Get Off the Hormone Roller Coaster

How to make the ride to clearer skin a smoother one at any point.

- Deanna Pai

COLLECTIVELY, hormones act as your body's conductor-a group of behind-the scenes powerhouses that influence nearly everything from your energy levels to your appetite. Skin, too, is subject to the whims of these potent chemical messengers (think of that sudden breakout that serves as a reminder to stock up on tampons). Generally, this tight relationship is a good thing: "Hormones stimulate oil glands and follicles to lubricate skin and grow hair," says Jessie Cheung, MD, a dermatologist in Chicago. "They're also necessary to maintain skin health."

But things can go a little haywire because your skin is packed with receptors that react to changes, triggering things like acne, wrinkles, and so forth. Puberty is probably the first time you noticed this (hello, zits, nice to meet you), but the ups and downs keep coming even when you're fully settled into adulthood. The encouraging news? A few tweaks to your routine help you stay glowy for good.

BIG SHIFT

Pregnancy

In the first trimester, you're likely dealing with a spike in progesterone, which preps your uterus for a baby.

"Progesterone can increase oil production and bouts of acne," says Melissa K. Levin, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. The response can be unpredictable, though, which is why you could be breakout central while your pregnant friend is positively radiant. Estrogen also rises during pregnancy, and that, combined with progesterone, can contribute to the formation of melasma, which appears as dark brown spots or patches.