Beauty

How Your Hormones Affect Your Skin

Published

5 months ago

24 July 2025

Ever wondered why your skin breaks out before your period? That “pregnancy glow” isn’t a mirage after all? It might not be your beauty regimen’s fault — it could very well be your hormones. Yes, those tiny messengers in your bloodstream have a bigger impact on your skin than you might think.

Dry spots are replaced with dark spots and premature lines, your hormones are typically in charge behind the scenes.

Puberty: When It All Starts

hormone levels start to rise. As your body’s androgen levels rise, your oil glands become more active, producing excess oil that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. The excess oil can clog your pores, leading to breakouts.

For many, these teenage breakouts settle down over time. However, for some women, hormonal fluctuations can continue to trigger acne well beyond the high school years.

Your Cycle This Month: Skin on a Schedule

If you’ve ever noticed breakouts popping up right before your period, you’re definitely not imagining things. In those days leading up to your cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels take a dip while testosterone stays steady — and that shift can throw your skin off balance.

Your skin might get drier, which can lead to clogged pores, especially around your chin, cheeks, or jawline. It’s all part of the hormonal rollercoaster your body rides each month — and your skin’s just along for it too.

Not poor hygiene, dirty skin, says Dr. Ifeoma Adeyemi, a dermatologist in Lagos. “It’s how hormones shift throughout the month.”

Pregnancy: The Glow and the Grit

During pregnancy, rising estrogen and progesterone levels—along with increased blood flow—can give your skin that characteristic “pregnancy glow.” But not all transformation is so. Many women experience melasma, those blotchy dark spots prone to showing up on the face as a result of a mix of hormones and sun, appear on many women during pregnancy. The good news? It’s totally normal—and with the proper skincare and daily sun protection, you can manage it.

Menopause: When Skin Needs Extra Love

As estrogen levels drop at menopause, your skin might become drier, thinner, and more delicate. You might discover that it does not bounce back the way it used to, and your face loses a bit of its natural plumpness. It’s all normal, but it also means that your skin can use a little extra moisture and care.

Estrogen keeps the skin hydrated and stretchy, says Dr. Adeyemi. So when estrogen declines, skin loses the healthy, young look.

When Hormones Go Off-Track

There are times when hormones can go off balance and affect your skin. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), for instance, can cause higher androgen levels, leading to chronic acne, facial hair, and hair thinning in women

Disorders with the thyroid — restless or underactive — can also impact your skin. It may get drier, coarser, or cold-sensitive.

So, What Can You Do?

Start by paying attention. When you notice a pattern — for instance, when you get breakouts during the same time every month or when skin issues do not heal with normal products — then you are likely to explore a bit deeper.

A consultation with a dermatologist is a good first step. Dermatologists can advise on whether your skin problems follow a hormonal pattern, and can refer you to an endocrinologist or women’s health doctor. Treatment might include topical creams, hormonal therapy, diet changes, or stress management, since cortisol (your stress hormone) also affects your skin.

Conclusion

Good skin isn’t just about what you put on your face; it’s also about what’s happening inside your body. What you put on your face; Hormones play a big role in how your skin looks and feels, often without you even realising it.

Beauty

Cool Girl Beauty Gifts Your Friend Will Actually Use This Festive Season

Published

1 week ago

8 December 2025

Virtuous Fechukwu

As the festive season approaches, finding the perfect beauty gift for your friend can be a challenge. You want something they will genuinely enjoy and find useful, and fits their style. Here are some cool girl beauty-forward gift ideas:

Skincare Essentials

Image: Skincare set: Getty Images

Everyone appreciates healthy-looking skin. A skincare set is an easy first pick. A well-curated set can make a difference in their routine. It feels thoughtful without trying too hard. This festive season comes with harmattan which can leave your skin looking dry and pale, a set that includes a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and serum will help maintain moisture levels. Look for products that appeal to their skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or combination.

Makeup Must-Haves

Image: makeup kit set: Getty Images

Makeup is another great gift option to explore. You can include essential and everyday makeup products like foundation, primer, eyeliner, eye shadow palette, makeup brushes and a variety of lipsticks and glosses. These options are versatile and can be used for day-to-night use. The gloss in this gift helps to prevent dryness during harmattan.

