My Skincare Journey on Testosterone (HRT): Managing Acne and Oily Skin
My Face Threw a Second Puberty Party, and I Wasn’t Invited
Starting T was the most euphoric feeling, but about three months in, my skin revolted. I was suddenly 15 again, with painful cystic acne along my jawline and an oil slick on my forehead. It was frustrating because everything else felt so right. I learned to fight back with a simple, consistent routine. A 2% salicylic acid cleanser became my best friend, along with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. It didn’t magically cure it overnight, but managing the acne gave me a sense of control and helped me feel confident in my changing skin.
How I Adapted My Skincare Routine After Starting Estrogen (HRT)
Trading My Oil-Control Cleanser for a Hydrating Hug
Before starting estrogen, my skin was oily and resilient. I used harsh cleansers and scrubs without a second thought. A few months into HRT, my skin became much softer, but also drier and more sensitive. My old routine was suddenly making my face feel tight and irritated. I had to completely overhaul my shelf. I switched to a gentle, milky cleanser and a rich ceramide moisturizer that felt like a hug in a jar. Learning to treat my new, softer skin with gentleness was an affirming experience in itself.
A Dermatologist’s Guide to Skincare for Transgender Individuals
What Your Derm Wants You to Know About HRT and Your Skin
I finally found an LGBTQ-affirming dermatologist, and she explained that HRT essentially puts your skin through a second puberty. For those on testosterone, the surge in androgens increases oil production, often leading to acne on the face, chest, and back. For those on estrogen, skin becomes softer and drier, and conditions like melasma can appear. Her advice was to simplify: use a gentle cleanser, a targeted treatment for your main concern (like salicylic acid for acne or Vitamin C for dark spots), and a moisturizer and sunscreen daily.
The Best Products for Dealing with “Second Puberty” Acne from HRT
My Survival Kit for Puberty 2.0
The acne I got from starting testosterone was no joke. It was deep, painful, and all over my jaw and back. After much trial and error, I built a simple survival kit. For my face, hydrocolloid pimple patches were a lifesaver for individual spots, shrinking them overnight. For my chest and back (“bacne”), a benzoyl peroxide wash in the shower made a huge difference. The key was consistency and not overwhelming my skin with ten different products. This simple, targeted approach finally calmed the storm.
How to Manage Changes in Skin Texture and Body Hair While on T
Embracing the “Happy Trail” and My New Rugged Texture
One of the most exciting parts of starting testosterone for me was the new body hair—my “happy trail” was a point of pride! But with it came thicker, rougher skin texture and the risk of ingrown hairs. I started using a gentle exfoliating body lotion with glycolic acid a few times a week. This helped smooth the texture and prevent bumps where my new hair was growing in. It was a simple step that helped me feel more comfortable and confident as my body changed to reflect who I am.
My Skincare Routine for Soothing Skin and Preventing Ingrown Hairs After Shaving
How I Made Shaving My Face a Euphoric Ritual, Not a Painful Chore
When I started growing facial hair on T, I was excited but also terrified of shaving. The first few times left me with razor burn and angry red bumps. I learned that prep and aftercare are everything. Now, I use a sensitive-skin shave gel and always shave with the grain. The real game-changer is my aftercare: I use a fragrance-free toner with witch hazel to calm irritation, followed by a simple, soothing moisturizer. This routine turned a potentially dysphoric chore into a calming, masculine, and gender-affirming ritual.
The Link Between HRT and Changes in Skin Sensitivity
My Skin Suddenly Got a Lot More Opinionated
I was about six months into estrogen HRT when I noticed my skin had become incredibly sensitive. A face wash I’d used for years suddenly made my cheeks red and stingy. Perfumes gave me rashes. It turns out that hormonal shifts can impact your skin’s barrier function, making it more reactive. I had to Marie Kondo my routine, tossing out anything with harsh fragrances or alcohols. I switched to products designed for sensitive skin, with ingredients like oats and ceramides, which helped calm everything down and made my skin feel comfortable again.
