Skinfulness Impact Area #1
OUR BODY & ITS PATTERNS
Our body & its patterns
At CKIN, we know that managing acne isn’t just skin-deep; it’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. Acne often has a genetic component—if acne runs in our family, we may be more likely to experience it ourself. Research has even identified specific gene variants that influence factors like sebum production, inflammation, and bacterial growth.
Beyond genetics, hormonal fluctuations also play a significant role in acne development.
While these biological factors, like our genetics and hormonal cycles, are out of our direct control, there are actionable ways to manage their effects. Lifestyle, environment, and skincare routines can all impact acne prevalence and severity. The good news? These are areas where we have the power to create positive change. Through informed choices and step-by-step improvements, we can nurture healthier, clearer skin — and cultivate confidence along the way.
Hormones and their impact on skin and acne
While acne is often thought of as a teenage problem, many of us encounter it throughout life due to hormonal fluctuations. Hormones like androgens (e.g. testosterone), progesterone, and estrogen fluctuate over time and have a significant impact on our skin — especially for those of us with acne-prone skin.
Testosterone
Elevated testosterone levels can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. While testosterone is often associated with male puberty, it affects all genders. Women produce testosterone too, but at lower levels.
Progesterone
Rising progesterone levels, particularly during pregnancy, may contribute to acne. While the exact relationship isn’t fully understood, research suggests that progesterone correlates with increased sebum production and acne flares.
Estrogen
Estrogen helps reduce sebum production and supports skin health by maintaining moisture and boosting collagen. However, lower estrogen levels, especially during the menstrual cycle or menopause, can lead to premenstrual acneand dryness.
Testosterone
Elevated testosterone levels can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. While testosterone is often associated with male puberty, it affects all genders. Women produce testosterone too, but at lower levels.
Progesterone
Rising progesterone levels, particularly during pregnancy, may contribute to acne. While the exact relationship isn’t fully understood, research suggests that progesterone correlates with increased sebum production and acne flares.
Estrogen
Estrogen helps reduce sebum production and supports skin health by maintaining moisture and boosting collagen. However, lower estrogen levels, especially during the menstrual cycle or menopause, can lead to premenstrual acneand dryness.
Other hormones, such as luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, also influence skin health, particularly during pregnancy.
Hormonal acne among women
Women experience unique hormonal changes throughout life,with five key stages:
- Infancy
- Puberty (adolescence)
- Reproductive age
- Climacteric period (around menopause)
- Post-climacteric years
In addition to these shared stages, women encounter hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum periods. These fluctuations often influence sebum production, leading to acne flares. For instance, over 40% of pregnant women experience acne due to hormonal changes activatingsebum glands.
By understanding how hormones shift during different life stages and menstrual phases, we can make more informed skincare choices that align with our skin’s needs.
Hormonal acne among men
Hormonal changes also affect men, albeit differently. Testosterone—a key androgen—stimulates sebaceous glands, leading to thicker, oilier skin that’s prone to clogged pores and breakouts. This makes men more susceptible to acne, particularly on the face, chest, back, and shoulders.
Facial hair can further trap sebum and bacteria, contributing to inflammation. Additionally, sweating—especially during workouts or in warm weather—can exacerbate acne when paired with non-breathable fabrics.
When acne is moderate to severe, consulting a dermatologist is essential. Early intervention can help prevent long-term effects like scarringor hyperpigmentation.
Keeping a skin diary to better understand our body, skin and its patterns
Keeping a skin diary can be a valuable tool for understanding how our skin and acne status changes with hormonal fluctuations
and other impact factors like diet, stress and skincare routines. Here are some things to include in our skin diary:
Daily skin observations
Note changes like breakouts, redness, or oiliness.
Hormonal tracking
Record your menstrual cycle and any skin changes across phases.
Dietary records
Identify potential food triggers or helpful nutrients.
Stress levels
Log significant stressors and emotional shifts.
Skincare routine
Track the products you use and any adjustments made.
External aggressors
Keep a record of elongated exposure to UV rays and other environmental pollutants.
Emotional wellbeing
Track your emotional journey and monitor fluctuations in mood,
emotions and relationships with others.
By understanding our skin’s unique patterns, we can tailor our skincare routine to work in harmony with our body.
At CKIN, we’re here to support you with tools, insights, and guidance. Together, let’s embrace the journey to clearer skin, balanced hormones,and greater confidence—inside and out.
“At CKIN, our approach to skincare is grounded in the belief that skincare products and skin science alone are not always enough. We combine our clinical expertise with a deep sense of compassion and empathy, addressing the whole person holistically - not just their skin.”
“I've gone through hormonal acne i various stages of my life. I call them seasons. Each time, they've taken a toll on my emotional and mental well-being. This is why I'm passionate about creating solutions for us to feel confident in our skin and celebrate ourselves, no matter what stage in life we're in”
“At CKIN, our approach to skincare is grounded in the belief that skincare products and skin science alone are not always enough. We combine our clinical expertise with a deep sense of compassion and empathy, addressing the whole person holistically - not just their skin.”
“At CKIN, our approach to skincare is grounded in the belief that skincare products and skin science alone are not always enough. We combine our clinical expertise with a deep sense of compassion and empathy, addressing the whole person holistically - not just their skin.”
“I've gone through hormonal acne i various stages of my life. I call them seasons. Each time, they've taken a toll on my emotional and mental well-being. This is why I'm passionate about creating solutions for us to feel confident in our skin and celebrate ourselves, no matter what stage in life we're in”
“At CKIN, our approach to skincare is grounded in the belief that skincare products and skin science alone are not always enough. We combine our clinical expertise with a deep sense of compassion and empathy, addressing the whole person holistically - not just their skin.”
Scientific publications
- Mohamed L Elsaie: Hormonal treatment of acne vulgaris: an update
- Hyun Jee Kim 1, Yeong Ho Kim: Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies
- Emily Henderson, B.Sc: Study identifies 29 new genetic variants linked to acne
- Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD — Written by Jennifer Huizen: What to know about hormonal imbalances
- Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MPH: Can Testosterone Trigger Acne?
- R. S. Raghunath, Z. C. Venables, G. W. M. Millington: The menstrual cycle and the skin
Blogs
02.04.2024
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Morbi in nibh.
02.04.2024
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Morbi in nibh.
02.04.2024
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Morbi in nibh.
02.04.2024
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Morbi in nibh.