We're very lucky to have qualified Naturopath, Medical Herbalist & Cacao Facilitator, Storm Sturm from Functional Naturopathy working with clients on site right here at The Herb Farm Destination.
As a particular expert in women's hormones, we took the opportunity to ask Storm which of our hormones play a role in our skin's health and what hormone imbalances can look like...
The Delicate Balance of Hormones & Your Skin
The health of your skin is determined by the functioning of your sebaceous glands. These sensitive glands live beneath the skin and regulate how much oil your skin produces.
Too little oil - the skin is dry & flaky.
Too much oil - the skin is congested, acne-prone & oily.
How much oil your sebaceous glands produce is determined by a number of factors. Including; your skincare routine, diet, nutrition, stress levels and hormones.
Your hormones play a major role when it comes to your skin health! Here’s how…
Testosterone: Testosterone is the main male sex hormone - produced by both men & women. Testosterone tells our sebaceous glands to produce oil for our skin. In moderation, testosterone keeps the skin lubricated. Yet too much testosterone can clog the pores of the skin causing oily skin, cystic acne, blind pimples or teenage acne.
Estrogen: The main female hormone estrogen also helps to keep your skin hydrated and firm. When estrogen levels are low (such as in menopause) the skin becomes dry & flaky and may be more susceptible to fine lines & wrinkles. It is a delicate balance! As too much estrogen can over-lubricate the skin causing congestion
and whiteheads.
Progesterone: The ovulation hormone progesterone improves skin elasticity and firmness. Like estrogen, progesterone also has a delicate balance. Too little progesterone increases signs of aging, whereas too much may contribute to cystic acne or white heads.
Thyroid Hormones: Your thyroid supports circulation & blood flow to the skin. Low thyroid function deprives the skin of essential oxygen and nutrients, ultimately leading to dry & pale skin.
Your Menstrual Cycle: The fluctuations in hormones leading up to the menstrual cycle can cause “hormonal acne”. In the week leading up to the menstrual cycle your estrogen levels drop, leaving testosterone unopposed. The result is more oil production, clogged pores & increased likelihood of a breakout.
The Takeaway: Hormonal fluctuations are an inevitable part of life. But luckily there are so many tools we can use to maintain healthy skin, delay signs of aging, minimize breakouts & balance the moisture of our skin.
The key is to support skin both from the outside in & also the inside out.
A skincare regime designed for your skin type can promote healthy skin from the outside in. While optimal hormone balance, nutrition & stress management can support from the inside out.
- Storm Sturm, Functional Naturopathy.
For those interested in the services available at Functional Naturopathy, or to book an appointment, visit their website today.