How Estrogen HRT Affected My Melasma and Hyperpigmentation
The Unwanted Dark Patches and How I Fought Back
While I loved how soft my skin was becoming on estrogen, I was not prepared for the dark, patchy spots of melasma that appeared on my forehead and upper lip. Estrogen can stimulate melanin production, leading to this hyperpigmentation. My dermatologist told me sunscreen was my new religion. I started using a tinted mineral SPF 50 every single day, rain or shine. I also incorporated a Vitamin C serum in the morning and a gentle azelaic acid at night. It’s a slow process, but the combination has helped to lighten the patches significantly.
The Best Skincare for Menopausal Women on HRT
Bringing Back the Plump, Dewy Glow
When I started HRT for menopause, my main complaint was how dull, thin, and dry my skin felt. The loss of estrogen had stolen my glow. My new routine focused on hydration and collagen support. I switched to a creamy cleanser and added a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin to pull in moisture. The biggest difference-maker was introducing a gentle, over-the-counter retinol serum at night. It helped to improve my skin’s texture and bring back a bit of that plumpness I thought I had lost for good.
My “Gender-Affirming” Skincare Routine: How It Helped Me Feel at Home in My Skin
Finding Gender Euphoria in a Bottle of Face Wash
My skincare routine became one of my most important gender-affirming practices. When I started T, I tossed all my old floral-scented products. I bought a simple, clean-scented face wash and a no-fuss moisturizer in “masculine” grey packaging. Using them every morning felt like another small step toward embodying my true self. The ritual of caring for my new, slightly rougher skin and emerging facial hair grounded me in my body. It wasn’t just about preventing acne; it was a daily act of self-love and recognition.
How to Build a Body Care Routine for HRT-Induced Skin Changes
Your Face Isn’t the Only Thing on a New Journey
Testosterone changed more than just my face. My skin all over got oilier, I started sweating more, and I got body acne in places I never had before. I had to build a whole new body care routine. I started using a bar soap with salicylic acid on my back and chest. I also switched to an unscented, clinical-strength antiperspirant. For my legs, where new hair was causing some ingrowns, an exfoliating lotion helped immensely. It was about treating my whole body with the same care I was giving my face.
The Best Cleansers and Moisturizers for Testosterone-Induced Oily Skin
How I Controlled the Shine Without Stripping My Skin
A few months on T and my face felt like an oil slick by noon. My first instinct was to use the harshest, most stripping acne face wash I could find, which only made things worse. I learned that the key was balance, not battle. I found a perfect combo: a foaming cleanser with a gentle BHA like salicylic acid to deep clean my pores, paired with a super lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizer. This gave my skin the hydration it needed without feeling heavy or greasy, and the shine became much more manageable.
How to Talk to Your Endocrinologist or Doctor About Your Skin Concerns
Your Hormones and Skin are Connected—Your Doctor Should Know That
I was nervous to bring up my acne with my endocrinologist; it felt like a vain complaint compared to the other aspects of my transition. But I finally said, “The HRT is going great, but my skin is really breaking out and it’s affecting my confidence.” I’m so glad I did. She was able to refer me to an affirming dermatologist and even discussed options like spironolactone that could work alongside my T. Your doctor needs the full picture of your health, and that includes your skin and your mental well-being.
My Experience with Spironolactone for Acne While on Testosterone
The “Magic Pill” That Finally Calmed My T-Acne
I tried every topical treatment for the cystic acne I developed on T, but nothing touched it. It was deep, painful, and damaging my self-esteem. My dermatologist suggested a low dose of spironolactone, a medication that can block some androgen activity specifically in the skin without affecting my overall transition. I was hesitant, but the results were incredible. Within three months, the deep, painful cysts were gone. For me, it was the key that allowed me to fully enjoy the other amazing effects of testosterone without the painful side effect of severe acne.
