Beauty writer Ellie-Mae Hammond reveals what to do when hormonal flare ups occur, and the best endo-friendly skincare products to soothe skin.
As an endometriosis sufferer, finding the right skincare products to work with my hormones, and not against them, can feel like trying to solve a puzzle that keeps changing shape. One week it’s dry and flaky, the next it’s breaking out like a teen with a grudge. In between? Just confused and unpredictably sensitive.
When your body is in constant battle, your skin often joins the fight and, sadly, there’s no magic skincare aisle for endo. But as GP and dermatology expert Dr Sonia Khorana puts it: “Skincare isn’t about a ‘special’ product category, but about addressing the knock-on effects of the condition (and its treatments).”
I’m one of approximately 1.5 million people in the UK with endometriosis (and that’s not even counting those still waiting for a diagnosis) trying to navigate what products, ingredients and brands won’t trigger a hormonal uprising.
But before we get into today’s skincare lesson, here’s a quick refresher for anyone new to the world of hormonal conditions.
Read more: Why are endometriosis symptoms costing women £130 per month?
What is endometriosis? And how does it affect skin?
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the womb lining grows where it shouldn’t, like the ovaries, pelvic lining, or even the bowel and bladder. It still behaves like womb tissue, bleeding during your period with nowhere to go, causing pain, inflammation, scar tissue and a mix of symptoms, from heavy bleeding to fertility issues.
And when it comes to skin, endometriosis tends to throw it off balance in two major ways:
Hormonal fluctuations: especially changes in oestrogen and progesterone, which can lead to breakouts, dryness, or sudden sensitivity.
Chronic inflammation and stress: both from the condition itself and the ongoing pain, which can spike cortisol levels, weaken the skin barrier and leave it more reactive than usual.
Translation? Your skin needs support that’s flexible, soothing and barrier-first.
Here’s how to build a skincare routine that works for hormonal, endometriosis-affected skin (and why it matters)
1. Gentle cleansing is your first line of defence
Endometriosis flare-ups often bring along inflammation, and this shows up on the skin. That means your cleanser must support, not sabotage. Harsh formulas? A hard pass.
According to Dr Sonia Khorana, you should “look for creamy or gel-based options packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, squalane, panthenol, or oat extract to keep your skin calm and comforted”.
Our recommendations:
This cleanser uses Japanese rice powder to gently exfoliate and hydrate without disrupting your skin.
Aveeno’s Calm + Restore Oat Cleanser (£7.99)
This soothing, no-fuss formula calms irritation with oat extract while locking in moisture.
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2. Redness? Calm it, don’t fight it
Endometriosis can bring the heat, quite literally. A flare-up will commonly show up in the form of redness and breakouts. Instead of overloading your skin, Dr Sonia suggests going for ingredients that speak gently but carry a calming punch.
“Niacinamide helps regulate oil and inflammation. Green tea and Centella asiatica soothe without heaviness.”
Our recommendations:
Q+A’s Niacinamide Daily Toner (£8.50)
This day-to-night product rebalances and refreshes skin on contact.
The Pharmacy’s Rose Rejuvenating Face Cream (£49.50)
Packed with Centella asiatica and rosehip, this soft cream gently brings down the heat and restores calm in the skin when things feel out of sync.
3. Hydration and barrier repair are non-negotiables
The next step in the routine should be to take control over the skin barrier. Hormonal changes can throw your skin’s moisture levels off completely and cause dryness, tightness and flakiness.
“Hormonal shifts can impair the skin’s lipid layer, making it more prone to trans epidermal water loss,” explains Dr Sonia.
In other words, your barrier is taking a hit, so ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids are essential for rebuilding that defense. Hyaluronic acid pulls hydration in, squalane locks it down and your skin finally gets the reset it deserves.
Our recommendations:
Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Serum (£54)
Medik8’s Hydr8 B5 Intense Serum (£59)
Mimétique’s Skin Restore Cream (£66)
Another great alternative for sensitive skin is Naturium Root Barrier Repair Cream (£27), which is gentle yet super effective.
Read more: The best work-out friendly beauty products for a sweat-free look
4. SPF: Your daily skin insurance
Now this is a step that can’t be skipped. For skin that experiences phases of sensitivity, as a direct result from hormone fluctuations or certain medications, consider this your daily skin insurance.
Dr Sonia suggests looking for “a broad-spectrum SPF30+ or SPF50, with a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula if you’re prone to breakouts”.
Our recommendations:
Fenty Beauty’s Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 (£28)
Naked Sunday’s CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF 50 (£22.25)
5. Gentle solutions for hormonal acne flare-ups
When hormonal acne shows up (often at the worst possible moment), the key is clearing pores without wrecking your skin barrier.
Holistic facialist and skincare expert Elise Gill recommends a calming two-step ritual: “A salicylic acid-based mask followed by hydration, like a ceramide overnight mask, a slightly richer moisturiser, and a mist if you’re having a breakout or acne.”
Our recommendation:
The Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask (£61)
This uses naturally derived BHAs to exfoliate and brighten without irritation.
Once you’ve cleared the way, it’s all about barrier support. “If the skin is feeling sensitised, dry or inflamed, ensure the barrier is protected,” Elise adds. “A ceramide or squalane-based mask can be worn overnight, too.”
For post-exfoliation care, reach for soothing hydrators like the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (£28), perfect for bringing calm, moisture and balance back to the skin.
Read more: This clever Boots hack is saving women up to 53% on skincare
6. Skincare is only half the story
No product can outpace burnout, poor sleep or stress overload. And, funny enough, our skin is an extension of what’s going on inside, and this connection runs deeper. A steady routine, good nutrition (most days) and real rest amplify everything your skincare does.
Founders of Kuratd — a fashion brand dedicated to raising awareness about endometriosis — Amie and Bobbie focus on empowering women to feel confident and seen, no matter what they’re going through. As women living with endo themselves, they know first-hand how flare-ups can impact both body and mind. So, I asked them to share their go-tos for when things get tough.
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“When a hormonal flare-up hits, I swear by the Starface stickers. They’re cute and actually make me feel more confident leaving the house,” says Bobbie.
For Amie, it’s all about a calming ritual: “Elemis’s Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a must during a rough week. I love the spa-like scent, it instantly helps me feel calmer, which is exactly what I need during a flare-up. Shortly followed by the Charlotte Tilbury Eye Revival Patches — they’re incredible for de-puffing.”
Endometriosis might not come with a manual, but your skincare doesn’t have to be another unsolved mystery, sitting stagnant on a waitlist.
When your body’s busy managing chaos, your routine should offer calm, not confusion. Gentle and targeted — that’s the sweet spot, and that’s more powerful than perfect skin.
Feature image: Pexels
