What Your Skin Is Telling You About Your Hormones
Why breakouts, dullness, or sensitivity may be more than skin deep
As a master esthetician (and mom of five!), I can confidently say that skin is one of the best messengers your body has. It’s not just reacting to what you’re putting on it — it’s often responding to what’s going on inside, especially when it comes to hormones.
If your skin has been feeling “off” — whether you’re breaking out in places you never used to, feeling more sensitive, or just not seeing that glow anymore — your hormones could be speaking through your skin. And yes, that goes for teens, postpartum mamas, perimenopausal women, and even guys!
Let’s dive into what your skin might be trying to tell you.
🔄 Hormonal Fluctuations: A Monthly Skin Cycle
For many women, skin changes are tied to the menstrual cycle:
Ovulation (Mid-Cycle) – Estrogen is high, and skin is usually at its best: glowing, clear, and hydrated.
Luteal Phase (Days 20–28) – Progesterone and testosterone rise. This combo can lead to:
Increased oil production
Clogged pores
Jawline or chin breakouts
Menstruation (Day 1–7) – Estrogen and progesterone drop. Skin may look dull, dry, or extra sensitive.
If you’re noticing a breakout pattern every 3–4 weeks, your hormones are likely at play.
👶 Postpartum Skin: Hello, Hormonal Whiplash
After having a baby, hormone levels crash hard and fast. You might experience:
Dry, itchy skin
New sensitivities
Breakouts (even if you didn’t have them during pregnancy)
Breastfeeding also impacts estrogen, which can lead to thinner, drier skin and slower healing. This is totally normal, but it’s also a good time to adjust your skincare routine for support and nourishment.
🔥 Perimenopause & Menopause: A Whole New Skin Chapter
As estrogen declines in your 40s and 50s, skin changes can sneak up quickly:
Loss of firmness and collagen
Dryness and dehydration
Increased sensitivity or redness
Hormonal acne — yes, even now!
The skin’s barrier becomes more fragile, and you may find that your go-to products no longer work the same. This is a great time to work with a professional (hi, it’s me!) to reevaluate what your skin truly needs.
🤔 What Else Could Be Happening?
If your skin is suddenly acting different — and it doesn’t seem tied to your cycle or age — here are a few other hormone-related culprits to consider:
Thyroid imbalance: Often shows up as dry, dull, or puffy skin.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): May cause cystic acne, especially along the jawline.
Chronic stress: Elevates cortisol, which weakens the skin barrier and triggers inflammation, acne, and sensitivity.
🧖♀️ How to Support Your Hormonal Skin (at Any Age)
Track your skin patterns. Use a journal or app to connect breakouts or sensitivity with your cycle.
Simplify your skincare. Hormonal skin is often more reactive. A gentle, consistent routine helps keep the barrier strong.
Target your concerns. Professional-grade products and treatments (like microneedling, peels, or hormone-safe topicals) can do wonders.
Don’t go it alone. As an esthetician, I can help guide you to what your skin needs now — not what worked five years ago.
💬 Final Thoughts from a Hormonal Skin Survivor (and Mom of 5!)
Hormonal skin can be frustrating, confusing, and sometimes even emotional — I get it. I’ve been there, and I’ve helped hundreds of clients through every phase of skin and life. Whether you’re navigating teenage breakouts, postpartum skin shifts, or the surprises of perimenopause, your skin is talking. Let’s listen to it together.
📍 Ready to Get to the Root of Your Skin Concerns?
If you’re in Ridgefield or the surrounding area and want real, personalized help with your skin — book a consult at Viva Aesthetics. We specialize in corrective skincare using medical-grade products, customized treatments, and a whole lot of care.
Thanks for reading — now go drink some water, wash your pillowcase, and love the skin you’re in.
💖 XOXO,
Amanda – Master Esthetician, Mom of 5 & Owner of Viva Aesthetics
✨ Serving skin confidence in Ridgefield, WA
👉 Book Now to get started with a customized skin plan
