrogen and progesterone, which can both brighten skin tone (the so-called pregnancy glow) and also darken it (melasma) . During menopause, the big drop in estrogen tends to dry out the skin, reduce collagen, and allow fine lines to appear. Chronic stress (high cortisol) can break down skin barrier function and boost oil production, leading to redness, acne, and sensitivity.
Even men experience hormonal changes: testosterone declines slowly with age, which can affect skin texture and thickness (andropause). What to do: While you can’t stop hormones, you can help your skin adapt and stay healthy. First, use products matched to your skin’s needs.
Gentle, soap-free cleansers help remove excess oil or sweat without stripping. For oily, acne-prone skin, look for cleansers with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to keep pores clear. (Salicylic acid, a common BHA, exfoliates inside pores and can reduce breakouts.) For dry or aging skin, rich moisturizers and hydrating serums (hyaluronic acid, ceramides) replenish moisture. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF +) daily to protect against sun damage, which can worsen hormone- related hyperpigmentation (like melasma).
Bottom line
Other healthy habits support hormonal balance: a nutrient-rich diet full of antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fats) reduces inflammation. Regular exercise helps regulate hormones and circulation.
Prioritizing sleep (7–9 hours nightly) gives skin time to repair. And managing stress (yoga, meditation, hobbies) can lower cortisol levels over time.
If specific issues arise – for example, persistent hormonal acne or severe dryness – consider seeking professional help. A dermatologist can recommend treatments or prescriptions.
For instance, medications like spironolactone (an anti-androgen) have been shown effective for hormonal acne in women. In summary, understanding hormonal effects helps you adjust skincare and lifestyle: cleanse gently, hydrate well, protect with SPF, eat and sleep wisely, and consult a pro for stubborn issues.
Note: This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Sunscreen and retinoids can increase sun sensitivity, and pregnancy or medical conditions may change what is safe for you.