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How Hormones Affect Your Skin: Managing Hormonal Breakouts and Sensitivity

Writer's picture: honeydewlabhoneydewlab

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are behind a lot of the changes we see in our skin over the years. When we’re teenagers, hormone levels shoot up, which leads to more oil production and—yup, you guessed it—acne. But even as adults, our hormone levels fluctuate during our menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, all of which can cause breakouts and make our skin extra sensitive. Once you understand how these hormones affect your skin, it’s easier to find the right products and routine to manage things better.


Hormonal Breakouts hypochlorous acid

What Causes Hormonal Acne?


Hormonal acne, especially the type that shows up around your chin, jawline, and neck, is usually caused by androgens—a group of hormones that includes testosterone. These hormones stimulate the oil glands in your skin, which leads to more sebum (oil) production. This type of acne tends to flare up during certain times in your cycle, pregnancy, or if you have a condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


Managing Hormonal Breakouts


The trick is to find a balance between treating acne and keeping your skin’s barrier healthy. That’s why it’s important to use products that are effective but also gentle on your skin. For example, hypochlorous acid - gentle enough for sensitive skin but strong enough to reduce bacteria and calm inflammation.


How Hypochlorous Acid Helps With Hormonal Breakouts


Hypochlorous acid tackles two of the main causes: bacteria and inflammation. It’s an antimicrobial, so it helps kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin, and it’s also anti-inflammatory, which means it soothes redness and irritation. Plus, it’s super gentle and won’t dry out your skin, which is a huge bonus if you’re dealing with breakouts during hormonal changes. You can use a hypochlorous acid mist or toner daily to keep breakouts at bay without irritating your skin.


How Hormones Affect Your Skin Over Time


Hormones do more than just cause acne—they’re also responsible for other skin issues like oil production, collagen synthesis, and skin cell turnover. Examples below:


More oil: When your testosterone levels spike, your oil glands produce more sebum, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts.


Sensitivity and irritation: Hormonal changes can make your skin more reactive, meaning it gets red and irritated more easily.


Less collagen: As estrogen levels decrease (especially during menopause), your skin produces less collagen, which leads to wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines.



Step 1: Stick to a Consistent Skincare Routine


Dealing with hormonal acne requires a lot of patience and consistency. Creating a simple, regular skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, targeted treatments, and soothing products can really help manage breakouts over time.


Cleanse regularly: Use a sulfate-free, gentle cleanser to wash away excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.


Treat breakouts carefully: When dealing with hormonal acne, stick to treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but don’t overdo it or you might end up irritating your skin even more.



Step 2: Soothe Irritated Skin with Hypochlorous Acid


Hormonal changes can make your skin way more sensitive than usual. That’s where hypochlorous acid can be a real lifesaver—it calms inflammation, reduces redness, and prevents breakouts caused by excess oil production. You can grab a bottle of our hypochlorous acid spray, which is available on Amazon USA and Amazon Canada, and easily add it to your routine for some extra soothing power.



Step 3: Adjust Your Routine During Your Cycle


Pre-period: In the days leading up to your period, you might notice more oil and breakouts. Focus on thorough cleansing and using spot treatments when needed.


During your period: Hormonal fluctuations can make your skin more sensitive, so go for gentle, hydrating products.


Post-period: After your period, your skin should calm down a bit, so you can stick to your regular routine.



Step 4: Eat your skincare:



omega 3 skincare hypochlorous acid

Omega-3s: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids help regulate oil production and reduce inflammation.


Antioxidants: Foods like berries, spinach, and green tea are full of antioxidants that protect your skin from damage and improve its resilience.


Final Thoughts:


Managing hormonal skin conditions can be very tricky. If you feel stuck make sure you seek professional help from a dermatologist in your area.



DISCLAIMER: This article provides general information about managing hormonal skin issues and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Honeydew Labs products, including our hypochlorous acid spray, are designed for cosmetic use and can help soothe sensitive, hormonal skin.


References on hormonal breakouts:

  1. Draelos, Z. D. (2018). Hormonal Breakouts: Understanding the Root Cause and Solutions. Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

  2. Levin, J., & Miller, R. (2020). Skincare Tips for Managing Hormonal Skin Changes. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

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