How our hormones affect our skin.

Us women don't get a break, do we?

From our teenage years through to menopause, our forever fluctuating hormones play a major role in how our skin looks and feels.

It's a rollercoaster! Sometimes glowing, sometimes breaking out, sometimes dry , sometimes oily.

Understanding these hormonal shifts can help us care for our skin more effectively at every stage of life.

Puberty: The Start of It All

It all kicks off at puberty. As oestrogen and androgens increase, so does the skins oil production. Sebaceous glands go into overdrive, which can lead to oily skin and clogged pores, setting the (not so ) perfect stage for teenage acne.

This kind of acne often appears in the t-zone area of the face (forehead nose and chin) and can really affect confidence during such a formative time. As if teens today don't feel the pressure to be 'picture perfect' enough as it is, in a world that's turning digital!

Many GPs are quick to prescribe Roaccutane- a powerful steroid drug that can clear acne but comes with a long list of potential side effects. That's a whole other minefield we'll get into another day, but let's just say : we believe there are gentler, natural alternatives that actually work.

At Enhanced HQ, we offer a range of natural and effective acne treatments that support the skin without putting the body under unnecessary stress.

These include:

• Green Sea Peel - A 100% natural peel made from sea sponge spicules, designed to exfoliate , detox , and stimulate collagen for clearer skin without harsh chemicals.

  The results from a single treatment are incredible!

• Our signature Enhanced Deluxe Facial - Using our advanced Hydra Derma machine , this facial deeply cleanses, extracts, and hydrates the skin, leaving it smooth, soothed and refreshed, This facial is finished off with Blue Light Therapy when we are targeting acne. This is because the blue light targets acne-causing bacteria under the skin , helping to calm inflammation and prevent breakouts.

• KRx Korean Skincare - Our go-to for sensitive, acne prone skin. Rich in Cica and other soothing ingredients, it reduces redness and inflammation while strengthening the skin barrier.

We believe in working with your skin , not against it. These treatments are safe, gentle , and most importantly, they get real results!

Pregnancy & Postpartum : The Hormonal Rollercoaster Continues

Pregnancy can bring that much talked about "glow" , but for many women , it's a time of unpredictable skin changes.

Increased oestrogen and progesterone can result in:

• Melasma (pregnancy pigmentation aka 'pregnancy mask')

• Increased oiliness

• Breakouts or acne flare ups

• Sensitivity or dryness

After giving birth, things don't necessarily go back to normal right away. Postpartum hormones are all over the place, and sleep deprivation, stress and breastfeeding can make skin feel dull, dry and reactive. Many women notice:

• Dehydrated , tired looking skin

• Pigmentation that lingers

• Breakouts in new areas

• Loss of that "pregnancy glow"

And let's be honest - this stage can hit our confidence hard! With so much focus on caring for a new baby, it's easy to feel disconnected from your own body and appearance.

That's why we focus on treatments that are safe, gentle and effective, helping you feel refreshed and confident again.

Note: Traditional chemical peels are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. But there are alternatives.

If you're navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy or postpartum skin, we're here to help you feel like you again.

Menopause: The Skin Slowdown

Menopause marks a major hormonal shift , and unfortunately , your skin often feels he most of it. As oestrogen levels drop, a number of changes start to take hold:

• Loss of elasticity and firmness

• Increased dryness and skin thinning

• Fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable

• Changes in facial structure due to loss of bone density

This happens because the skin's fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin), start to slow down and eventually die off. With fewer fibroblasts at work, the skin becomes less supported, less plump and much slower to repair or renew itself.

How Polynucleotides Can Help

One of the most exciting treatments we offer in clinic for menopausal and mature skin is polynucleotides.

This regenerative treatment helps to :

• Revive dormant fibroblasts

• Stimulate new collagen and elastin production

• Improve skin density, texture and hydration

• Reduce dark circles

Polynucleotides are injected beneath the skin using either a needle or a blunt tip cannula , a gentle technique that reduces trauma , bruising and discomfort. It's ideal for restoring skin health in a long-lasting way.

Age Gracefully

We also offer anti-wrinkle treatments to smooth expression lines, and rejuvenating facials tailored to mature skin. To further collagen production Red Light Therapy is also a favourite in our clinic, it uses low level wavelengths to penetrate the skin and stimulate fibroblast activity and reduce inflammation, with zero downtime.

Whether it's restoring volume, smoothing lines , or simply feeling more like yourself again, we offer a holistic approach to skincare. These treatments mentioned are designed to help you feel refreshed and confident.

Menopause might be inevitable, but feeling dull and lacking confidence doesn't have to be.

In Summary

I hope this blog has helped explain the link between hormones and your skin, and acted as a kind of troubleshooting guide to the hormonal changes you may be facing.

Hormonal imbalances can show up in many ways and it's completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed. But the good news is, there are safe, effective treatments available at every stage of life to help restore balance and confidence in your skin. We're here to support you with knowledge and care for your skin

Eve - Clinic Director