A Note on Skincare Trends and Tweens
And one last note for our younger readers (or their mums): less is more.
We’re seeing tweens using anti-ageing and active products meant for mature or damaged skin, often because a TikTok influencer said it’s a “must-have.” But skincare should be used to correct what’s out of balance, not to treat skin that’s already healthy.
Basic care like cleansing, moisturising and SPF is always important, but (like retinols, acids, or peptides) should only be used when there's a real need. Using them too early can lead to breakouts, sensitivity and barrier issues that didn’t exist before.
If you’re dealing with skin issues, get the right guidance. But if your skin is healthy, keep it simple.
The Hormonal Lowdown
What your hormones are doing — and why your skin and scalp are reacting.
During puberty and early adulthood, androgens (like testosterone) surge. This ramps up oil production and often leads to blackheads, congestion, and breakouts, especially around the chin and jawline.
The contraceptive pill can sometimes help by regulating androgens, but it also comes with its own complications: dryness, pigmentation (especially melasma), and changes in scalp condition.
Coming off the pill? That brings another wave of hormonal shifts, often with temporary breakouts, increased oiliness, or hair changes as your body recalibrates.
And yes, those fine baby hairs you didn’t expect? That’s often your scalp recovering from hormonal disruption, illness, or stress. It’s a subtle but clear sign that your body has been through something.
The Average Cycle and How to Support It
Each phase of your menstrual cycle affects your skin differently. Learning to support your skin week by week can make a huge difference:
Week 1 – Menstruation (Days 1–5)
Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.
Skin signs: Dullness, dryness, increased sensitivity.
Support your skin: Focus on barrier repair, hydration and gentle ingredients. Avoid strong actives or exfoliation.
Week 2 – Follicular Phase (Days 6–13)
Hormones: Oestrogen rises steadily.
Skin signs: Brighter tone, fewer breakouts, more tolerance for actives.
Support your skin: Ideal time for exfoliation (AHA/BHA), vitamin C, LED, and treatments that focus on brightening or refining.
Week 3 – Ovulation (Around Day 14)
Hormones: Oestrogen peaks; testosterone briefly surges.
Skin signs: Increased oiliness, congestion, breakouts (especially jawline).
Support your skin: Salicylic acid, clay masks, and anti-inflammatory support. Avoid overdoing actives.
Week 4 – Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)
Hormones: Progesterone rises, then drops pre-menstruation.
Skin signs: Puffiness, cystic breakouts, scalp itch or irritation.
Support your skin: Niacinamide, azelaic acid, magnesium-rich skincare and stress-reducing routines.
When Hormonal Imbalance Becomes a Condition
Not all hormonal skin issues are just part of the cycle. Some may point to deeper conditions:
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Ongoing acne, scalp oiliness, facial hair, irregular periods or trouble managing weight may signal PCOS. It’s tied to elevated androgens and insulin resistance, and often shows up first in the skin.
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA)
Periods disappear due to stress, under-eating, or over-exercising. The drop in oestrogen can cause dry, sluggish, slow-healing skin and noticeable hair shedding.
Post-Pill Rebound
After stopping hormonal contraception, your skin may temporarily become more oily or breakout-prone while your body finds its balance again.
What Helps – Skin + Hormone Support Basics
Eat enough — especially healthy fats and protein to support hormone production
Get consistent — your skin thrives on routine, not constant change
Use the right products — matched to your skin type, not your For You Page
Manage stress and sleep — cortisol plays a big role in inflammation and skin flare-ups
Seek guidance early — we’re here to help you avoid trial-and-error cycles that can set you back
1. Eat Enough (Especially Healthy Fats and Protein)
Hormones need building blocks — and those come from your diet. Oestrogen, progesterone and even cortisol are made from cholesterol and amino acids. If you’re under-eating (especially fats), your skin and hormones will struggle. It’s common to see clients skipping meals, eating low-fat diets, or under-fuelling because of outdated food fears.
Great skin-supportive foods:
Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, eggs, oily fish (like salmon)
Protein: Chicken, tofu, eggs, Greek yoghurt, lentils, beans
Zinc-rich foods: Pumpkin seeds, shellfish, beef, oats (essential for healing + breakouts)
Magnesium-rich foods: Dark leafy greens, bananas, almonds, dark chocolate (regulates cortisol + supports skin repair)
Foods to minimise:
High glycaemic index carbs (white bread, sugary snacks, energy drinks)
Dairy (some people are sensitive — especially skim milk)
Processed seed oils (can increase inflammation)
Caffeine in excess (can spike cortisol)
2. Get Consistent With Your Routine
Hormonal skin takes time to stabilise — and changing your routine every week will only confuse your skin (and your hormones). We often see barrier damage in clients who overuse actives or jump from product to product. You need to give your skin at least 6–8 weeks with a consistent plan before making big changes.
Start with a basic routine and add targeted actives only when needed, not because it’s trending. Think:
Cleanser
Moisturiser
SPF by day
Active (like salicylic acid, niacinamide or azelaic acid) as needed
3. Use Products That Suit Your Skin (Not Your Feed)
Just because something works for a 30-year-old influencer with melasma doesn’t mean your 17-year-old skin needs it. Many products going viral online are too strong, too rich or completely inappropriate for young, hormonally reactive skin. Active skincare should treat specific concerns — not be a default.
We recommend:
Barrier-supporting products with ceramides, niacinamide, panthenol
Targeted actives like salicylic acid (for breakouts), azelaic acid (for inflammation), or zinc (for oil control)
Avoid unnecessary retinols, anti-wrinkle peptides, or rich emollient creams unless prescribed
4. Prioritise Sleep + Stress Management
When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, which increases oil production and inflammation. It also interferes with ovulation and progesterone production, making PMS and skin flare-ups worse. Add poor sleep to the mix? Your skin can’t repair overnight, and everything feels off.
Support your skin and hormones by:
Aiming for 7–9 hours of sleep per night
Building a wind-down routine (magnesium, Epsom salt baths, guided breathing, screen-free time)
Moving your body daily — walking, pilates, dancing, yoga (not punishment workouts)
5. Don’t Skip the Basics: Cleanse, Moisturise + SPF
If you do nothing else, do this. These three steps protect your skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent future problems. A good cleanser removes excess oil and bacteria. A moisturiser keeps your barrier strong. And SPF is a daily must — especially if you’re using actives, acne treatments, or have inflammation.
Look for:
Gel or milk cleansers that don’t strip
Lightweight moisturisers with ceramides or hyaluronic acid
Non-comedogenic SPF 50+ (zinc-based or clear formulas are great for breakout-prone skin)
6. Seek Professional Help Early
Hormonal skin isn’t always something you can fix at home with a few products. If breakouts are deep, painful, or leaving scars — or if you feel overwhelmed, embarrassed or stuck — book a consult sooner rather than later. The earlier we treat the inflammation and support your hormone story, the better your skin responds.
We’ll look at:
Your skin history + hormone profile
Your routine, stress levels, and nutrition
What your skin is telling us — and how to support it long-term
Have more questions or need personalised advice? Book a skin consult with our team — we’ll take the guesswork out and create a plan that actually works for your skin.