Just as the COVID-19 pandemic made landfall in the United States, ingrown stubble was taking over my life.
Five months later, I was still without estrogen.
It was a realization of how much estrogen had done for my mug.
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I had a newfound appreciation for the contributions of HRT toward mymental health.
And I’m far from alone.
So when willtrans women’s facesstart enjoying these positive effects?
Courtesy of VICE’sThe Gender Spectrum Collection
According to Ginsberg, the effects can begin to appear as quickly as a month after initiating HRT.
Despite estrogen’s perks, not all potential reactions are positive.
“Some data says that darker skin tones are more prone to oily skin.
Courtesy of VICE’sThe Gender Spectrum Collection
You might think theyre more tolerant to estrogens, having a higher baseline of oil.”
Asmany as one-halfof cisgender women who are pregnant or taking contraceptive medications may develop melasma, Yeung says.
Like me, Blossom experienced frustrating complexion concerns after going off hormones.
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“My skin was just red and dry.
I tried all these masks, but I did not feel like myself,” she says.
Consulting a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible is key, says Yeung.
Medical treatments are available too, so speak with your dermatologist to find out if theyre right for you.
Caring for our skin when medically transitioning should not be dogmatic, says Ginsberg.
“There arent skin-care routines unique to hormone use.
“If your skin is dry, use gentle products.
If your skin is oily, you don’t want to neglect moisturizing.
But you don’t want to use products that are too heavy or clogging.”
“Have an adaptive skin-care routine.
It might help you feel better.”
A responsive approach to our skin is needed, Blossom agrees.
Expect it to change textures.”
Instead, she offers a simple recommendation: “Have an adaptive skin-care routine.
It might help you feel better.”
(Thank God!)
Five yearsinto my transition,whiskers still poke through my chin after five oclock thenerve!
Blossom has experienced her own issues with facial hair management since being on HRT.
It wasroughon her face.
“And that doesn’t feel good.
Getting knicks is the only way I feel dysphoric when shaving.”
Shaving is somewhat of a double bind for trans girls.
It, at once, causes some of us to feelmoreaffirmed andlessaffirmedin our own skin.
There are non-razor options, such aslaser, electrolysis, or hair-removal creams, either by prescription or over-the-counter.
Opt for an electric razor, or switch to a one-blade straight razor, versus a three- or four-blade.
