How Hormones influence your skin: What every Woman should know

June 09, 2025

Hormones are one of the integral intrinsic factors that impacts our skin. It affects your skin's propensity to breakout, age and heal. So keeping your hormones happy and balanced is paramount. But before we understand what needs to be done to keep them in check, let us get into how your key hormones function and its impact when in fluctuation.

Estrogen - The Messenger of Youth

  • This hormone alerts collagen, elastin to continue its production; ensures, hyaluronic acid is always in supply (naturally) - all of which keeps your skin firm, supple and hydrated.
  • With the regular supply of moisture, your skin's barrier is strengthened along with its ability to heal, in case of wounds.

How does this hormone ensure the skin cell performs these functions? 

When Estrogen latches on to estrogen receptors - special protein found on the surface of the cell - this case, skin cells - activates the fibroblasts - a cell found in the layer below the epidermis - whose main function is to produce collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, repair skin and support the structural integrity of the skin. The binding activity is necessary so that estrogen can instruct the cell on what is to be done.

However, over the years, owing to stress, environmental disruptors, poor nutrition and the natural process of ageing, estrogen levels see a drop because of which our skin feels drier, thinner and more sensitive. 

If estrogen is your collagen stimulator, progesterone is your regulator.

  • It keeps your sebum production in check keeping your skin hydrated and aids in elastin production ensuring firm and taut skin.
  • Excess progesterone can however overstimulate the sebaceous glands causing clogged pores and breakouts.
  • Interestingly, progesterone is considered a natural diuretic, aiding in the excretion of excess water and sodium. However, when progesterone levels are low, this diuretic effect diminishes, potentially leading to fluid retention and a puffy face.

While progesterone carries out the balancing act, Testosterone stimulates oil production and also contributes to skin thickness and strength. 

  • While it is essentially a male hormone, its presence and increased levels has an impact on male and female skin - causing cystic acne and clogged pores.
  • Further an imbalance can cause facial hair growth on the face, chest and back.

Another hormone when not kept in check can wreak havoc on your skin is Cortisol - The stress hormone 

  • If prolonged stress is not regulated, cortisol makes its presence felt.
  • The sebaceous glands produce more sebum in response to stress causing clogged pores and acne.
  • Stress can accelerate ageing as it allows oxidative stress to do a thorough job. Further collagen and elastin get fragmented and cause dehydration as there is uneven distribution of these important proteins.
  • Stress can disrupt the barrier as it reduces its ability to absorb moisture causing your skin to look dry and flaky.
  • Stress if left unattended can reduce your skin's ability to heal wounds and exacerbate ongoing skin conditions.

So how does one ensure balance? 

  • It starts with wholesome nutrition
    • Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish are essential for hormonal production.
    • Incorporating protein is imperative as it contributes to hormone synthesis. Forms of Lean meats, different kinds of lentils and dairy are preferred choices.
    • Limiting sugar intake is another way of avoiding hormonal imbalances.
  • Stress awakens cortisol that can cause a rift between estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Mitigating stress is important.
  • Summon the other hormones - serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, endrophine
    • Find an activity that brings you unadulterated joy.
    • Prioritise meaningful relationship .
    • Soak in the sun, go on a nature trail, go for a run.
    • Meditate and slow your mind down; practice mindfulness consciously.
  • Sleep is when all the repair and renewal takes place, your skin gets a new lease of life after a restful day. Prioritise it.
  • Another factor that tends to be overlooked is your gut health. Ensure your diet contains foods rich in probiotics that will help improve digestion, nurture your gut which in turn helps balance out the hormonal - all of which has a positive impact on the skin.

However, one must accept the fact that fluctuations at certain stages - puberty, pregnancy, menopause are only natural. It's your body's way of indicating a transition. It's important to keep them in check but not be obsessed.

One hack that can help manage the hormonal imbalances is tailoring your skin care routine based on its behaviour. In the week leading up to your menstrual cycle, skin tends to be oilier and inflamed; opt for calming, pampering ingredients. It's not just about subjecting your skin to potent actives but also to let it breathe and let it be.

At the D Wave, our plant based actives help calm the most troubled skin owing to its anti-inflammatory properties; tired, stressed skin is given a second chance to start afresh and create a shield against disruptors.

Our Sebi-Clean Gel creme treats acne and breakouts in 3 stages – The Portulaca oleracea extracts helps initiate the repair process, fade out scars and iron out the dark spots.It also contains Salix Alba bark extract which helps remove the layer of dead cells, unclog pores and ensures regulated sebum production.

Our Age Freeze Crème works on restoring your skin’s youthful vigour as it helps even out collagen production. It contains Swiss Apple stem cells that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines while improving your skin’s elasticity. Your skin is renewed, repaired and rejuvenated thanks to this timeless formulation.

Along with our formulations, we encourage an all around approach that works on keeping our body, mind, hormones in sync as our skin is a reflection of our overall health. What’s healthy on the inside will reflect on the outside.

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The D Wave is a science-infused skincare brand that leverages the power of biotechnology to craft plant-powered skincare formulations. Designed for both women and men, The D Wave products are meant to address skin concerns at the cellular level through Phyto Stem Cell technology trademarked as Q-gen. Our skincare products contain plant actives and other potent ingredients that aim to revive, rejuvenate, and renew your skin effectively and efficiently.

The D Wave addresses a broad spectrum of skin issues across all age groups: acne breakouts, loss of moisture, hyperpigmentation, UV-exposed skin, collagen fragmentation, age-related concerns, clogged pores, and textured skin. Each product in our range addresses a specific concern, allowing you to combine two or more products and craft customized skincare routines. Our noncomedogenic products are FDA-certified, assuring premium skincare products and care. Our manufacturing facility is GMP and ISO certified.

In addition to advocating healthier skin through a plant-based range, we also aspire to create awareness and help you understand what your skin exactly needs through The D Wave AI-powered Skin Analyzer. This interactive AI-enabled quiz provides you with an opportunity to make your skin healthier and happier with informative insights.

At The D Wave, skincare is a journey that results from equal focus on all aspects of life — physical and mental. This holistic approach allows you to take skin concerns in your stride and reminds you to live fully in the moment with more joy and less fear.

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