Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it does a lot to protect you. But as you age, your skin goes through changes you can feel and see. From breakouts in your teen years to dryness or fine lines later in life, these shifts are often tied to something deeper: your hormones.
Hormonal changes are a natural part of life, especially for women. They can affect everything from oil production to skin tone, sensitivity and how fast your skin heals. Understanding these changes can help you care for your skin in smarter, more supportive ways.
Read on to learn how your hormones and skin are connected and what you can do to keep your skin healthy, no matter your age.
Teen years: Hormonal skin changes during puberty
Puberty is a rapid rollercoaster of emotions and hormonal growth – and your skin feels it, too.
“In puberty, hormone changes stimulate the skin’s oil glands, which can lead to acne,” said Jessica Leibhart, DO, a family medicine and obstetrics specialist with Banner Health. “There’s also increased sweating and body odor due to bacteria. The skin may darken in some areas where hormones are more active.”
You may notice hair growth sprouting in new places like your underarms and pubic area. These changes are normal but they can affect your self-esteem.
Skincare tips for teens:
- Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser
- Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products
- Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat acne
- Moisturize (even oily skin needs hydration)
- Avoid picking at pimples, which can lead to scarring
If your acne becomes severe, painful or really upsetting, see your health care provider or a dermatologist.
Pregnancy: What expecting moms may notice
Pregnancy brings big changes to your body and your skin.
“Almost all pregnant women get increased skin pigmentation due to estrogen and progesterone,” Dr. Leibhart said. “One common change is the linea nigra, a line down the center of the belly. You may see melasma, known as the ‘mask of pregnancy,’ which shows up as dark patches on the face.”
Up to 75% of pregnant people experience melasma. It usually fades after childbirth, but treatments like skin lighteners, chemical peels and laser therapy can help once your baby is born.
Stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are another common concern. “They usually start around the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy,” Dr. Leibhart said. “You’ll see them on the belly, breasts and thighs.”
Safe skincare routine during pregnancy:
- Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers
- Use sun protection daily to prevent melasma from worsening
- Avoid ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid in high amounts
- Stay hydrated and moisturize to help reduce stretch marks
Talk to your OBGYN or health care provider before trying new skincare products during pregnancy.
Periods: How your menstrual cycle affects your skin each month
Even outside pregnancy or menopause, your monthly cycle (Aunt Flo) can change your skin.
Estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall throughout the month. In the days before your period, these hormone shifts can lead to oilier skin, clogged pores and breakouts – especially around the jaw and chin.
You may also notice your skin looking its best around ovulation, when estrogen levels peak. During this time, your skin may appear clearer, more even-toned and glowing.
Tips for cycle-based skin care:
- Before your period: Use salicylic acid or gentle exfoliants to prevent period acne
- During your period: Stick with calming, hydrating products
- After your period and around ovulation: Focus on glow-boosting ingredients like vitamin C or light moisturizers
Tracking your cycle can help you stay one step ahead and make skincare adjustments that really pay off.
Skin and hormones after 40: Perimenopause and menopause
As you get older, your estrogen levels start to drop. This often begins in your 40s and continues into menopause. Your skin may become thinner, drier and more sensitive.
“Estrogen helps keep your skin firm, hydrated and elastic,” Dr. Leibhart said. “When it drops, you may notice dryness and skin sensitivity, thinning of the skin and hair on the head and increased facial hair. Menopause may bring bruising and even delayed wound healing.”
Skin care to support aging skin:
- Use a rich moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or ceramides
- Add gentle retinol to boost collagen and reduce fine lines
- Apply sunscreen every day
- Choose gentle cleansers that don’t strip natural oils
- Support your skin from the inside out with a healthy diet and hydration
When hormonal imbalances affect the skin
Not all skin changes are part of the normal aging process. Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or thyroid disorders can show up in your skin.
“In PCOS, increased androgens can cause oily skin, acne, skin tags and unwanted facial hair,” Dr. Leibhart said. “Thyroid issues also affect the skin. Hyperthyroidism may cause moist, flushed skin, while hypothyroidism can make the skin dry, rough and pale.”
If your skin issues are paired with missed periods, mood changes or changes in hair growth, it may be time to talk to your health care provider. They can check for signs of an underlying condition.
Skincare routine for hormones
You can’t stop hormone shifts, but you can choose skincare that works with your body.
Ingredients to look for:
- Niacinamide: Calms redness and controls oil
- Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates and plumps dry skin
- Retinol: Smooths fine lines and treats acne
- Peptides: Help firm skin and improve texture
- Vitamin C: Brightens and boosts collagen
- Gentle cleansers and broad-spectrum sunscreen: Protects sensitive and aging skin
Healthy habits that help:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits, veggies and healthy fats
- Exercise regularly to support overall hormone balance
- Avoid smoking
- Be aware of hidden hormone disruptors
Some everyday products contain chemicals that can mess with your hormones. These are called endocrine disruptors.
“The endocrine system controls important hormones for growth, fertility and reproduction,” Dr. Leibhart said. “Endocrine disrupters can be found in food packaging, makeup, carpets and toys.”
You may be exposed through the air you breathe, what touches your skin, what food you eat and the water you drink.
What you can do:
- Choose clean, well-labeled products
- Avoid harsh chemicals in makeup and personal care items
- Use glass and stainless steel instead of plastic when possible
Be cautious with skincare trends like “slugging” or “skin cycling.” While they can work for some, they may not be right for sensitive or changing skin. Listen to your skin and adjust as needed.
When to see a health care provider
Sometimes, you need more than an over-the-counter (OTC) product. If your skin changes suddenly, causes pain or embarrassment or doesn’t improve with home care, see a dermatologist or a Banner Health specialist who can help identify what’s happening.
“If you notice any rough, scaly patches (which may be precancerous) or changing moles, make sure to get them checked,” Dr. Leibhart said. “It’s always better to be safe when it comes ot your skin.”
Bottom line
Hormonal changes are a normal part of life, and your skin reflects them. With proper skin care habits, you can support your skin through every stage — from your teen years to your 50s and beyond.
If something doesn’t feel right, talk to your health care provider or a women’s health specialist.