The Best Skincare for Softening Skin and Reducing Roughness on Estrogen
My Quest for that Soft, Feminine Feel
One of the changes I was most looking forward to on estrogen was softer skin. To enhance that effect, I built a routine focused on hydration and gentle exfoliation. I fell in love with milky, hydrating toners and essences, which I would pat into my skin after cleansing. I also started using a gentle lactic acid serum twice a week. Lactic acid is a milder AHA that exfoliates while also hydrating. This combination helped smooth away any rough texture and gave my skin that soft, dewy, supple feeling I’d always wanted.
How to Manage Increased Sweating and Its Effect on Your Skin
When T Turns Up Your Internal Thermostat
Nobody warned me how much more I would sweat on testosterone! It was a sudden and noticeable change. The increased sweat led to clogged pores and irritation, especially under my binder. My solution was a two-part attack. First, I started using a clinical-strength antiperspirant at night. Second, I kept gentle cleansing wipes in my bag. A quick wipe-down of my chest and back midday helped remove the sweat and bacteria before it could cause a breakout. It made a huge difference in my comfort and my skin’s clarity.
The Best Scar Care Treatments for Post-Top Surgery
Healing the Scars That Helped Me Feel Whole
After my top surgery, caring for my scars became a sacred ritual. I wanted to do everything I could to help them heal well. Once my surgeon gave me the green light, I started using silicone scar strips. They weren’t cheap, but they kept the scars hydrated and protected. I wore them 24/7 for the first few months. I also gently massaged the area with bio-oil daily to help break up scar tissue. Watching my scars soften and fade was part of the healing process, turning them into a beautiful reminder of my journey.
The Psychological Impact of Skin Changes During a Gender Transition
When Your Reflection Starts to Match Your Identity
The physical changes to my skin on HRT were secondary to the psychological impact. When my jawline started to sharpen and a few whiskers appeared, I would just stare in the mirror, overjoyed. But the acne that came with it was a source of deep frustration, feeling like a step backward. It was a rollercoaster. Learning to be patient and kind with my skin, seeing the changes as part of the whole journey, was crucial. My skincare routine became a way to manage the hard parts while celebrating the euphoric ones.
The Best Sunscreens and After-Sun Care for Skin on HRT
Your New Skin is More Vulnerable—Protect It!
My dermatologist warned me that skin on HRT, particularly estrogen, can be more sensitive to the sun and prone to hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen became a non-negotiable part of my morning routine. I found a lightweight SPF 50 serum that felt like nothing on my skin. For after-sun care, I keep a bottle of pure aloe vera gel in the fridge. The cooling sensation is incredible after a day outside. Protecting my new, more sensitive skin feels like an important act of self-care and preservation.
How I Built a Budget-Friendly Skincare Routine for My “Second Puberty”
Good Skincare Doesn’t Have to Drain Your Bank Account
Transitioning is expensive, and I didn’t have hundreds of dollars for fancy skincare to deal with my new T-acne. I learned to build a powerful, budget-friendly routine from the drugstore. A CeraVe cleanser with salicylic acid cost me about $12 and lasted for months. A simple, oil-free moisturizer from Neutrogena was another $15. My secret weapon was a $10 tube of benzoyl peroxide spot treatment. My entire effective, acne-fighting routine cost less than a single high-end serum, proving you don’t need to be rich to have healthy skin.
The Best Products for Bottom Surgery Aftercare and Sensitive Skin
Gentle, Soothing Care When You Need It Most
Healing from bottom surgery requires extreme gentleness. The last thing you want is an irritating skincare product near your new anatomy. My care team recommended the simplest routine. I used a peri bottle with warm water for cleansing for the first few weeks. When I was cleared to use soap, I chose the most basic, fragrance-free, sensitive-skin bar soap I could find, like Dove Sensitive Skin. For moisture, when needed, a thin layer of a simple healing ointment like Aquaphor helped soothe and protect the delicate healing tissue.
