Hormone therapy can affect your skin in several ways. However, the effects depend on the type of hormone therapy and other factors, such as your genetics and the dosage.
Estrogen and testosterone are two hormones that have significant effects on your body. From mood, to sexual function, to bone health, these hormones are key players in your health and everyday life.
Hormone therapy, previously called “hormone replacement therapy” or “HRT,” is a medical treatment that boosts estrogen or testosterone for people whose levels are too low. This treatment causes a range of changes that can include changes to the skin.
The skin effects of hormone therapy can vary considerably, depending on the type of hormone therapy, its dosage, and how your genetics influence your response to it.
Hormones play a role in your skin’s overall health. Hormone loss as we get older is linked to some of the signs of aging, including wrinkling and loss of skin volume. That’s part of why it’s so common to see claims that taking estrogen or testosterone will benefit skin appearance and health for people of any gender.
Although many people taking hormone therapy report seeing skin improvements, scientific studies don’t always fully back up these claims. Let’s look at how hormone therapy might affect your skin.
Estrogen skin benefits for cisgender women
Healthcare professionals have prescribed estrogen to cisgender women experiencing menopause for decades. Estrogen declines during menopause, and this hormonal change is linked to skin thinning and wrinkles.
Some studies have shown that estrogen can help promote skin health, increase skin thickness, and both prevent and reduce wrinkles.
However, the formulations and recommended dosages for estrogen therapy for cisgender women experiencing menopause have changed several times as medical science has gained a greater understanding of the effects of estrogen.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that newer formulations, both topical and oral, do provide skin benefits. Full studies on the skin benefits of estrogen at the current most commonly prescribed dosage and formulation are still needed.
Estrogen skin benefits for transgender women
There’s not much research into the full skin health benefits of estrogen for transgender women. However, many transgender women report receiving skin benefits from taking estrogen.
It’s common for transgender women to experience skin benefits within
- increased hydration
- reduced oiliness
- softness
- elasticity
- firmness
Does estrogen stop facial hair growth for AMAB people?
Estrogen can slow down and stop the growth of facial hair in many AMAB people.
However, it’s important to remember that some cisgender women also have facial hair. Estrogen will reduce and slow facial hair growth, but it might not completely stop it. Genetics plays a large role in your body’s response to any hormone.
Testosterone skin benefits for cisgender men
Researchers are still studying the use of testosterone supplementation for cisgender men, and its benefits are still under debate. Although healthcare professionals
Some experts believe that prescribing testosterone can benefit heart, bone, muscle, brain, and sexual health. Others think that cisgender men can increase their testosterone levels without the use of hormone therapy.
The specific benefits of testosterone on skin health in cisgender men haven’t been scientifically studied. However, some cisgender men who use testosterone supplementation
About testosterone and fertilityCisgender men interested in conceiving should not take testosterone, as excess testosterone can decrease sperm production. If you’re experiencing side effects of low testosterone and do not want any negative effects on your sperm, speak with a fertility specialist to discuss alternative ways to increase testosterone that don’t harm sperm production.
Testosterone skin benefits for transgender men
Transgender men taking testosterone often experience changes to facial volume that can change the appearance of the skin on the face. Other changes, such as facial hair growth, can also affect the skin’s appearance.
Some transgender men report additional effects, such as skin tightening and improved elasticity, but research to confirm these effects is lacking.
HRT skin benefits for intersex and nonbinary people
Intersex and nonbinary people sometimes take hormone therapy for health or gender affirmation. Often, they take hormone therapy at lower doses or for shorter lengths of time.
The effects of hormone therapy on the skin at these doses aren’t well studied. Some people on both estrogen and testosterone report skin improvements, such as increased firmness or elasticity, but there isn’t data to fully support this.
Does HRT make your skin look younger?
Some people report more youthful-looking skin as a result of hormone therapy. There is research to support estrogen having this effect on cisgender women during menopause. However, more data is needed for other genders.
