Hormones and How They Affect Your Skin’s Health

We’re all familiar with protecting our skin from external factors, including wearing SPF daily, using antioxidants to fight off pollution, and even being mindful of blue light exposure. But what about the factors working beneath the surface—such as hormones and skin health? 

Hormones are key to not only aging but also to the overall health of your skin. They influence everything from collagen production and elasticity to inflammation, breakouts, and dryness. When balanced, hormones help your skin glow; when imbalanced, the effects are hard to miss. Curious about the connection between hormones and skin health? Let’s dive in.

What are hormones?

Hormones, produced by the endocrine system, are the body’s chemical messengers, regulating growth, metabolism, mood, and skin health. They influence hydration, oil production, collagen levels, and inflammation. 

When hormones are balanced, skin remains firm, clear, and glowing. However, fluctuations or declines can lead to dehydration, fine lines, breakouts, or inflammation and redness. Understanding how these messengers work is key to managing their impact and keeping skin healthy.

Key hormones and their effect on skin health

There are several key hormones that affect overall wellness, including your skin’s health:

Estrogen

Estrogen is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin by supporting collagen and hyaluronic acid production, which keeps skin firm, hydrated, and radiant. It helps regulate skin thickness, smoothness, and oil production, while also minimizing pores.

In women, estrogen levels peak during puberty and pregnancy but decline in the 30s, 40s, and during menopause, leading to thinner skin, dryness, reduced elasticity, and fine lines. Low estrogen can also slow skin renewal, increase inflammation, and worsen conditions like rosacea. High estrogen levels can cause melasma—pigmentation often linked to pregnancy or birth control.

Testosterone

Although it’s primarily a male hormone, testosterone is important for female skin health. It helps maintain skin thickness, boosts collagen, and supports skin resilience.

Declining levels with age can thin the skin and increase wrinkles, while excess testosterone may cause oily skin, acne, or unwanted hair growth like whiskers and peach fuzz. These hormonal changes at different life stages greatly affect skin and hair health.

Progesterone

Progesterone supports skin health by regulating oil production and moisture retention, keeping skin hydrated, smooth, and youthful. Low levels can lead to dryness, flaky skin, and increased signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. 

It also indirectly benefits the skin by promoting better sleep, which aids in skin repair, and supporting a balanced immune system to reduce inflammation and skin conditions like eczema. Together, these effects make progesterone essential for maintaining a healthy, resilient complexion.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a natural hormone that helps the body manage stress. In small amounts, it supports the body’s ability to adapt and cope. However, when cortisol levels stay elevated over long periods due to chronic stress, it can negatively affect the skin. 

High cortisol levels can increase oil production, clogging pores and contributing to breakouts. It also promotes inflammation, which slows down healing and leads to flare-ups of conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. This prolonged imbalance may even contribute to hair loss.

Thyroid

Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating skin moisture and hair growth. When levels are low (hypothyroidism), the skin can become dry, rough, and thinner, while hair may become brittle or fall out. 

On the other hand, excess thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) can lead to increased oil production, making the skin appear greasy, and may also impact hair texture and growth. Balancing thyroid function is key to maintaining healthy, hydrated skin and strong, resilient hair.

Growth hormones

Growth hormone is essential for collagen production, skin thickness, and elasticity. When levels are high, the skin stays firm, smooth, and resilient.

As we age and growth hormone levels decline, collagen and elastin production decrease, leading to thinner skin, reduced elasticity, and the formation of fine lines. This decline also slows down skin repair and cell turnover, making it harder to maintain a youthful appearance.

Times of hormonal change and their effects on skin

Hormonal changes also play a key role in your skin’s health. Common factors that can cause these fluctuations include:

Puberty

Hormones start making their mark on your skin during your teen years, especially around age 13. Androgens, or male hormones, increase oil production, particularly in the T-zone, which can lead to clogged pores and sudden breakouts. 

Boys often experience more intense breakouts due to higher testosterone levels, while girls may have fewer breakouts during their teens but can deal with hormonal acne well into adulthood due to monthly hormonal shifts.

Stress

Stress affects your skin in more ways than you might think. When stress lingers, the hormone cortisol increases oil production, which can clog pores and lead to hormonal acne breakouts. It also triggers inflammation, slowing down healing and aggravating conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. 

Chronic stress reduces collagen and elastin production, speeding up the formation of wrinkles and loss of elasticity. You might even experience dryness, irritation, and hair loss. Managing stress is more than self-care—it’s essential for keeping your skin clear, healthy, and balanced.

Menstrual cycle

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause noticeable changes in the skin. In the first half of the cycle (follicular phase), rising estrogen levels promote clearer skin, balanced oil production, and a more even tone.

In the second half (luteal phase), increasing progesterone levels can lead to oilier skin, clogged pores, breakouts, and increased sensitivity. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine throughout the month helps manage these shifts and supports overall skin health.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings a surge in estrogen and progesterone, leading to various skin changes. These can include darkening of the skin (melasma), stretch marks, acne breakouts, and increased sensitivity. Some may experience clearer skin due to improved circulation and hormonal balance.

