Hormonal health: How hormones impact your self-care
The number of hormonal wellness-related books and podcasts is growing, as are clinics or doctors specialised in the role of hormones on wellbeing. The wellness industry is tapping in, exploring hormone-conscious supplements, skincare and more. But what impact do hormones really have on your health, wellbeing and physique? How can you separate fad from fiction? And create a self-care routine that works for you (and your hormones)?
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone influence not only your skin, but also your mood, energy, metabolism and overall wellbeing. Hormonal self-care means working with your body’s natural rhythm through skincare, nutrition, movement and rest, tailored to phases like menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. Tips include getting to know your hormonal patterns, balancing activity with rest, simplifying your routine, avoiding hormone disruptors, and seeking medical help when needed.
How hormones affect your skin
Most hormone-related beauty trends tap into the idea that your skin behaves differently in moments of hormonal change, most commonly your menstrual cycle. For example, you only got pimples right before your period, your skin glowed during pregnancy, or you saw changes in your skin during menopause. There’s some truth to that! Research has shown that estrogen is important in maintaining collagen production, skin thickness and elasticity, while regulating oil production. That’s why your skin might be clearer when your estrogen levels are high (like the first half of your cycle or during pregnancy), but extra dry and sensitive when estrogen is low (like your period, postpartum or menopause). Meanwhile, hormones like testosterone can boost your skin’s oil production, which might explain hormonal acne.
"Hormonal self-care isn’t about working against your hormones, but working with them."
How hormones affect your body and mind
Of course, the effects of hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are more than skin-deep, touching on everything from your metabolism, mood and energy levels to your ability to manage stress. Throughout life, your hormone levels will naturally fluctuate, which can make you feel energised and confident sometimes, but lead to hot flushes, mood swings and fatigue at other times.
What is hormonal self-care?
Hormonal self-care is about supporting your body’s natural rhythm, with certain self-care products, movement, nutrition and more. This can mean anything from curating a unique 12-step, hormone-friendly skincare routine for each phase of your cycle to tweaking your workouts, applying a belly oil when pregnant or taking a break when your body tells you to.
Hormonal self-care isn’t about working against your hormones, but working with them. If you understand how your hormones shift during different phases (like your period, pregnancy or menopause), and what that does to your body, you can care for yourself accordingly.
Hormone-friendly skincare
Some self-care products that help you do that, also known as hormone-friendly skincare and wellness. Look out for natural formulas that are free of hormone disruptors. Preferably, opt for products that are formulated for a specific hormonal phase of life, like a balm or oil made especially for pregnancy or your period (both of which you’ll find here soon).
Cycle syncing your self‑care routine
The most popular form of hormonal self-care is cycle syncing: self-care tailored to PMS and period health. To practice cycle syncing, you tap into the four phases of your menstrual cycle, learn how they impact your wellbeing, and tailor your self-care routine accordingly.
Tips for a hormone-friendly self-care routine
Curious about curating a hormone-friendly self-care routine? Below are some tips to get you started, no matter your hormonal phase.
Get to know your hormones
By understanding how your mind and body respond to hormonal shifts, you can care for yourself accordingly. Whether you’re pregnant, have a menstrual cycle or are entering menopause, get to know the hormonal changes in your phase and note down which symptoms you feel. Over time, you’ll notice patterns.
Balance rest and activity
Exercise can be a key part of your hormone-friendly self-care routine. But rest is important too. Hormones respond to rhythm, while chronic stress or sleeplessness can throw your hormones out of balance.
Simplify your self-care routine
Rather than opting for 10 supplements or a 12-step skincare routine all the time, tailor wellness and skincare to your specific hormonal phase. This way, you can give your body exactly what it needs. And nothing more.
Minimise hormone disruptors
Certain beauty and skincare products contain ingredients that impact your hormones, like synthetic fragrances, parabens or phthalates. Avoid these and opt for products that respect your body’s natural rhythm, like natural and organic formulas.
Ask for help when needed
While a hormone-friendly self-care routine can help you feel better throughout various phases of your life, it’s not a cure for medical issues. Sometimes, your mind and body respond to hormonal shifts in ways that disrupt your daily life, like with PMDD or severe postpartum or menopause complaints. Always ask your healthcare provider for help if you feel this way.