Additionally, although many people who take estrogen and testosterone report more youthful skin, studies of the effects of hormone therapy on people of all genders are needed to confirm these anecdotal reports.
Hormonal levels can also cause problems such as dryness, oil, acne, and early aging. When your hormones are out of balance or when your body is adjusting to new hormones, skin problems can arise. This is why acne is so common during puberty. It’s also why hormone therapy often results in temporary skin problems.
Skin conditions associated with people in menopause taking hormone therapy include:
- hirsutism (excessive facial hair)
- acne
- androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss)
- local reactions
Skin conditions associated with hormone therapy in transgender people include:
| Skin condition | Taking estrogen | Taking testosterone |
|---|---|---|
| acne | ✓ | ✓ |
| androgenic alopecia | ✓ | |
| atopic dermatitis (eczema) | ✓ | |
| hirsutism | ✓ | |
| keloids and hypertrophic scars | ✓ | |
| melasma (discolored skin patches) | ✓ | |
| psoriasis | ✓ | ✓ |
| xerosis (dry skin) | ✓ |
If you have hidradenitis supprativa, a condition that causes pus-filled bumps on the skin, testosterone may worsen symptoms, while estrogen may help.
It’s also worth noting that some studies have found a link between estrogen therapy and skin cancer. However, research is mixed, as some studies have found no significant link.
Acne from hormone therapy can sometimes be challenging to manage. Some people have success using facial washes and serums with acne-targeting ingredients such as:
The right products for you depend on your skin, skin type, and the severity of your hormone therapy-related acne. A product that works for one person might not help another.
In cases of difficult-to-control acne, visiting a dermatologist is often the best bet. They can prescribe medicated washes and creams to better target and manage your hormone therapy-related acne.
If you believe that hormone therapy is causing your acne, talk with your doctor about it. They may be able to adjust your dosage level or recommend a dermatologist experienced with hormone therapy.
How long does HRT-related acne last?
It’s difficult to predict exactly how long hormone therapy-related acne will last. Your body needs time to adjust, and your hormones need to balance.
For people taking smaller doses, this can take several months. For transgender men who are taking a larger dose of hormone therapy, this can take 2 or 3 years, similar to puberty.
However, not everyone will experience acne, and not everyone will have the same acne timeline. Your genetics and other individual body factors can influence how your skin responds to hormone therapy.
Can high or low estrogen cause skin problems?
Low estrogen can cause your skin to become dry, thin, and irritated. These are common complaints during menopause, and they’re a big reason why specialty skin care products are formulated for cisgender women during and after menopause.
High estrogen levels don’t usually cause skin symptoms. However, increasing estrogen (such as when taking estrogen therapy) can cause your skin to thicken and darken in some areas.
Can high or low testosterone cause skin problems?
High testosterone levels can lead to oily skin and acne. This is common in transgender men when they first begin hormone therapy and in anyone else taking testosterone for any reason.
As the body adjusts to new and higher testosterone levels, acne almost always follows. This is because testosterone causes glands to make excess sebum, an oily substance that protects the skin. Excess sebum can clog your pores and cause acne.
Low testosterone levels may contribute to dry or thick skin.
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People of all genders taking hormone therapy report benefits such as more youthful skin, improved skin elasticity, and increased skin firmness. Some data backs up these reports for cisgender women who are experiencing menopause and taking estrogen therapy, but there isn’t yet data on forms of hormone therapy for other populations.
Testosterone hormone therapy causes acne in most people. This is a result of your body adjusting to new hormonal levels. It often reduces and resolves with time. Until it does, you can use acne-fighting creams and cleansers to manage acne. A dermatologist can help with more severe acne.
People who are considering using hormone therapy should talk with a doctor before starting any form of hormonal therapy. Hormone therapy is not without side effects and risks, and the dosages used are very important.
Do not start any hormonal regimen without the supervision and guidance of a doctor or healthcare professional, as it could drastically change your risk for serious health conditions.