Using pregnancy-safe skincare like gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen is essential, while avoiding harsh ingredients such as retinoids and salicylic acid. Always consult with your provider before starting new treatments to ensure they are safe during pregnancy.

Menopause

During menopause, the drop in estrogen levels can lead to noticeable changes in your skin. You may experience dryness, thinning skin, and a loss of elasticity as collagen and natural oils decrease. This drop in estrogen also affects the skin's ability to retain moisture, causing it to look dull and feel more sensitive.

Rosacea, irritation, and inflammation can become more common as the skin's barrier weakens. On top of that, you might notice increased facial hair (peach fuzz) and the appearance of rough bumps or growths like seborrheic keratoses or skin tags. To support your skin through these changes, focus on hydrating skincare, nourishing ingredients, and consistent sun protection to maintain your skin’s health and resilience.

How to maintain healthy skin during periods of hormonal change

You can keep your skin healthy and glowing no matter what hormonal fluctuations life throws at you by following these key steps:

1. Keep a daily skincare routine

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Hormonal changes can make your skin unpredictable, so the key is having a balanced and adaptable skincare routine. Focus on these essentials and adjust based on what your skin needs at the moment:

• Cleanse: Use a gentle, cleanser morning and if necessary an active cleanser at night. For a mild, nourishing option, try Environ’s Mild Cleansing Lotion. If your skin feels oily or you’re breaking out, Environ’s Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser with tea tree oil and salicylic acid can help keep pores clear and skin refreshed.

• Hydrate: No matter your skin type, hydration is essential. For a boost of moisture and nourishment, Environ’s Hydrating Oil Capsules deliver intense hydration and antioxidants to keep your skin soft and resilient.

• Treat with Vitamin C: To brighten and protect your skin, use iS Clinical’s Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ in the morning. It combines Vitamin C with Vitamins E and A to fight free radicals, calm inflammation, and promote a radiant complexion.

• Control Breakouts: For acne-prone skin, iS Clinical’s Active Serum contains salicylic acid to exfoliate, clear pores, and reduce breakouts. For targeted blemish control, Circadia’s Spot Stop is a great spot treatment to quickly calm inflamed blemishes without drying out your skin.

• Moisturize: Choose a moisturizer that suits your current needs. For oily skin days, stick to a lightweight lotion, and for drier days, opt for a richer cream.

• Protect: Sunscreen is a daily must. Circadia’s Light Day Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 37 offers lightweight, non-greasy protection and added antioxidants to defend against UV damage.

• Adjust: Your skin changes with your hormones. Some days it may need more hydration, and other days more oil control. Stay flexible and listen to what your skin is telling you.

2. Regulate diet 

What you eat can directly impact your hormones and skin health. To keep hormonal changes in check, try to limit dairy, refined sugars, and processed carbs. Dairy often contains growth hormones that can mimic androgens, stimulating oil production and causing cystic breakouts along the jawline and chin.

High-sugar foods and refined carbs can spike insulin levels, which may increase inflammation and worsen acne. Instead, focus on hormone-friendly foods like leafy greens, berries, avocados, salmon, nuts, and whole grains. These nutrient-rich options help calm inflammation and support balanced, healthy skin.

3. Stay active and exercise 

Exercise does wonders for your skin and your hormones. Regular movement helps regulate cortisol and insulin levels, reduces stress, and boosts circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to your skin. It also promotes sweating, which helps clear out your pores.

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Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, dancing, or weight training, choose activities you enjoy and can stick with. Just be sure to cleanse your skin afterward to avoid post-workout breakouts. Staying active keeps your skin glowing and your mind balanced!

4. Find healthy outlets for stress 

Stress and hormones love to team up against your skin. Finding healthy ways to de-stress—including yoga, walking, journaling, a long bath, or a relaxing facial—can make a big difference.

Regular facials not only give your skin a boost but also provide a calming, restorative experience. Managing stress helps keep cortisol levels in check, reducing breakouts, redness, and flare-ups. Remember: self-care isn’t selfish!

5. Stay well rested

Beauty sleep is real! During deep sleep, your skin repairs itself, collagen production kicks in, and your cells renew. Lack of sleep can lead to dull skin, breakouts, and fine lines showing up faster than you’d like. Aim for seven to eight hours a night and let your skin do its thing while you rest.

Visit JE’DERM Skin Atelier for monthly facials and advice!

Regular facials are your skin’s best friend. They help with deep cleansing, balancing oil production, and addressing whatever your hormones decide to throw at you. At JE’DERM Skin Atelier, we tailor each facial to your unique skin type and condition, ensuring you get exactly what your skin needs.

We also offer a range of specialized treatments to target your specific concerns. Monthly visits keep your skin on track, provide personalized advice, and give you that extra glow-up you deserve. Schedule an appointment and experience the difference at JEDERM Skin Atelier. Your skin will thank you!