Hormones are the body's chemical messengers, orchestrating everything from energy levels to emotional states—and of course, skin health. At LINNÉ, we believe understanding your hormones is essential to caring for your skin. From your first period to menopause and everything in between, the endocrine system has a profound effect on your skin's appearance, behavior, and resilience.
In this guide, we explore how hormonal shifts influence the skin across different life stages, and how to support skin health with clean, biocompatible skincare and lifestyle practices grounded in science and nature.
Adolescence & Hormonal Acne
What happens hormonally:
During puberty, the ovaries begin producing more estrogen and progesterone, and the adrenal glands ramp up androgen production—especially testosterone. These hormonal changes increase sebum production, often leading to clogged pores, inflammation, and breakouts.
Skin concerns:
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Oily skin
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Cystic acne, especially around the jawline
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Blackheads and congestion
Support strategies:
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Use non-stripping, pH-balanced cleansers to cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier.
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Incorporate botanicals like tea tree, willow bark, and niacinamide to calm inflammation, suppress bacteria and regulate oil.
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Consider lifestyle changes that support blood sugar balance, like limiting processed sugars and increasing fiber.
Menstrual Cycle Fluctuations
What happens hormonally:
Throughout the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall in phases, affecting everything from hydration and elasticity to oiliness and inflammation.
Cycle phases & skin manifestations:
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Follicular (Day 1–14): Rising estrogen increases collagen, elastin, and skin glow.
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Ovulation (Day 14–16): Skin often looks its best due to peak estrogen.
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Luteal (Day 15–28): Progesterone rises, potentially leading to swelling, breakouts, and sensitivity.
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Menstruation (Day 1–5): Hormones dip, often leaving skin dull, dry, or reactive.
Support strategies:
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Sync skincare to cycle: focus on hydration during menstruation, exfoliation during the follicular phase, and anti-inflammatory care during the luteal phase.
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Use ingredients like zinc, MSM, and hyaluronic acid to buffer inflammation and maintain skin barrier integrity.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
What happens hormonally:
Estrogen and progesterone surge during pregnancy, contributing to increased blood flow and often the "pregnancy glow." After birth, these hormones drop rapidly, while prolactin (especially during breastfeeding) can suppress estrogen.
Skin concerns:
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Melasma and pigmentation
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Increased sensitivity or reactivity
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Dryness and dehydration postpartum
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Acne due to estrogen withdrawal
Support strategies:
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Use gentle, non-toxic, pregnancy-safe products with calming botanicals like aloe, calendula, and sea buckthorn.
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Layer hydrating products rich in ceramides and essential fatty acids.
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Avoid retinoids and products listing “fragrance” or “parfum,” as these terms can mask hundreds of undisclosed synthetic chemicals.
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Recommended products: CLEANSE, REFRESH, RENEW, REPLENISH, REVIVE
Perimenopause & Menopause
What happens hormonally:
Estrogen and progesterone production declines gradually in perimenopause, then more steeply at menopause. Estrogen loss leads to thinner skin, reduced collagen, and less sebum production.
Skin concerns:
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Dryness, rough texture, and loss of elasticity
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Fine lines, sagging, and dullness
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Heightened sensitivity and slower healing
Support strategies:
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Prioritize barrier-supportive moisturizers and oils rich in omegas and antioxidants.
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Use ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to improve tone, hydration, and resilience.
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Incorporate lymphatic massage and microcirculation techniques to promote glow and skin vitality.
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Recommended products: CLEANSE, SCRUB, REFRESH, RENEW, REVIVE, REPAIR, PROTECT
Chronic Hormonal Conditions: PCOS, Endometriosis, Hashimoto’s
These conditions may involve systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, or thyroid dysregulation—all of which can impact skin.
PCOS: High androgens can trigger persistent acne, especially on the chin and jaw.
Endometriosis: Often associated with inflammation and estrogen dominance, which can increase reactivity.
Hashimoto’s: Low thyroid function slows cellular turnover, causing dryness, puffiness, and dullness.
Support strategies:
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Focus on balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammatory foods, and supporting liver detox pathways.
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Choose skincare that nourishes without overwhelming: gentle exfoliants, nourishing botanicals, and microbiome-supportive ingredients.
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Seek guidance from integrative practitioners for targeted supplement and dietary support.
The Takeaway
Your skin reflects what’s happening within. By tuning into your hormonal rhythms and choosing skincare that works with your body—not against it—you can nurture both your skin and your overall wellbeing. At LINNÉ, we create formulas that evolve with you, support balance, and help you feel radiant at every stage.
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