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How hormones impact your skin
Your skin grows with you at every stage of life, from the moment you're born, puberty, through pregnancy and then menopause. A lot of the changes in our skin around these times are due to an influx of hormones. We’re going to explore how these hormones impact your skin during different phases and ways you can look after your skin. Let’s go…
What’s a hormone?
Before we dive in let’s first establish what hormones are!
Define Hormone: One of many substances made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs.
There are lots of different types of hormones and during your menstrual cycle to pregnancy and menopause, you can find the level of hormones change drastically.
Pregnancy hormones and skin
During pregnancy, you can find lots of changes happening with your skin. From itchiness and dryness to darkening and acne - it’s all happening right now. One of the most notable hormonal changes is an increase in estrogen levels, which can lead to an increase in skin thickness and hydration, giving the skin a more youthful appearance - there’s a reason why people get that pregnancy glow! However, the increased levels of estrogen can also cause hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin in certain areas, such as the face, neck, and chest.
Another change you may find in pregnancy is your vulva may become swollen with the colour and opening darkening. This is due to levels of both estrogen and progesterone increasing. You may even have more normal vaginal discharge as these hormone changes can cause changes in the balance of yeast and bacteria, which can lead to more vaginal infections.
These changes will settle post-pregnancy but it’s important to use gentle products so you don’t aggravate your skin. That’s why we created our Luna Daily Fragrance-Free collection - no chemicals, hydrating for dry skin and pH-balanced - perfect to help your skin through this roller coaster of hormones.
Menopause hormones and skin
Unlike the rising levels during pregnancy, with menopause women experience a decrease in estrogen levels, which can have a significant impact on the health and appearance of skin. As estrogen levels decline, the skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Women may also experience dry skin, as the skin produces less oil.
During perimenopause, the drop in estrogen can cause the tissue of the vulva and vagina to become drier, thinner and less flexible. This is a condition known as “vulvovaginal atrophy”. With the reduced levels of estrogen, you can find the vaginal pH is less acidic.
Another common issue during menopause is hot flushes, which can cause the skin to become red and flushed. A sudden increase in body temperature causes hot flushes, and they can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Hot flushes can also cause sweating, leading to increased oil production and clogged pores which can cause acne.
Incorporating hydrating, nourishing and pH-balancing products into a routine, like the Luna Daily The Hydrating Everywhere Wash can help calm and protect against dryness. Plus the Hydrating Spray to Wipe is a great way to help cool those hot flushes.
Looking after your skin
It’s not easy regulating hormones and they are a natural part of life. However, by supporting yourself with clean and nourishing products you can help give your skin a little extra love during these phases in your life.
Take care of your skin with Luna Daily
References:
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-health
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/hormone
