A Millennial’s Guide to Hormone Friendly Skincare

Aaand, if these were your girlhood crushes, then you might also be googling “how to balance hormones.”

Because maybe you’re staring down perimenopause or things about your cycle just seem…different. Like your cycles are shorter or irregular, your periods fluctuate in length, or you’ve hit that golden age of 35 where, if you were to get pregnant, you’re considered to be geriatric or of “advanced maternal age.” Or perhaps, you’ve gained weight and can’t seem to lose it no matter what you do, which is even more irritating because isn’t life already demanding enough?

While there are a lot of factors that contribute to hormone imbalances, what you put ON your body plays a huge role because your skin is more than just an outer layer. It’s a reflection of what’s happening internally. And many skincare products are made with ingredients that mimic estrogen. They block estrogen receptors so your own naturally made (endogenous) estrogen has nowhere to go, which results in excess estrogen.

It’s this excess estrogen that can lead to weight gain, worse PMS, fatigue, fibroids and cysts, and breast tenderness. And these same ingredients, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals, have been linked to things such as PCOS, early puberty, early menopause, thyroid conditions, and hormonal cancers (over 80% of breast cancer is estrogen receptor positive, meaning they are affected by raised estrogen levels).

So, my fellow JTT loving biotch, if you’re noticing changes to your cycle or you’re approaching perimenopause (which can set in as early as 30 but the average age is 40-44), it may be time to switch to hormone-friendly skincare to give your body some extra support.

Hormone-friendly skincare focuses on nurturing your skin without the use of harsh chemicals, synthetic hormones, or endocrine disruptors that could upset your body’s delicate balance. It’s about choosing ingredients that soothe, protect, and rejuvenate your skin naturally—without compromising effectiveness!

I’m sure you’ve experienced it but it’s worth saying again, hormones play a vital key role in skin health. Estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol levels can all influence sebum production, skin thickness, elasticity, and even how well skin repairs itself. When hormones are (mostly) balanced, your skin can maintain a natural glow and resilience. But when hormones are imbalanced, skin may become sensitive, dry, oil, or prone to breakouts.

You know that deep, cystic, often painful acne that happens along the chin and jaw? This is hormonal acne that can be worse leading up to ovulation and menstruation.

Other common skin concerns linked to hormonal imbalances include dryness, rosacea, and signs of premature aging. Hormone-friendly skincare aims to support your skin during these natural cycles by avoiding ingredients that might exacerbate these issues while helping you reveal your radiance.

Let’s dive into the basics of building a hormone-friendly skincare routine!

1. Clean, Non-Toxic Ingredients

Hormone-friendly skincare relies on natural ingredients free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, parabens, and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. Instead, look for botanical and organic ingredients that nourish your skin without harmful side effects.

We grow many of our own ingredients and when we don’t grow them, we course for regnerative and more-than-organic farms so you’re always getting the best quality with the most integrity.

2. Gentle, Balancing Formulas

Remember the days of Noxema?? When we’d strip our skin of any and all oil, only for that oil to come back with a vengenance? Or how about that St Ives Apricot Scrub…like rubbing the coursest grit sandpaper all of your tender face. Yeahhh…we’re not doing that anymore, babe. Focus on soothing, non-irritating products.

Choose products that are gentle and nourishing, especially if you have sensitive skin. Hormonal skin can react more easily to harsh ingredients, so prioritize balancing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula (check out our Glistening Toner which has all 3 of these ingredients!)

3. Emphasize Hydration and Barrier Protection

Moisturize and protect is the name of the millennial skincare game. A hydrated, well-protected skin barrier helps to prevent sensitivity and inflammation. Hormone-friendly products often include ingredients like jojoba oil and rosewater, which support hydration giving you that plump youthful look while also shielding skin from environmental stressors.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Botanicals (e.g., Calendula, Aloe Vera)

These ingredients have a calming effect, making them ideal for skin that’s reacting to hormonal changes. Calendula and aloe vera are known for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties, helping to reduce redness and irritation. You’ll see calendula in many of our products because of how deeply nourishing it is for most skin types.

5. Essential Fatty Acids (e.g., Black Cumin Seed, Rosehip Oil)

Rich in fatty acids, these oils help balance natural oil production and strengthen the skin barrier. They are particularly beneficial for dry or sensitive skin affected by hormonal fluctuations. Often people are scared to use oil if they already experience oily skin. However, many times, oily skin is a cry for help. The skin overproduces oil to try to compensate for dryness. Try our Glowing Face Oil and feel how your skin feels more nourished and radiant.

Ready to build your hormone friendly skincare routine??

Step 1: Cleanse Gently

> Choose a mild, non-foaming cleanser that removes impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Ingredients like oat flour, licorice, and shatavari are great for calming sensitive or inflamed skin. Our cleansers are herbal powders which means there’s no preservatives or stabilizers used, and are as clean as they come. You simple add a little water to make a paste then wash your face like normal. They gently exfoliate without stripping or irritating the skin. AND they also double as a mask! Just mix a spoonful of the cleanser with a spoonful of honey, mix together, then apply for 20mins. Your skin will be the softest and glowiest it’s (maybe) ever been!

Step 2: Tone to Balance pH

> Use a natural toner to restore your skin’s pH balance after cleansing. Look for ingredients like rose water or witch hazel that can help tighten pores without alcohol. We use rose water, witch hazel, and aloe vera juice in all of our toners. The Balancing Toner also has lavender and frankincense to brighten and tone. While the Glistening Toner has chamomile and calendula to soothe and calm.

Step 3: Hydrate, Moisturize, and Protect

> After toning, apply a hydrating serum rich in skin nourishing ingredients like rosehip seed oil, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. The hydrating serum is what plumps the skin, and in order to lock in that hydration, you need to follow it with an oil or moisturizer which is what protects the skin from losing hydration.

Step 5: Sunscreen (Daytime)

> Protecting your skin from sun damage is essential for hormone-friendly skincare. Opt for a mineral-based sunscreen (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to avoid chemical filters that may disrupt hormones. Our favorite is Sky and Sol which is a tallow based sunscreen that nourishes and protects the skin.

Tips for Consistency and Self-Care

Listen to Your Skin

• Pay attention to how your skin responds to different products and adjust as needed. Hormone-friendly skincare is about personalization and listening to what your body needs.

Keep Your Routine Simple

• Start with the basics and let your skin adjust. As you become comfortable, you can introduce additional treatments or serums as necessary.

Prioritize Self-Care Rituals

• Hormone-friendly skincare also involves managing stress levels and taking time for yourself. Practicing mindfulness, taking walks in nature, and staying hydrated are all part of a holistic approach.

By focusing on hormone-friendly skincare, you’re honoring your body’s natural rhythms and supporting your skin through every phase. This approach not only leads to healthier skin but also promotes overall well-being. Try out these basics, and enjoy the journey to clearer, more balanced skin, revealing your radiance along the way!