How your Hormones Affect your Skin

Hellooooo hormones! As if having to deal with all the other side effects of periods, pregnancy, and menopause wasn’t enough for women, they can wreak havoc on the integrity and appearance of our skin. Your hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the endocrine system that are released into the bloodstream, and imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of these hormones. There is no ‘normal’ state when it comes to your skin and it will change as you age and pass through different hormonal phases. A few of the most common examples of this that are acne during puberty, increased pigmentation during pregnancy, and loss of hydration & firmness during menopause.

Many of the hormonal changes we experience are due to small glands called the sebaceous glands, which produce and secrete an oily substance called sebum. These glands increase in size starting around puberty and continue to secrete the most sebum up until the age of 35. Changes to hormones can increase the production of sebum creating noticeably oilier skin that can lead to acne. But, teenagers aren’t the only ones dealing with hormonal acne; studies have shown that sebum production increases during both the week preceding menstruation, as well as during menstruation, causing acne or skin changes that cycle monthly. This is thought to be due to lower levels of estrogen in the body at this time, and is the reason doctors often prescribe a one-a-day birth control pill to increase estrogen and combat hormonal acne associated with your period. As skin can be acne-prone in the ten days leading up to your period, incorporating products like IS Clinical Active Serum and keeping pores clear with Zo Acne Treatment Pads can help battle hormonal acne. 

Estrogen levels can also play a huge role in the appearance of your skin. Not only have low levels of estrogen around the time of menstruation been linked to increased production of sebum (and thus oily skin), but estrogen is also associated with increased collagen production, skin hydration, thickness and improved barrier function. Decreased estrogen also plays a huge factor in how your skin’s appearance can change during and after menopause. One of the most common complaints in perimenopausal women is dry, itchy skin. Estrogen stimulates the formation of collagen & oils, and many women notice lack of skin hydration and elasticity to be one of their greatest concerns as menopause approaches between the ages of 40 and 58. Products that stimulate collagen production such as topical retinoids (we love Zo Wrinkle & Texture repair) and quality clinical skincare such as Zo Firming Serum & IS Clinical Youth Intensive Creme can play a huge role in protecting and maintaining the integrity of your skin during this time. 

Here at Raw Canvas, education is just as important as treatment in battling the hormonal effects of acne, pigmentation and aging. With one-on-one skin analysis and consultations Amanada and her team develop bespoke treatments plans to not just combat your current concerns, but provide skincare education and resources to ensure you never have to worry about your skin's cycles again. We got your back girl!