Hormonal Skin: Sorry what?

Written by Jackie Lamyman, Founder Made Of More
Let’s talk about it—hormonal skin. If you’re in midlife, you’ve probably noticed your once-predictable skin acting like a rebellious teenager. One minute it’s dry, the next it’s breaking out like it’s 1999. Fun, right? Not so much. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your face).

 

3 minute read

Traditionally we think of skin in terms of quite rigid categories: Dry, Normal, Oily. But what if your skin is all these things? What if it changes according to seasons, climate, age, stress or cycle? At Made Of More we view your skin type in more nuanced terms because things rarely stay the same. Let us introduce you to hormonal skin.

What is Hormonal Skin?
Hormonal skin is what happens when your skin gets caught in the crossfire of fluctuating
hormones - mainly estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. Think of it as a hormonal rollercoaster, and your skin is hanging on for dear life. These changes are most noticeable during puberty, pregnancy, and (yep) peri/menopause.

You may have heard of the term ‘skin barrier function’. At Made Of More we are obsessed with it. In short a great barrier will keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Bad news: changes in hormones can directly affect the barrier leading to a host of skin conditions ranging from oil to dryness, spots to rosacea. Good news: Made Of More’s products are designed to support your barrier, reduce inflammation and calm skin. Our CBG is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory so spots and dry skin are treated with the same product.

In midlife, the biggest troublemaker is the drop in estrogen. As levels decrease or fluctuate, your skin loses moisture, elasticity, and that lovely plumpness you used to take for granted. Meanwhile, androgens (those pesky male hormones) sometimes take the stage, leading to increased oil production, acne, and even the occasional chin hair. Fabulous.

How Might Hormonal Activity Affect My Skin?
If you’ve been wondering why your skin is suddenly acting out, here’s the lowdown:

Bye-bye, Collagen: Estrogen is a major player in collagen production. When it dips, skin sags, fine lines appear, and elasticity waves goodbye.

Desert-Dry Skin: Less estrogen means less hydration, leaving your skin feeling tight, irritated, and looking dull.

Adult Acne (Seriously?!): A shift in hormones can crank up oil production, clog pores, and spark midlife breakouts. Rude.

Blotchy, Uneven Tone: Pigmentation and dark spots become more pronounced as your skin’s natural renewal process slows down.

Slower Healing & Thinner Skin: Cuts, bruises, and irritation stick around longer, making skin feel more fragile.

What Can I Do About It?
Good news—you don’t have to just sit back and let your skin throw a tantrum. We won’t let it! Here’s how to get things under control: 

Get Smart About Skincare
● Use a hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin.
● Slather on omega rich ingredients for a juicy moisture boost.
● Lock in with a ceramide-rich moisturiser (the more multi tasking the better to keep everything streamlined) to keep your skin barrier happy.
● Want to fight sagging? Try peptides for a collagen kick.
● SPF 30+ every. single. day. (Sun damage is a fast track to aging.)

Tame the Oily Beast
● Go for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers if you’re prone to breakouts.
● Improve your barrier function with hemp seed oil and anti-inflammatory CBG.
● Step away from harsh scrubs and over-exfoliation—they only make things worse.

Feed Your Skin from the Inside
● Load up on omega-3s, antioxidants, and healthy fats for skin that glows from within.
● Hydrate like it’s your job—water, herbal teas, and even juicy fruits count.
● Consider skin-loving supplements like collagen peptides, vitamin C, and Omegas.

Master Stress & Sleep
● Get your zen on—meditation, yoga, or even just deep breathing can help. Walk outside.
● Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep (yes, beauty sleep is real!).
● Cut back on caffeine and alcohol (yeah, we said it) to reduce inflammation and dehydration.

Get Pro Help When You Need It
If your skin is throwing a next-level tantrum, it’s time to call in the pros. A dermatologist or menopause specialist can recommend treatments, from hormonal therapies to powerhouse skincare products tailored just for you.

Final Thoughts
Midlife skin changes can feel like a wild ride, but you’re not alone. With the right skincare, lifestyle tweaks, and a little attitude, you can rock your glow-up instead of stressing over the glow-down. Remember: you are Made Of More, and so is your skin. So treat it well, and let it shine.

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