How to Deal with “Bacne” and Chest Acne While on Testosterone
The Unseen But Annoying Side Effect of T
I was prepared for facial acne when I started testosterone, but I wasn’t ready for the painful breakouts all over my back and chest. Wearing a binder in the summer heat made it even worse. The solution was to treat my body like my face. I bought a body wash with benzoyl peroxide, which I’d let sit on my skin for a few minutes in the shower before rinsing. I also made sure to wear a clean cotton t-shirt under my binder every day to absorb sweat. This combination helped clear up my body acne significantly.
The Best Gentle Hair Removal Options for the Face and Body
Getting Smooth Skin Without the Irritation
For me, starting estrogen meant I wanted to get rid of the facial and body hair that had always caused me dysphoria. Shaving left me with irritation and stubble. I found a couple of gentler options that worked wonders. For my face, I invested in a small dermaplaning tool. It gently scrapes away the fine “peach fuzz” and exfoliates at the same time. For my body, I switched to a sensitive-skin depilatory cream. It dissolves the hair without the razor burn, leaving my skin much smoother for longer.
My Review of Skincare Brands That Are Inclusive of the Trans and Non-Binary Community
Brands That See Us and Celebrate Us
It feels amazing to support brands that are visibly and vocally inclusive of trans and non-binary people. Brands like Fluide and Jecca Blac were created with the community in mind. I also love seeing mainstream brands like Fenty Beauty and The Ordinary use trans models in their campaigns. It’s more than just marketing; it signals that these companies understand that skincare is for everyone. When I buy from them, I feel like I’m not only getting a great product but also supporting a more inclusive beauty industry.
How HRT Can Affect Existing Skin Conditions like Eczema or Psoriasis
When Your Old Skin Issues Get a New Twist
I’ve had mild eczema my whole life, mostly on my arms. When I started testosterone, the increased body heat and sweat made my usual flare-up spots much itchier and more irritated. My dermatologist explained that the hormonal shift could exacerbate existing conditions. We had to adjust my treatment plan. I started using a prescription-strength topical steroid more consistently and switched to a super-gentle, fragrance-free body wash. It was a reminder that HRT interacts with your whole body’s system, including pre-existing conditions.
The Best Skincare Routine for Before and After Using a “Binder”
How to Keep Your Chest Skin Healthy and Happy
Binding is an essential, gender-affirming practice for me, but it can be tough on the skin, especially in the summer. I developed a simple routine to prevent irritation and breakouts. Before I put my binder on, I make sure my skin is completely clean and dry, sometimes using a light dusting of anti-chafing powder. The moment I take it off at the end of the day, I wipe down my chest with a gentle cleansing cloth to remove sweat and oil. This simple hygiene routine has saved my skin.
The Surprising Way My Skin’s “Scent” Changed on HRT
I Started Smelling Different, and It Was Amazing
One of the most surprising and subtly affirming changes on testosterone was the way my natural scent changed. It became muskier, more “masculine.” My old, sweet-scented deodorant suddenly smelled wrong on me. I switched to a crisp, earthy-scented one, and the first time I smelled it mixed with my own new scent, it sparked a wave of gender euphoria. It was a small thing no one else would notice, but it made me feel more at home in my body than I ever had before.
How to Find an LGBTQ+-Affirming Dermatologist
Finding a Doctor Who “Gets It” is a Game-Changer
My first visit to a random dermatologist to discuss my HRT-related acne was a disaster. He used the wrong pronouns and seemed clueless about my needs. I left feeling defeated. Then a friend told me to check the WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) provider directory and local LGBTQ+ center resources. I found a doctor whose website specifically mentioned experience with transgender patients. The difference was night and day. She understood my journey and provided care that was both medically sound and deeply respectful.
