The Connection Between Hormones and Skin Health
If you’ve been following our blog, you know just how crucial hormones are for maintaining balance in the body. Hence, it’s no surprise that our skin health is closely tied to these internal fluctuations. Hormones regulate essential functions like oil production, cell turnover, and even pigmentation. So, when hormones shift out of balance, these delicate processes are impacted, often with noticeable effects on the skin.
Each person has a unique hormonal profile, so there’s no blanket rule for how hormones will affect skin over a lifetime. However, everyone experiences substantial hormonal changes at some point, with puberty and menopause being the obvious examples. Hormones like androgens, for instance, can increase sebum (oil) production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Oestrogen, on the other hand, plays a role in skin moisture and elasticity, which can influence pigmentation. Fluctuations in oestrogen levels are often linked to conditions like melasma, where darker patches of pigmentation appear on the skin.
Once you understand these hormonal relationships, it becomes clear why certain life stages and situations (like adolescence and pregnancy) are so infamous for triggering a range of skin issues.
How Hormones Contribute to Acne
Hormonal acne is a particularly common issue, often associated with times of hormonal change, such as puberty, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy. Stress is another major factor, as increased cortisol levels can trigger breakouts and exacerbate existing skin conditions. During these times, the body produces more androgens, which stimulate sebum production. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, blocking pores and creating an environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation and acne breakouts.
Hormonal acne can be persistent and challenging to treat with over-the-counter products alone. It can also be frustrating to manage, as hormonal imbalances can feel beyond your control. However, by identifying hormonal patterns, it becomes easier to manage acne proactively and effectively, as you can target the root cause of breakouts. We’ll discuss specific treatments later, but many of our patients find success with tailored treatments that address the specific needs of hormonally driven acne.
Hormones and Skin Pigmentation
Acne isn’t the only skin issue caused by hormonal imbalances. One of the most well-known conditions related to hormones and pigmentation is melasma. Also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma often appears during pregnancy due to increased oestrogen levels. It results in dark patches, typically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip, and can be pretty annoying to manage.
Other hormonal changes, such as those from birth control, can also impact pigmentation. Hormones like the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) encourage pigment production, which can lead to patches of hyperpigmentation. While topical treatments and sun protection can certainly help, addressing hormonal pigmentation often requires a more comprehensive approach, as standard skincare products may not be enough.
The Role of Compounding in Addressing Acne and Skin Pigmentation
Treating skin issues is complex. Everyone’s skin is different, with variations in type, hormone levels, allergies, and sensitivities. We’ve seen so many patients try product after product, hoping one will finally work. But finding that “holy grail” solution is challenging when there are so many variables at play. When your skincare products don’t quite suit your needs, it’s easy to get caught in a frustrating cycle of irritation, minimal results, and disappointment.
Don’t get us wrong, there are some excellent over-the-counter skin products out there, many of which we stock in our pharmacy. However, because these products come in fixed strengths and standardised formulations, they might not always be the best fit for your particular skin.
So, where does compounding fit into all of this? The answer is precision. Compounding allows for highly personalised formulations tailored to your specific concerns. The beauty of compounded skincare lies in its adaptability. Each formula is customised, ensuring that the treatment targets the right issues while being gentle and well-suited to your skin type.
Dealing with Sensitivities and Side Effects
If you have any chronic skin conditions, sensitivity is often a major hurdle. Many over-the-counter products with strong active ingredients promise quick results but often come with side effects like dryness, redness, or irritation. The effects might be so uncomfortable that that you just abandon the treatment altogether (rightfully so).
Compounding offers a way to balance effectiveness with tolerance. It’s not just about adjusting the active ingredients; compounding also allows for the removal of non-essential ingredients that may cause irritation. Common additives like preservatives, fragrances, or dyes, which are often found in standard products, can trigger reactions in sensitive skin.
For instance, if salicylic acid is causing dryness, a compounded formula can be adjusted to include a lower concentration or paired with a soothing ingredient like aloe vera to reduce irritation. This flexibility helps create a treatment that works without compromising skin comfort, allowing you to benefit from active ingredients without the discomfort that sometimes comes with off-the-shelf options.
Creating Multi-Targeted Solutions
Hormonal skin issues often come with more than one concern. For example, you may have hormonal acne but are also struggling with hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory marks left behind after breakouts. Compounding enables us to combine multiple active ingredients into a single formulation, targeting each aspect of the issue simultaneously. A customised blend could include niacinamide to control inflammation and sebum production, BHAs to exfoliate and prevent clogged pores, and kojic acid to lighten dark spots. We really like this multi-targeted approach as it provides a more holistic solution. The alternative is layering multiple products that might not work well together, which increases the chances of side effect and discomfort.
Flexible Delivery Systems to Suit Your Skin Type
Standard products are often limited to generic forms like creams, gels, or serums, without much consideration for individual preferences or skin types. Compounding, however, allows for a choice in the delivery system to ensure compatibility with your skin’s needs. If you have oily skin, you might prefer a gel formation, as it absorbs quickly without adding extra shine. On the other hand, drier skin types may benefit from a cream-based formula that offers additional hydration. Customising the delivery system can enhance the product’s effectiveness but also makes it more comfortable to use.
Conclusion
Dealing with hormone-related skin issues like acne and pigmentation can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re not having any success with commercial products. With so many variables at play (your skin type, sensitivities, and unique hormonal profile), it’s frankly very difficult to find products that are both effective and well-tolerated. Luckily, compounded skincare offers flexibility and precision that can make a real difference.
If you’ve felt trapped in a cycle of ineffective products, a personalised approach to treatment could be the turning point in your skincare journey. Feel free to contact us with any enquiries you have about compounding.Written By
Zen Xiao