The impact of hormones on the skin.

From puberty to menopause, the ovaries naturally produce certain hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are referred to as sex hormones, meaning they play a significant role in reproduction and the control of the menstrual cycle. Their concentrations influence the appearance of the skin throughout life. Indeed, the body undergoes hormonal upheavals that result in numerous changes at the skin level.

In the skin, progesterone increases sebum production while estrogens stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, making the skin more supple and hydrated. During the first half of the cycle, estrogens dominate, then, during the second half, progesterone takes over. These hormones act through receptors, which have a complementary shape. These receptors are unevenly distributed on the skin's surface: the face is the richest area and therefore the most impacted by hormonal changes.

The menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days and can be divided into 4 key phases, each marked by skin changes: the week of menstruation, the pre-ovulatory phase, the post-ovulatory week, and the week before menstruation. At Typology, we have developed a range of four periodic serums that cater to skin needs at each stage of the menstrual cycle, regardless of your skin type:

• Week 1: Hydrating and soothing serum;

• Week 2: Radiance and Flexibility Serum;

• Week 3: Hydrating and astringent serum;

• Week 4: Matifying and anti-blemish serum.