The Best Products for Minimizing the Appearance of Pores
When T Makes Your Pores Look Huge
Along with oil and acne, testosterone made the pores on my nose and cheeks look enormous. While you can’t actually shrink your pores, I learned you can make them look smaller. My two holy grail products are a BHA (salicylic acid) liquid exfoliant and a niacinamide serum. The BHA cleans out all the gunk that stretches pores out, and the niacinamide helps regulate oil and improve skin texture. Using these two products consistently made a visible difference in how prominent my pores looked.
My Self-Care Rituals for Navigating the Ups and Downs of a Second Puberty
It’s an Awkward, Glorious, Messy Journey
A second puberty on HRT is wild. Some days you feel euphoric; other days you feel like an awkward, pimply teenager all over again. My self-care rituals became my anchor. On tough days, I’d take a long shower and use a nice-smelling, masculine body wash. I’d take my time with my skincare routine, treating it like a meditation. And I gave myself permission to use a pimple patch and eat some ice cream. It’s about being kind to yourself and remembering that the awkward phases are temporary steps on an amazing journey.
The Best Skincare for Managing Dryness Associated with Menopausal HRT
Putting the Moisture Back In
When I started HRT for my menopausal symptoms, it helped my hot flashes, but my skin still felt desert-dry. My doctor explained that while the systemic dose helps, my skin needed topical support. I completely revamped my routine to focus on moisture. I started “slugging” at night—after my moisturizer, I’d apply a thin layer of a healing ointment like CeraVe or Aquaphor. This created an occlusive barrier that locked in moisture while I slept. I would wake up with much softer, less tight-feeling skin.
How to Incorporate Retinoids into a Routine for T-Acne
The Gold-Standard Ingredient for Stubborn Acne
When over-the-counter products weren’t enough for my T-acne, my dermatologist prescribed tretinoin, a powerful retinoid. She warned me it would get worse before it got better. To survive the initial “purge” and dryness, I started slow, using it only twice a week. I would apply my moisturizer first as a buffer, wait 20 minutes, then apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin. This “sandwich method” helped minimize irritation as my skin adjusted. It was a tough few weeks, but the clear skin on the other side was worth it.
The Best Makeup Primers and Foundations for Skin on HRT
Finding a Base That Works with Your New Skin Texture
HRT can change your makeup needs entirely. When I was on T, my oily skin and new textures meant my old foundation would slide right off. A mattifying primer became essential. Conversely, when I started E, my skin became drier, and my matte foundations looked cakey. I switched to a hydrating primer and a dewy skin tint. It’s about re-evaluating your skin’s new texture and finding products that work with it, not against it, to help you feel your most confident.
My Journey to Finding Confidence in My New Skin
It Wasn’t Always Easy, But It Was Always Mine
My skin’s journey on HRT has been a mirror for my transition itself—unpredictable, sometimes challenging, but ultimately mine. There were days I felt frustrated by the acne or the dryness. But there were also moments of pure joy, like seeing the first dark hairs of a beard or feeling how soft my cheeks had become. Finding confidence wasn’t about achieving “perfect” skin. It was about embracing the entire process, imperfections and all, and loving the skin that was finally, truly starting to feel like my own.
The Best Body Moisturizers for Changes in Skin Elasticity
Giving Your Skin the Support It Needs
Both estrogen and the loss of it during menopause can affect skin’s elasticity and firmness. While no cream is a magic wand, a good body moisturizer can make a visible difference in texture and tone. I started looking for body lotions with specific ingredients. Formulas with peptides can help support collagen production. Others with caffeine can have a temporary tightening effect. And rich moisturizers with shea butter and hyaluronic acid keep the skin plump and hydrated, which improves its overall appearance.
