Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects close to 6.5 million women who menstruate between the ages of 15 and 65 in the United States alone. 

Early detection can mean earlier management of symptoms and progression, but this condition often takes years before a diagnosis is confirmed, often resulting in a related acute crisis that then results in its discovery. 

Endometriosis has started to become linked to auto-immune conditions in the body and is largely seen to contribute to chronic inflammation in a woman’s reproductive systems, if not her entire body. This results in a manifestation in the skin, where Endo surviving women experience sensitive and sensitized conditions in their skin. 

Here are 5 ways you may be surprised to learn how Endometriosis can cause issues in your skin. 

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where physical tissues much like the tissue that lines the uterus, begin to develop and grow outside of the Uterus itself. 

This leads to painful physical symptoms as these tissues grow and expand into other areas beyond the reproductive system. Most commonly affecting the ovaries, which can lead to infertility or difficulty conceiving, or even up in to the gastrointestinal system causing painful bloating, and irritable bowel functions in some cases. 

There is no known cure for Endometriosis outside of surgical intervention in more extreme cases. Management of pain and limiting foods that contribute to supporting the growth of Endometriosis has often been the only recourse. 

But there also hasn’t really been much exposure to the signs and cycles you also have to consider when it comes to your skin and endometriosis. 

Often, due to the hormonal imbalances, shifts, and inflammation resulting from this condition, our skin responds in a variety of ways.

Endometriosis and Skin 

Acne :

Resulting from Hormonal shifts as we go through the cycles related to menstruation. Your skin can experience more hormonal breakouts and active acne flare ups as your body navigates this chronic conditions. 

In treatment we usually see this in the cheeks, jawline and center of chin which is often area connected to the intestinal organs, reproductive areas and how stressors on those parts of the body show up on our skin.

These Acne flares can be heightened around your period but due to the constant fluctuation of hormones, it can also occur outside of the normal menstrual period. 

Skin Sensitivity:

the hormonal shifts associated with endometriosis can lead to increased skin sensitivity. This can mean that you skin is more reactive to ingredients, irritants and products. Resulting in increased redness, slower skin healing. 

Redness and puffiness can result from the increased levels of inflammation in the body. Endometriosis has been connected to increased levels of inflammation, and this can be a strain on ones’ immune system. These factors can be contributors to the increased redness and sensitivity in your skin.

Hyperpigmentation:

Hyperpigmentation as a result of slower wound healing and increased inflammation in the body due to endometriosis. With the internal conditions related to endometriosis, a slower wound healing response can mean longer lasting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This can be frustrating for folks that already tend to be prone to hyperpigmentation such as individuals with more melanin naturally. 

Dehydration

a potential result of increased fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom of endometriosis, and this can reflect your skin’s ability to hang on to necessary moisture level. 

Skin and Texture changes

as a side effect of medications. As with many other conditions, the medicine you’re prescribed could contribute to dryness, increased sensitivity and even thinning of your skin as a result. 

So What can you do in your Routine to help? 

Your skincare routine can be your opportunity to supplement what you skin is struggling with, working alongside your holistic care program to help manage your endometriosis.

Look for more sensitive tailored products. 

These will typically limit things like artificial fragrances, chemical exfoliants and even essential oils as they can be irritating to sensitive of sensitized skin. 

Look for cleansers that are gentler on your skin, using less foaaming cleansers or gel cleansers that aim to cleanse by removing all oil from your skin. 

Reach for more calming, soothing clesnsers that work to support your skin’s natural barrier function while calming inflammation as this is already heightened in your skin. 

Layer Serums that increase your hydration levels. 

Water-based serums that include ingredients like hylauronic acid, or sodium PCA both help to bind water molecules on and in the your skin. 

Oil-based facial serums layered over your water-based serums wil help to increase your overal hydration. Supporting the lipid content in your skin, and helping to further reinforce the health of your skin barrier so that it can do its natural job of protecting you skin from further sensitization. 

Oils such as rosehip, calendula, evening primrose, jojoba that mimics our natural sebum (oil production) are great ingredients to look for in facial oil formulas. Skip the ones with added fragrance, retinoids or retinols until your skin has fully healed and can accept those. 

Mask Routinely

Mask routinely with hydration-based sheet masks or restorative gel masks to help combat moisture loss due to endometriosis.

Sheet masks that are compostable or biodegradable are great options for hydration in a pinch.

They travel well so you can take them with you on your plan rides, or if you only have 10 mins between dinner and the kids bedtime. It’s a great way to boost your hydration. 

Have a few more minutes to spare? Pop some cold spoons in the freezer before hand and then use the back sides to massage and press the mask down over your skin. The cold will help seal in the hydration, reduce inflammation and decrease puffines as well. Great to do morning, or evening, or before a big event!

Limit your active ingredients

It’s always important to opt out of active ingredients like chemical exfoliants (exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs or retinoids) when your skin is sensitized due to endometriosis. 

When your barrier function is not compromised, and you aren’t experiencing active flare-ups, redness, or swelling, you can incorporate mild exfoliation limited to 1-2x a week. It’s best to work with a professional to determine the routine and products best suited to you. 

Looking for a home care reboot? Reach out and let’s get you to skin understood. 

Finally, nothing beats incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet to help combat chronic inflammation. Working with a nutritionist can provide support on how to build meal plans that suit your lifestyle and needs. 

And working with a skin professional who understands your diagnosis while also being able to integrate other elements of your unique personal profile, can take you further in not just understanding your skin but having better skin overall. 

Interested in working to understand Endometriosis and your skin?

Book a virtual consultation or an in-person appointment with me in my NYC office to get started.