Hormones and skin health - how your body’s chemistry affects your complexion

When it comes to skin health, most of us think about skincare routines — cleansers, serums, moisturisers — but your skin health goes far deeper, all the way down to hormone level.

For women, the ups and downs of hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can dramatically influence what we see on the outside such as skin texture, hydration, and even breakouts. Understanding how these chemical messengers affect your skin is key to treating the cause, not just the symptoms.

The hormone–skin connection

Your skin is a hormone-sensitive organ. In fact, it has receptors for many hormones that regulate oil production, hydration, elasticity, and even inflammation. Here’s how the major players work:

1. Oestrogen: The glow-giver

When it comes to hormones, oestrogen is your skin’s best friend. It promotes collagen production, improves skin thickness, and enhances hydration by maintaining the skin’s barrier function.

When oestrogen levels are balanced, skin tends to look plump, smooth, and radiant.But when oestrogen drops — such as before menstruation, during postpartum periods, or in menopause — skin can become drier, thinner, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Progesterone: The pore player

Progesterone peaks during the second half of the menstrual cycle and influences sebaceous (oil) gland activity. For some women, this can lead to that frustrating premenstrual breakout on the chin and jawline.

While it can help maintain elasticity, too much progesterone relative to oestrogen may increase oiliness and clogged pores.

3. Testosterone: The breakout trigger

Though often labelled a “male” hormone, testosterone plays a vital role in women’s health — including skin health.

When testosterone levels are too high, it stimulates oil glands excessively, leading to acne, particularly cystic acne on the lower face. This imbalance is commonly seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

How to support hormone-healthy skin:

1. Eat for balance – Include foods rich in omega-3s, zinc, and antioxidants. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and support hormone metabolism.

2. Manage stress – Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can disrupt oestrogen and progesterone balance and worsen acne or skin dullness.

3. Get quality sleep – Hormone repair and regeneration happen during deep sleep.

4. Work with your cycle – Adjust your skincare routine based on hormonal changes (e.g., gentle exfoliation before your period to prevent congestion).

5. Consult a professional – Persistent acne, dryness, or pigmentation may signal an underlying hormonal imbalance such as PCOS or thyroid issues.

Your hormones are not the enemy — they’re messengers telling your skin what’s happening inside your body. By understanding their rhythms and respecting their influence, you can work with your body rather than against it.

Balanced hormones often equal balanced skin — and that’s a beauty secret no serum can replace.

If you’d like to find out more about your skin, and how you can further support your skin health, get in touch or book a Skin Consultation via my online booking system.