Hello Capilli AI Community,

Skin changes are rarely random. Behind every flare-up, dry patch, or unexpected glow, hormones often play a central role.

Hormones affect how much oil your skin produces, how well it holds moisture, how quickly it repairs itself, and how gracefully it ages. From monthly cycles to stress and from puberty to perimenopause, hormonal shifts shape how your skin looks and feels day to day.

In this edition of Foundations of Radiant Skin, we explore how your internal chemistry influences your skin and how to support hormonal balance for a clearer, more resilient complexion.

Key Hormones That Influence Skin

• Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. When levels drop, skin may become drier, thinner, and less firm.

• Progesterone can lead to puffiness and may also increase oiliness in some people.

• Androgens such as testosterone stimulate sebum production. Excess levels are commonly linked to acne.

• Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, weakens the skin barrier and contributes to inflammation, sensitivity, and accelerated aging.

• Insulin and blood sugar spikes can trigger inflammation and increase oil production, often worsening acne-prone skin.

How Hormonal Shifts Affect Skin Over Time

• Puberty often brings a surge in androgens, increasing oil production and triggering acne.

• Menstrual cycles can cause monthly breakouts or shifts in texture depending on hormone fluctuations.

• Pregnancy may improve glow for some or cause pigmentation shifts and sensitivity in others.

• Perimenopause and menopause are marked by a drop in estrogen, often resulting in dryness, thinning, and loss of elasticity.

• Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which damages collagen and disrupts skin healing.

How to Support Skin Through Hormonal Changes

• Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, omega-3s, and whole grains.

• Get enough sleep and manage stress, both of which help regulate cortisol and balance estrogen levels.

• Avoid sugar spikes, which can worsen acne and inflammation.

• Use skincare with ingredients that support barrier function, such as ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

• Track patterns in skin behavior related to cycle or stress levels for more tailored care.

AI Spotlight: Smarter Skincare Timing with Hormone Insights

AI tools can now help track how hormone fluctuations influence your skin by connecting data from cycle apps, stress logs, and wearable devices. This can help:

• Predict breakout windows or dryness cycles

• Recommend skincare changes based on timing and trends

• Optimise when to use exfoliants or calming ingredients

• Build routines that match your body’s internal rhythm

As these tools evolve, they offer more precise and personalised skin management that adapts to your real life.

Practical Takeaways

• Hormones affect everything from oil and hydration to aging and acne

• Understanding your cycle and stress responses can help you manage skin more effectively

• Support hormonal balance with sleep, nutrition, and barrier-focused skincare

• Use AI-powered tools to spot patterns and tailor your routine

What’s Next?

In the next edition of Foundations of Healthy Hair, we’ll look at how hormonal shifts influence hair growth, shedding, texture, and scalp balance, and how to adjust your care through each stage of life.

To your health and vitality,
The Capilli AI Team

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Disclaimer:

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.