How to Address Skin Thinning or Thickening Associated with HRT
Understanding How Hormones Remodel Your Skin
Testosterone tends to thicken the skin, while estrogen can make it feel thinner and more delicate. To manage my newly thickened skin on T, regular exfoliation with an AHA body lotion was key to keeping it smooth. For my friends on E who experienced thinning skin, the focus was on protection and gentle care. They used rich, ceramide-heavy creams to support their skin barrier and were extra diligent with sunscreen to prevent damage to their more delicate skin. It’s about adapting your care to your skin’s new structure.
The Best Beard Oils and Serums for a Healthy Beard on T
Your New Beard Deserves Some Love, Too
Growing a beard on T was one of the most affirming experiences for me. But it also got itchy and flaky. I quickly learned that you have to take care of the skin under the beard. A good beard oil was a game-changer. I’d massage a few drops in every morning. It moisturized the skin underneath, softened the coarse beard hairs, and stopped the itchiness. It made my beard look healthier and feel more comfortable, turning it from a scratchy novelty into a well-cared-for part of me.
My Experience with Laser Hair Removal While on HRT
A Long, Expensive, and Worth-It Journey
For me, laser hair removal was a necessary, gender-affirming step, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I started treatments for my facial hair about six months into estrogen HRT. It’s expensive—my package was around $2,000—and it takes multiple sessions. It can be painful, like a rubber band snapping against your skin. But the feeling of seeing less and less dark shadow every week was priceless. The confidence boost and the reduction in daily dysphoria made every single dollar and every single zap completely worth it.
The Best Skincare to Support a “Softer,” More Feminine Appearance
Using Skincare to Enhance the Effects of Estrogen
Beyond just managing dryness, I wanted my skincare routine on E to help me achieve a softer, more rounded facial appearance. The key was a focus on “plump hydration” and glow. I swear by layering hydrating products: a moisturizing essence, a hyaluronic acid serum, and a dewy moisturizer. I also use a gentle Vitamin C serum for a radiant look. This routine doesn’t change my bone structure, of course, but it gives my skin a plump, luminous quality that enhances the feminizing effects of HRT.
The Best Skincare to Support a More “Masculine” or Chisled Appearance
Enhancing Your Angles with Smart Skincare
While on T, I learned a few skincare tricks to help enhance a more masculine, chiseled look. The goal was to reduce puffiness and define angles. I started using a caffeine-infused eye cream to minimize under-eye bags, which helped my cheekbones look more prominent. I also used a jade roller, kept in the freezer, to de-puff my whole face in the morning. While HRT did the heavy lifting, these small skincare habits helped reduce facial roundness and made me feel like my features looked sharper and more defined.
How to Handle Unwanted Comments About Your Skin Changes
“My Skin is on Its Own Journey, But Thanks for Your Concern”
When I started HRT, I got all sorts of unsolicited comments. “You’re breaking out, you should try…” or “Your skin looks different.” It was awkward and intrusive. I developed a polite but firm shutdown. A simple, “Thanks, my doctor and I have it handled,” or a slightly vague, “Hormones are wild, right?” usually ends the conversation. It communicates that my skin is not up for public discussion. Remembering that their comments are about their own curiosity, not my worth, helped me let it roll off my back.
The Best Skincare for People on Low-Dose HRT or Blockers
Gentle Support for Subtle Changes
When I was on hormone blockers before starting full-dose T, my skin didn’t change dramatically, but it did get a bit drier and more sensitive. I didn’t need a full acne-fighting routine, but I did need to adjust. I switched to a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser and a solid, basic moisturizer. The most important thing was sunscreen. It was a period of gentle support and protection, establishing a healthy baseline routine that I could then adapt once my hormones started to shift more significantly.
My “Holy Grail” Products That Got Me Through the Toughest Skin Phases of HRT
The Heroes on My Shelf During Puberty 2.0
During the peak of my “second puberty” on testosterone, three products were my holy grails. First, PanOxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide wash for my body acne; it was the only thing that worked. Second, COSRX Pimple Patches for my face; they stopped me from picking and visibly flattened spots overnight. Third, a simple, lightweight gel cream from Versed that hydrated my oily skin without clogging pores. These weren’t fancy or expensive, but they were the reliable workhorses that got me through the toughest, most frustrating skin phase of my transition.
