Understanding Hormonal Skin: The Effects of Perimenopause, Pregnancy, and Beyond

Hey Gorgeous,

Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for so many of us: hormonal skin changes. Whether you’re navigating the glow (and challenges) of pregnancy, the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause, or the everyday ebb and flow of life’s transitions, hormones have a huge impact on our skin. From unexpected dryness to out-of-the-blue breakouts, hormonal changes can make our skin feel unpredictable—and sometimes like it’s not even our own!

But here’s the good news: once you understand what’s going on, you can use skincare to support your skin and help keep it looking its best, no matter the phase. So, let’s break down what happens to our skin through each hormonal stage and the ingredients that bring balance to the journey.

The Big Three: Hormones and Your Skin

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play a massive role in your skin’s texture, elasticity, and oil production. As these hormones shift—whether it’s due to pregnancy, menopause, or even stress—it changes how your skin behaves. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Pregnancy: The Glow (and the Occasional Breakout) Phase

Pregnancy is often associated with that famous “pregnancy glow,” thanks to increased blood flow and surges in estrogen and progesterone. But not all changes are welcome; some of us deal with increased oiliness, sensitivity, or breakouts. Hormones are busy making life happen, so they tend to shake things up in our skin as well.

• Skin Texture & Oil Production: Elevated estrogen can make skin look plump and glowy, but increased oil production from hormonal shifts can also lead to breakouts, especially in the first trimester.
• Ingredients to Look For: Niacinamide (found in our BotanicGlow Complexion Serum) is fantastic for balancing oil production and calming breakouts without drying out the skin. Green Tea Extract also helps soothe sensitivity, so it’s great for pregnant skin that might feel more reactive.

2. Perimenopause: The “What’s Happening to My Skin?” Phase

Ah, perimenopause. The time when our hormones start to shift before menopause sets in fully. Estrogen begins to decline, and with it, we often see a drop in collagen production and moisture levels. Skin can feel drier, less plump, and may start showing more pronounced fine lines.

• Skin Texture, Elasticity & Hydration: Lower estrogen means less natural moisture and less firmness. You might notice more dry patches or sagging in places that used to feel firm.
• Ingredients to Look For: Hyaluronic Acid (in BotanicGlow) is a must-have to draw in moisture and keep skin looking full and hydrated. Squalane is also a fantastic choice, as it mimics our skin’s natural oils and helps lock in moisture without feeling greasy. And for elasticity, Gotu Kola in GothamGlow Anti-Aging Serum is a great choice, helping to support collagen and keep skin feeling firm.

3. Menopause and Beyond: The New Normal

Once menopause arrives, estrogen levels drop significantly, and our skin shows it. Natural oils slow down, skin becomes thinner, and the drop in collagen and elastin can make us feel like our skin isn’t bouncing back the way it used to.

• Skin Texture & Elasticity: With less natural oil production and thinner skin, you may notice more visible wrinkles, a drier texture, and a more delicate feel to your skin.
• Ingredients to Look For: Bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative in GothamGlow) helps smooth fine lines and improves texture without the irritation that traditional retinol can cause. Peptides are another key ingredient, boosting collagen and giving skin that much-needed lift. Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil are perfect for moisturizing sensitive skin and keeping it feeling soft and comfortable.

How to Balance Hormonal Skin Through Every Phase

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about hormonal skin changes, it’s that flexibility and patience are everything. Here are a few tips to help you work with your skin, no matter the hormonal highs and lows:

1. Customize Your Routine: Don’t be afraid to adjust your skincare as your skin changes. Your 30s routine might not cut it in your 50s, and that’s okay! Both BotanicGlow and GothamGlow are designed to fit seamlessly into your routine, with ingredients that work for every phase.
2. Hydrate, Even When You’re Oily: It’s easy to think that oilier skin doesn’t need moisture, but that’s a myth! Hormonal changes can make skin both oily and dehydrated. Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin help keep skin balanced.
3. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier: Hormonal changes can weaken the skin’s barrier, so look for ingredients like Squalane and Jojoba Oil to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
4. Gentle Anti-Aging: If you’re dealing with more pronounced fine lines, Bakuchiol is a great gentle option. It’s in GothamGlow, which makes it easy to work into your nightly routine for a smoother, firmer complexion.

Embracing Your Glow Through Every Hormonal Phase

At YvaMarie, we get it because we’ve been there too. Hormonal skin changes aren’t always easy, but they’re a part of the journey. With the right ingredients, you can support your skin in every phase, letting it glow through each change with grace, resilience, and, of course, a little help from nature.

So here’s to loving the skin you’re in, through every high and low, and keeping that glow going strong—no matter what life (and hormones) throws your way.

Let’s Glow Together!

With love and radiance,
Marsha