As teenagers, our pimples were accepted as a fact of life – blackheads, whiteheads, acne and everything in between was simply put down to our teenage hormones. But when the same angry inflamed bumps followed us into adulthood, we can thank our hormonal imbalances for their unwelcomed appearance.

Did you know our hormones are a major player when it comes to our skin concerns? Not only can you suffer from fatigue and weight gain, but our skin can also suffer from acne, dry skin and rosacea to name a few.

We spoke to Award-winning Dermatologist, Dr Shyamalar Gunatheeson, Consultant Dermatologist Dr Ryan De Cruz from Software and Mukti, founder of Mukti Organics to find out how our hormones can affect our skin in adulthood and what the best ways to address them are.

What Does It Mean To Have A Hormonal Imbalance?

Mukti explains that our hormones “Are chemicals produced by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream. An imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone.”

Natural Female Fluctuations

Other than aging resulting in hormonal deficiencies, having too much or too little of a hormone can also be from our “Natural fluctuation such as during the menstrual cycle or there can be an underlying medical condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or pituitary disorder,” Dr Shyamalar tells us.

Androgens: The Male Hormone

Dr Ryan explains to us that the most common situation he faces is the genetic sensitivity to a ‘normal’ level of male hormones (androgens).

“This results in excessive oil production by oil glands, oil gland over-growth and blockage i.e. acne.”

Dr Ryan continues to explain that by having an ‘abnormally’ high level of androgens, you can also “Exhibit signs and symptoms of acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), loss of hair on the head (androgenic alopecia) and excessive oiliness.”

Patients with an ‘abnormally’ high level of androgens “Must be investigated for underlying causes… such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome amongst others.”

How Hormonal Imbalances Can Affect Our Skin

• Acne
• Severe dryness
• Dermal barrier impairment
• Dullness
• Dark Circles
• Skin sensitivity, redness and rosacea
• Oily Skin & Enlarged Pores
• Excessive hair growth

How Do You Treat These Side Effects?

There are many factors that prove to be paramount to regulating our hormones, these include:

Lifestyle

• Adequate sleep
• Manage Stress
• Some medications can cause hormonal imbalances
• Well-balanced diet
• Exercise

Skincare

Dr Shyamalar suggests including the below in your routine:

Day

• Use a broad spectrum SPF
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin C

Night

• Double cleanse
• Vitamin A

Mukti suggests the following:

• Gentle, restorative ingredients are paramount in the healing process.
• Maintain skin barrier function – MOISTURISE
• Avoid harsh products – skin irritation or allergic reactions – fragrance free
• Sun protection is your best long-term solution against skin ageing

While Dr Ryan suggests that over-the-counter skincare can play a role in optimising your skin, however, “Hormonal imbalances that influence the skin, must be treated medically i.e. with prescription treatments that are backed by scientific research.”

Always seek advice from your local practitioner, Endocrinologist and/or Dermatologist as your best course of action.