NEW TO HRT? LET’S KEEP YOUR SKIN LOOKING GOOD
First off, congratulations!
Hormone replacement therapy is such a beautiful thing <3. There are many changes in store for you! You might be prepared for a lot of them, but let’s be honest, the transitioning process is complicated.
Everyone’s body will react differently, and the onset, duration and intensity of symptoms will vary depending on the strength of the prescription and delivery method. Fortunately, many hormone providers do a good job educating trans patients about the changes to be expected in the transition process. Folx, for example, is an virtual healthcare provider specializing in transgender care. They have an extensive blog where trans patients can find community resources and information about the changes they can expect. As exciting as these resources are, it’s rare that I see anyone talk about the effects that HRT has on your skin.
If you’re navigating your gender identity and need some help taking care of your skin in the process, this post is for you!
Testosterone increases sebum production
View of the skin and it’s structures, with a highlight of the sebaceous gland.
You might notice your face getting oiler, and this can lead to severe breakouts. The trick is to focus on reducing the excess of oil and targeting breakouts. I recommend washing your face twice a day with a gel cleanser and adding a spot treatment to your routine. Benzoyl peroxide serums creates a toxic environment for the bacteria that cause acne. They can be drying, so use it as needed and no more! If your breakouts are still persistent, try using a cleanser with more actives. I recommend the Cerave Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser or the PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser.
Now, remember what I said about these products being a little drying! A good lightweight moisturizer can go a long way in the fight to keep your skin clear and healthy. I personally enjoy using the Neutrogena Hydroboost. If you’re willing to splurge, the CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream moisturizer is a standout moisturizer that feels so soothing and silky when applied.
Estrogen reduces the activity of your sebaceous glands…
Sebum locks in moisture by creating a water proof barrier on the surface of our skin. Again, not everybody will react the same. While many people experience their skin becoming softer after starting estrogen, a reduction of sebum can lead to skin becoming more dry. Women who are already prone to dryness may develop patches of thick, cracked skin.
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If you’re reading this made you drop to your knees, fear not! Your skin is a resilient organ that will bounce back with some TLC. You can boost your skin barrier by incorporating lots of hydration and moisturization into your routine. Treat yourself once a week to a spa night at home with a hydrating mask like Topicals Like Butter.
You’ll also want to remember to moisturize every day! My favorite cream right now is the Skinfix Barrier+ Triple-Lipid Peptide Face Cream, but at a $52 price point I would say only opt for this if your budget permits. Otherwise, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factor +HA is a great budget cream that’s packed with plenty of skin-identical ceramides, triglycerides, and phospholipids. These naturally occurring compounds in our skin barrier create a water tight seal which prevents dryness and irritation. So weather you choose this moisturizer or opt for another, please keep ceramides and other barrier-boosting ingredients in mind!
Need some more support?
Setting up a routine is complicated enough without planning for so many changes to your skin. If you need some extra support in understanding which products will be best for your skin type, set up a free consultation. Together we will go over the basics of building a skincare routine. You’ll get personalized recommendations and a lifetime of love and support from your esti bestie <3