Hormones & Skin: What’s Really Going On?

Ever feel like your skin is trying to tell you something? It might be more than just a reaction to skincare products, it could be your hormones waving a red flag.

At St. Skin, we see it all the time: clients struggling with stubborn acne, sudden hair loss, fatigue, or unexplained weight gain. When skincare alone isn’t cutting it, we start looking under the surface and that’s where hormones come in.

Let’s break down three common hormonal imbalances we see in the clinic and how they affect your skin (and your body, too).

1. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders we come across. It affects how the ovaries work and can throw several hormones out of balance.

Signs it might be PCOS:

  • Acne, especially along the jawline

  • Irregular or missing periods

  • Hair thinning on the scalp but increased facial/body hair (yep, it’s unfair!)

  • Weight gain or trouble losing weight

  • Fertility issues

  • Oily skin or skin tags

  • Mood swings or low libido

What we do:

If we suspect PCOS, we recommend seeing your GP to get a referral to a gynaecologist who can run further tests and support your reproductive and hormonal health. You might also benefit from seeing a dietitian or nutritionist to help balance hormones through diet and lifestyle changes.

 

2. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Your thyroid is like your body’s thermostat. It controls how fast everything runs. When it slows down, your skin can too.

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Dry, flaky skin

  • Weight gain

  • Puffy face or eyes

  • Feeling cold all the time

  • Constipation

  • Fatigue and depression

  • Thinning hair or hair loss

  • Irregular periods

  • Low libido

What we do:

If we see signs of thyroid imbalance, we recommend seeing your GP to get a referral to an endocrinologist. Blood tests can help diagnose the issue, and from there, a specialist can guide your treatment. Some clients also explore natural support options through a naturopath.

3. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

This is when your thyroid is working overtime and while it might sound like a fast metabolism dream, it can cause major issues.

Common signs:

  • Weight loss (even if you’re eating more)

  • Insomnia or restlessness

  • Night sweats

  • Anxiety or mood swings

  • Fine, thinning hair

  • Increased sensitivity to heat

  • Menstrual irregularities

  • Skin changes — often soft, warm, or even itchy skin

What we do:

If we notice symptoms of overactive thyroid, we suggest seeing your GP for a referral to an endocrinologist. It’s important to get thyroid function tested so the right support and treatment can be put in place.

What We Can Do For Your Skin

While you're working with your GP and specialists to get your hormones balanced, we're here to support your skin in the meantime. Hormonal issues don’t mean you have to “just live with it”; there’s so much we can do to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your skin.

Here’s how we help:

  • Targeted treatments for acne, dryness, and sensitivity

  • Supporting skin hydration, barrier repair, and reducing inflammation

  • Helping manage scarring and pigmentation linked to hormonal breakouts

  • Creating a custom skincare routine to suit your current needs

  • Offering referrals to nutritionists or naturopaths for a holistic approach

Every skin journey is different, and we’re here to walk with you through the breakouts, the mood swings, and the glow-ups.

 
St. Skin