Hair Care Essentials

Image: Haircare maintenance set: BelleStar

It’s often overlooked this but it’s an essential part of any beauty routine. Consider gifting a hair care set that includes a shampoo, conditioner, hair growth oil for moisturizing and breakage control, and scalp massager. This gift will run-on any hair undergoing breakage and support growth during the dry season, it will protect the hair.

Fragrance

Image: Fragrance set: Getty Images

A distinctive personal gift choice you can give to a friend. People enjoy smelling good, so getting them gifts that help them achieve this will be appreciated.

A good high note vanilla-based or fruity scent that fits their style. Look out for fragrances that are unique and long-lasting.

Self-care Essentials

Image: self-care set: Getty Images

Wellness is a vital part of any beauty routine and gifting your friends self-care products like face masks, wellness tea set, scented candle set, which creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere that promotes calmness works well as a gift option.

Beauty

Diana Eneje Debuts Bold Blonde Hair

Published

3 weeks ago

25 November 2025

Ene Unazi

Diana Eneje went for a blonde hairstyle, and if you’ve been an ardent follower, you can see that this transformation stands apart from her typical styles. She captioned it with a short note. “It’s hard to have a bad day when you look good,” the confidence in the message is clear.

Diana Eneje: Instagram

If there’s one person that knows how to experiment with different hairstyles, then it has to be her. In past years, she has been known for changing her appearances with hairstyles like Koroba braids, knotless braids, high ponytails, and including a pixie cut.

She has moved from classic to trendy styles, but this blonde? It is with ease and more pronounced than anything she’s ever done.

Diana Eneje: Instagram

Usually, she goes for warm hues like brown, black, wine, but this blonde completely breaks her out of that pattern. It’s bright and grabs attention instantly The most attractive thing about it is there are no touch-ups. She showed up fully blonde.

The curls framed her face, and the colour complements her skin very well. She wears it as if she’s been anticipating this transformation for a while now.

Diana Eneje: Instagram

Although Diana Eneje might have experimented with numerous hair styles, this particular one seems to be one boldest choices yet. It also shows that she’s ready to take risks and whatever comes with it.

Beauty

Must Adapt Beauty Routine for Woman Above 25

Published

3 months ago

20 September 2025

Entering your mid to late twenties comes with subtle changes in the skin. While your earlier years were about experimenting with products and trends, life after 25 calls for a more deliberate approach to skincare. The goal now is maintaining healthy, glowing skin, preventing early signs of aging, and addressing emerging concerns.

Gentle Cleansing Is Key

Around this age, skin may start producing slightly less oil, which can make it drier and more sensitive. Using a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening helps remove dirt and makeup without stripping natural moisture. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing at night: start with an oil-based remover, then follow with a water-based cleanser to ensure thorough cleaning.

Moisturize With Purpose

Hydration becomes increasingly important. Select a moisturizer suited to your skin type, ideally with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These help lock in moisture and support skin elasticity. Night creams or sleeping masks can assist skin regeneration while you rest.

Sun Protection Every Day

UV exposure is one of the leading causes of wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even when indoors near windows or on cloudy days. Reapply every two to three hours if you are outdoors for extended periods.

Targeted Treatments

Signs of aging such as fine lines, dark spots, or uneven texture can begin to appear. Serums containing antioxidants like vitamin C, peptides, or retinol can help improve skin tone, boost collagen, and repair damage. Start retinol gradually, using it once or twice a week and increasing frequency as your skin adapts to prevent irritation.

Care for Eyes and Lips

The skin around the eyes and lips is thinner and more delicate. A nourishing eye cream can reduce puffiness, dark circles, and early fine lines. Lip balms with SPF or hydrating ingredients keep lips soft and prevent dryness.

Lifestyle Supports Skin Health

Skin care isn’t just topical. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats supports your skin from the inside. Drink plenty of water, exercise regularly to improve circulation, and ensure adequate sleep for overnight skin repair. Minimizing smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also preserves youthful skin.

Keep It Consistent

After 25, the most effective routine is one you can maintain daily. Focus on cleansing, treatment, hydration, and sun protection rather than layering multiple products. Consistency is more important than complexity, and over time, a simple routine can produce visible, long-term results.

Final Thought

This stage of life is about understanding your skin’s evolving needs and embracing routines that enhance natural beauty. Thoughtful skincare, combined with a healthy lifestyle, allows women over 25 to maintain radiant, resilient skin while preventing future damage. Beauty now is intentional, not reactive, and the results are lasting.