How to Create a Skincare Routine That Feels Euphoric and Affirming
Your Bathroom Counter Can Be a Safe Space
My skincare routine is my daily moment of gender euphoria. As a trans woman, I specifically choose products that feel soft and luxurious. I love the feeling of massaging in a silky, rose-scented cleansing balm. I love patting in a hydrating, dewy essence. The textures, the scents, and the results all align with the femininity I want to embody. The act of lovingly caring for my skin helps me connect with my body in a positive way, turning a simple routine into a powerful, affirming ritual.
The Best Scalp Care for Hairline Changes or Hair Loss/Growth on HRT
Your Scalp is Skin, Too—And It’s Changing
Testosterone can cause hairline maturation or male pattern baldness, while estrogen can make hair feel fuller. On T, I noticed my hairline starting to recede slightly. I started using a topical minoxidil (like Rogaine) foam at night, as recommended by my doctor, to help maintain my hairline. I also switched to a shampoo with ketoconazole to keep my scalp healthy. It’s about being proactive and remembering that the skin on your head is just as affected by hormonal shifts as the skin on your face.
The Financial Cost of Building a New Skincare Routine for HRT
Budgeting for Your New Face and Body
When I started HRT, I didn’t realize I’d also have to budget for a whole new skincare arsenal. My old products were suddenly useless. The cost of a new cleanser, moisturizer, acne treatments, and body wash added up to over $100 for just the initial setup. I learned to prioritize. I would invest in a good treatment serum for my main concern (like acne) and save money on the cleanser and moisturizer from affordable drugstore brands like CeraVe or The Inkey List. It made the financial burden much more manageable.
The Best Vitamin C and Antioxidant Serums for Skin on HRT
Protecting and Brightening Your Changing Skin
No matter your hormonal journey, a Vitamin C serum is a fantastic addition. For my skin on estrogen, it helped tackle the new melasma patches and gave me an overall brighter, more radiant glow. For my friends on testosterone, it helped to fade the red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) left behind by their acne. As an antioxidant, it also adds a layer of protection under sunscreen for everyone. It’s a versatile, powerful ingredient that supports skin health through all kinds of hormonal changes.
How to Manage a “Purge” When Starting Tretinoin for HRT Acne
It Gets Worse Before It Gets So Much Better
My dermatologist called it “the purge,” and she wasn’t kidding. When I started tretinoin for my T-acne, my skin erupted. All the underlying clogs came to the surface at once. It was discouraging, and I wanted to quit. The keys to surviving were patience and simplicity. I stopped all other active ingredients, used a super-gentle cleanser, and layered on a thick, soothing moisturizer. I also took weekly progress pictures to remind myself it was a process. After about six weeks, the purge subsided, revealing the clearer skin underneath.
The Community and Resources That Helped Me on My HRT Skincare Journey
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Navigating the skin changes from HRT felt isolating until I found my community. Reddit forums like r/transkincare were invaluable. I found threads with product recommendations and people sharing the exact same frustrations I had. Following trans creators on TikTok and Instagram also helped me feel seen and gave me practical tips. Connecting with others who “got it” was more helpful than any single product. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone on this awkward, amazing journey of becoming myself.
My “Love Letter” to My Skin: Embracing Every Stage of My Transition
Thank You for Coming on This Journey with Me
Dear Skin, Thank you. You’ve been through a lot. You got oily and broke out, then you got soft and sensitive. You grew new hair in some places and I lasered it off in others. You carry the scars that brought me peace. You were the canvas for a second, more authentic puberty. Some days I was frustrated with you, but I was never frustrated with us. Every change, every spot, every new texture has been a map of my journey home to myself. Thank you for holding me through it all.