Guest Blog: Lauren McKinney of Soul Skin Studio
As a holistic esthetician and hormonal acne sufferer myself, I know from first-hand experience how it feels to feel like you have no control over your skin and your hormones. My passion for skin came from my own birth control and acne journey, with my skin going from normal pubescent teen acne fluctuations to young adult cystic acne all over my cheeks and jawline in my mid-20s. And that’s when I realized how important hormones and skin are to your overall well-being and mental state. I healed my acne in a holistic, long-term way with regular monthly organic facials, using skincare products recommended by my esthetician, dietary and lifestyle changes, and adding supplements to help support my internal body. This changed everything and now I am here to help others to heal their skin and support their bodies! I will break down how hormones and the skin are intimately connected to better support you and your health.
How Hormones Affect the Skin:
Estrogen helps the skin to produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to plump and firm, making us look glowy and fresh.
Progesterone stimulates the production of sebum or oil in the skin lubricating our cells, which can sometimes lead to overproduction or build-up of oil causing breakouts.
Testosterone also stimulates oil production! Excess testosterone in women tends to look like more blackheads or breakouts.
Menstrual Cycle Breakdown + What’s Happening With The Skin:
Menstruation is when estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest meaning our skin becomes drier, duller and more sensitive. Opt for a thicker, hydrating cream or oil to moisturize and nutrify the skin during this time. Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile, calendula, arnica + goldenseal in your products to ease any sensitivities. Drinking extra water, coconut water or electrolytes can help bathe the cells and avoid sensitive skin procedures like waxing, laser, heavy extractions, scrubs, or retinol.
Follicular phase starts during your period when your estrogen and progesterone are low, and estrogen levels increase steadily preparing the body for an egg at ovulation. Skin cells are at maximum cellular production so this is the perfect time to use acids, enzymes or gentle physical exfoliation to reduce the build-up of dead skin cells and help products penetrate deeper into the dermis. As your energy is picking up, the best skincare is to get your blood pumping and sweat pouring! Improving your circulation, lymph flow, and oxygen levels will help produce even more healthy cells to prep for post-ovulation.
Ovulation is when ovaries release an egg to be fertilized, which means there is a surge in estrogen. You will be glowing with peak collagen, elastin, healthy fluids, and production of cells! This is typically when you can look a little bit more dewy-looking. Keep your routine simple, no need to overdo your skincare here. Continuing some gentle exfoliation with acids, physical scrubs, or enzymes can help keep skin looking great and decrease the excess build-up of cells. Aim to exfoliate about 1-2 times per week. This is also the easiest time to stay consistent with eating whole foods, hydrating and getting your sweat in! AKA continue being a baddie.
Luteal phase begins at ovulation and goes until your period meaning estrogen and progesterone drop slowly. These changes in hormones can cause bloating, cramping, changes in sleep, low sex drive, etc… Hello, PMS! This is the most common time that people have acne, congestion, and breakouts. The drop in estrogen and progesterone causes oil build-up and increases the chance of breakouts. To help control and reduce oil production, choose a salicylic acid serum or spot treatment. Choose a spot treatment that has ingredients like tea tree, comfrey, and turmeric which are anti-inflammatory and soothing for the skin. This is also a great time for a gentle detoxing mask that can reduce redness, pull sebum and dirt from the pores, and smooth the texture. Now is the time to take your herbs and supplements to formulate a happier period by starting right after ovulation (if not throughout the entirety of your cycle!). I love adding collagen, anti-inflammatories, probiotics and herbs into my routine during this phase. Also, eating lots of healthy fats, eating enough (at breakfast especially), getting in fiber (beans!), and cutting caffeine can balance your blood sugar and hormone production.
Supplements:
Vitex or Chaste Berry - raises progesterone + balance out hormones (great for PMS)
Maca - hormonal balance
Omega 3 - anti-inflammatory, lubricates cells, supports liver function, + mental health
Evening Primrose - wound healing + fatty acids help fight acne + inflammation (great for skin conditions like psoriasis + eczema)
Vitamin Bs - cellular function + transporting nutrients
Vitamin A (cod liver oil, liver, salmon, goat cheese, butter, cheddar cheese, hard-boiled egg) - immune function + reproductive health
Vitamin C - wound healing + repairing tissue due to high antioxidant
Zinc - anti-inflammatory + immune support
Multivitamin - reduces general acne + inflammation
Fiber - (beans!) fat-soluble = deliver toxins + excess hormones out of the body
collagen - skin hydration + elasticity
Probiotic - gut health, reduces bad bacteria + promotes good bacteria
Seed cycling - boosts progesterone, detoxes the liver, + increases proper mineral + vitamins for each phase (follicular - pumpkin + flax, luteal - sesame + sunflower)
seed cycling made simple!
Hot Tips for General Skin Health:
Don’t over-exfoliate. This causes stress on the skin and the moisture barrier to degrade and causes damage. It may look and feel good immediately but will cause long-term issues.
No picking! It can damage the capillaries causing scars that are extremely difficult to get rid of and can even cause bacteria to rupture under the skin which can lead to even more breakouts if it's not properly done.
Hydrate your skin + body. Hyaluronic acid, electrolytes, nourishing oils, creams and water is key for the whole system.
Be your own detective. Sugar, dairy, gluten, nightshades, processed foods (like bars, whey protein, etc), caffeine, and specific food allergies to you can wreak havoc causing inflammatory flare-ups.
Gut health. The gut is so important and directly connected to skin and hormones so always start with a probiotic or fermented foods.
Quality products. Products are only a small percentage of the pie, but quality trumps quantity every time! Natural, organic products are effective, supportive, and healing long-term.
Mental health and skin go hand and hand. Show yourself some grace, love your skin and take it one day at a time. Carve out time for yourself to get in extra self-care and ask for help from a local professional skin expert.
In the end, you must learn to use your “skintuition” as I call it. Ask yourself, “what does your skin and body REALLY need right now?” This will help guide you through your cycles with the ebbs and flows of life. If you really listen, it will tell you!
You can hear more about Lauren’s approach to healing hormonal cystic acne & holistic skincare in episode 34 of the spring to life podcast!
Lauren offers virtual consultations that include a $20 gift card to her online shop- save $10 on your consultation by mentioning ‘spring to life’ at checkout!
If you’re lucky enough to be local to the Wilmington, nc area, pamper yourself with a botnia facial from Lauren, you won’t be disappointed!
