Skincare Survival Guide for Hormonal Changes in Adulthood

Understanding Second Puberty and Its Impact on Your Skin

Ah, puberty. That unforgettable time of life when everything changes—our bodies, our emotions, and our skin. Many of us still shudder at the memories: surprise breakouts that appeared just before big school events, the emotional rollercoaster of teenage crushes (Brandon from Year 8 Geography, are you reading this?), and the general awkwardness of figuring out how to exist in a body that didn’t seem to belong to us yet. So, when whispers of something called “second puberty” began to surface online, it’s no wonder many of us panicked.

If you’ve spent years perfecting your skincare routine, investing in hydrating serums, indulging in facials, and avoiding dairy like it’s your sworn enemy, the thought of a second round of hormonal upheaval probably doesn’t sound very appealing. After all, wasn’t one puberty enough?

So, what exactly is this so-called “second puberty,” and more importantly, how might it affect your skin?

What Is Second Puberty, Really?

Let’s start with a bit of myth-busting. Medically speaking, there is no official second puberty. It’s not a diagnosable condition, nor is it something your doctor will ever write down on a chart. That said, the term has found a comfortable home in the lexicon of those in their 20s and 30s, and for good reason. It’s the best way to describe a very real phenomenon: the hormonal changes and bodily shifts that occur after adolescence.

First puberty—the one we all remember—occurs roughly between the ages of 8 and 18 and involves major biological transformations. This includes everything from menstruation and breast development to increased testosterone, voice changes, and body hair growth. It’s triggered by the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and is generally a one-time process.

Second puberty, on the other hand, is more of a cultural term. It refers to the hormonal fluctuations and physical transformations that tend to take place in your 20s and 30s. These changes aren’t as dramatic as those experienced during adolescence, but they are significant nonetheless. They are often triggered by various life events: going off or starting birth control, pregnancy, postpartum changes, major lifestyle shifts, and even chronic stress.

In short, second puberty isn’t a medical condition, but it is a very relatable experience, and it often includes an unexpected reappearance of acne, changes in skin texture, and the onset of other skin-related challenges.

So, How Exactly Does Second Puberty Affect the Skin?

The effects of hormonal fluctuations can be far-reaching, and one of the first places they tend to show up is on the skin. Let’s break down the most common skin-related issues people face during this period of hormonal change, along with how to treat them effectively.

1. Adult Acne and Breakouts

One of the most common complaints associated with second puberty is the resurgence of acne. Just when you thought you’d left those angry red spots behind in your teenage years, they suddenly make a comeback—with a vengeance. But this time, they might be showing up in different places, like your jawline, chin, or neck—areas often linked to hormonal imbalance.

Causes:

Hormonal imbalances (e.g., estrogen and androgen fluctuations)

Birth control changes

Stress-related cortisol spikes

Poor sleep or diet

Underlying medical conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis

What to Do:

Cleansing: Use gentle, yet effective cleansers that contain salicylic acid or its natural counterpart, willow-bark extract. These ingredients exfoliate the skin and help unclog pores.

Exfoliation: Regular chemical exfoliation (using AHAs or BHAs) helps reduce clogged pores and brightens the skin.

Masks: Try incorporating a clay-based detoxifying mask once or twice a week to draw out impurities and manage oil production.

Consistency: Stick to a routine, and avoid switching products too frequently, which can worsen irritation.

2. Loss of Elasticity and Firmness

Unlike in our teens, where plump, bouncy skin was the norm, adults going through second puberty may begin to notice that their skin feels less firm and more prone to fine lines. This is partly due to a gradual decline in collagen and elastin production, two essential proteins that maintain skin’s structure and elasticity.

Causes:

Natural aging process

Dehydration

Slower skin cell turnover

Environmental stressors (pollution, UV rays)

What to Do:

Hydration: Layer a hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid) beneath a rich facial oil or moisturizer to seal in hydration.

Barrier Protection: Strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier with ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and fatty acids.

Firming Creams: Use products containing peptides and niacinamide, which can visibly improve skin texture and elasticity.

Retinoids: Consider incorporating a Vitamin A derivative like retinol or retinaldehyde. These compounds help boost collagen production, speed up cell renewal, and address both acne and signs of aging.

3. Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage

As we age, our cumulative sun exposure begins to catch up with us. Even if you were meticulous about sunscreen in your 20s (and let’s be honest—most of us weren’t), small sunspots and pigmentation might still start appearing on your cheeks, forehead, and even shoulders.

Causes:

Long-term sun exposure

Unprotected time outdoors

Hormonal changes (especially melasma during pregnancy)

Inflammation or skin trauma leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

What to Do:

SPF: Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is non-negotiable. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside.

Vitamin C: This powerhouse antioxidant helps fade existing dark spots, neutralizes free radicals, and brightens the overall skin tone.

Exfoliation: Gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid can gradually lighten hyperpigmentation over time.

Skin Checks: Regularly examine your skin for new or changing moles, and book an annual skin check with a dermatologist. Early detection of skin cancer can save lives.

Can You Prevent Second Puberty?

Unfortunately, no. Just like you couldn’t avoid the first puberty, the hormonal changes that define second puberty are largely inevitable. That said, there are steps you can take to support your body and skin through the process.

Maintain a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, antioxidants, and omega-3-rich ingredients that support skin health.

Get regular sleep: Hormones are heavily influenced by your sleep patterns. Poor rest can throw your entire system off balance.

Manage stress: Whether it’s yoga, journaling, walking, or therapy, managing cortisol levels helps regulate your hormones.

See a professional: If you’re experiencing severe acne, sudden hair growth/loss, or intense emotional shifts, consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend hormone testing or specialized treatment plans.

Embracing the Changes

Second puberty might feel like a cruel joke—just as we get a handle on adulthood, our skin decides to rebel. But it’s also a beautiful reminder that our bodies are dynamic, evolving entities. These changes, while sometimes frustrating, reflect a new stage of growth, wisdom, and transformation.

It’s important to be patient and kind to yourself during this process. Skincare isn’t just about looking good—it’s about taking time to care for yourself. To pause, breathe, and acknowledge that your body is doing its best with the resources it has.

So, no—you can’t stop second puberty. But with the right knowledge, a thoughtful skincare routine, and a commitment to self-care, you can move through it gracefully, glowing every step of the way.

Because if there’s one thing that’s true at every age, it’s this: You deserve to feel confident in your own skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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