In a woman’s life, major hormonal milestones most visibly influence skin: pregnancy/postpartum and perimenopause/menopause. Though these stages may be decades apart, both feature profound hormonal shifts that drive inflammation, collagen synthesis, hydration, circulation, and barrier function.Many women perceive sudden or unexplained skin changes that are actually foreseeable physiological effects of these hormonal transitions. Knowing the science behind them enables a strategic, not impulsive, approach to skincare and treatments.