By: Plume Community Member
- Why is skincare important for nonbinary and transgender people?
- The importance of sunscreen
- Tips for moisturizing properly
- Dealing with sensitivity
- Finding the right skincare products
- Eating for healthy skin
- Understanding hormones and their effect on skin
- Natural remedies for skincare
- DIY skincare treatments
- Setting up a regular skincare routine
As a nonbinary or transgender person, looking after your skin can feel like a chore. Everyone wants to have healthy, glowing skin, but it can be difficult to find tips that are tailored to your unique needs. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure you have the healthiest skin possible. From understanding why it’s important to wear sunscreen to the best products for sensitivity, this guide will provide you with the essential tips for healthier skin. With the right skincare routine, you can enjoy a complexion that is both comfortable and beautiful.
Why is skincare important for nonbinary and transgender people?
For many people, skincare is a simple task that they perform as part of their daily routine. However, for nonbinary and transgender people, it is essential to properly care for your skin. Healthy skin is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for practical ones. If you are prone to acne, eczema, or psoriasis, your skin may become inflamed and irritated. This can result in painful, unsightly bumps or lesions. If you wear a binder, packer, gaff, or other gender-affirming undergarments, your sensitive skin may get even more irritated.
With the right skincare routine, you can reduce your risk of these issues and enjoy a healthy complexion. Not only does skincare help prevent acne and other issues, but it can also ensure that your hormones have a healthy effect on your skin. This is especially important if you are taking gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, also sometimes called HRT or hormone replacement therapy), as these hormones might change your skin texture or tone. By taking steps to soften the impact of gender-affirming hormones, you can prevent issues such as acne, dryness, and thinning of the skin.
The importance of sunscreen
When it comes to skincare, the most important step you take is probably applying sunscreen. Not only does sunscreen help prevent skin damage, but it can also prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. In fact, the earlier you start using sunscreen, the better. Once you turn 30, your skin begins to age at a much faster rate.
While sunscreen is important for everyone, it is especially important for nonbinary and transgender people. This is due to the fact that hormone therapy can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun’s damaging rays. As such, sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine for people taking GAHT.
Keep in mind that most sunscreens are not designed to be used by people with sensitive skin. As such, it is important to find a product that is specifically tailored to your needs and experiment with more than one type of sunscreen to figure out what works best.
Tips for moisturizing properly
Applying sunscreen is important, but it is just as important to moisturize your skin. This is especially true if you are on estrogen GAHT, as these hormones can cause your skin to become dry and flaky. Moisturizing can help reduce the negative impact of these hormones while also providing your skin with the hydration it needs to stay healthy.
With that said, not all moisturizers are created equal. Therefore, it is important to choose a product that is tailored to your specific skin type—especially if you have sensitive skin. This can include using a non-fragranced moisturizer and steering clear of scented products. Additionally, moisturizing on a regular basis is the most effective way to keep your skin hydrated.
Make sure to moisturize both your face and your body to keep your skin looking its best. It is also a good idea to invest in a pair of gloves, as this will allow you to moisturize your hands without having to touch your sensitive skin directly.
Dealing with sensitivity
As discussed above, nonbinary and transgender people may experience skin sensitivity as a result of hormone therapy. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to combat the negative effects of skin sensitivity. For example, you can try to moisturize your skin more often. In addition to preventing dryness, this can also help protect your skin from the elements.
Another option is to use gentle cleansers, as harsh soaps can irritate your skin and make your condition worse. If you are experiencing extreme sensitivity, you may want to try using a soothing oatmeal or aloe vera-based cleanser. In those cases, you might also consider wearing gloves when washing dishes or using the computer keyboard. Words can’t describe how important those actions are to protect your skin from the environment.
Finding the right skincare products
When selecting skincare products, it is important to find ones that are tailored to your specific needs. This means finding products that are appropriate for your skin type, as well as your sensitivity. For example, you may want to select an oil-free moisturizer or a cleanser designed for sensitive skin.
Alternatively, you could also try using natural ingredients such as aloe vera or coconut oil. Keep in mind that some ingredients may not be suitable for everyone, including nonbinary and transgender people of all complexion types. For example, many skincare products contain retinol, which may not be suitable for people on GAHT. In fact, retinol can actually increase the negative effects of hormone therapy. As such, it may be better to choose a skincare product that does not contain retinol.
Eating for healthy skin
While skincare products can help to protect and moisturize your skin, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet. Your diet can greatly affect the health of your skin, and thus it is important to eat a variety of nutritious foods. For example, Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that can help to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. It also provides your skin with the hydration it needs to remain healthy.
Similarly, foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and prevent acne. If you are unsure about which foods are best for your skin, you can visit a dermatologist for some advice. They will be able to recommend a diet that is tailored to your skin’s specific needs.
Understanding hormones and their effect on skin
Many nonbinary and transgender people choose to use gender-affirming hormones as part of their general health and gender transition needs. Hormone therapy can significantly affect your skin, especially if you are taking estrogen. For example, your skin may become more sensitive to the sun, which could lead to an increased risk of sunburn. In addition, your skin may also become drier, and you may notice a reduction in your skin’s elasticity.
Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can reduce the negative effect of hormone therapy on your skin. For example, you can use a moisturizer that is rich in hyaluronic acid. This can help to prevent your skin from becoming drier. In addition, you can try to wear sunscreen in the daytime to help prevent sun damage.
Natural remedies for skincare
Many nonbinary and transgender people also enjoy using natural remedies for skincare. There are several herbs and plants that can be used to improve the appearance of your skin. For example, aloe vera can be used to reduce the redness caused by acne, as well as other skin irritations.
Similarly, honey can be used as a natural cleanser that can fight acne and prevent skin damage due to the sun. There are also several other natural remedies that can be used to improve the appearance of your skin. Keep in mind that these remedies may have limited effects, so it is best to use them in conjunction with a skincare routine.
DIY skincare treatments
In addition to using skincare products and natural remedies, you can also create your own skincare treatments using items from your home. For example, you can mix baking soda with coconut oil to create an exfoliating scrub. You can also create a homemade face mask using ingredients such as honey, oats, and milk. These DIY skincare treatments can be great alternatives to buying expensive products. You can even gift them to your friends and family members who want to take good care of their skin.
Setting up a regular skincare routine
After reading all of these skincare tips and tricks, you may be ready to implement a new skincare routine. However, it is important to note that it can take several weeks for new skincare products to fully work. It is important not to get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Instead, you should set up a regular skincare routine that you can stick to. This can help you to create a skincare routine that is best for you.
