QT Style Matters is a project to connect transgender, queer, and gender non-conforming individuals with resources, education, and deomonstrations for things such as: Styling tips, Hair types, Choosing appropriate fashion for their body type, size, and gender presentation, Hygiene, Skin care regimens, Make-up application, and Skin/Hair type variances that could effect skin care practices.
QT Style Matters
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TRANSGENDER
SKIN CARE:
A Guide For Addressing Dermatological Issues in Transgender Patients
As trans men and women continue to overcome more and more cultural and bias-related hurdles that directly affect quality and accessibility of healthcare, they also continue to encounter unique and, to a large extent, lesser-discussed issues that can impact health, quality of life and desired treatment outcomes; one of these issues is certain skin-care issues that emerge through hormone replacement therapy and other transitioning interventions and facilitators.
Hormone therapies and gender-affirming procedures can affect the skin and change the prevalence and presentation of routine skin conditions.
Understanding the dermatological issues faced by trans men and women, how they manifest, as well as the everyday and long-term remedies to manage them, can help improve health outcomes, quality of life and confidence for patients in this community.
A Few Skin Care Issues that Trans Men and Women Experience
The gender transition process can lead to multiple dermatological issues, based on the nature of the hormone therapy process and more.
Some of the primary skin care issues that trans men and women face include, but are not limited to:
-Acne Vulgaris (AV) – AV is a common side effect of testosterone therapy
-Unwanted Hair Loss and Hair Growth -Pigmentation Issues
-Lichen Sclerosus
Unfortunately, there is evidence to suggest that the trans community may be at increased risk for HIV, common symptoms of which can be skin conditions like psoriasis, folliculitis, condylomas, seborrheic dermatitis, and dry skin. These conditions should be addressed with the help of your dermatologist for the best possible long-term management and to mitigate other potential health problems.
In addition to the potential long-term health with dermatological issues in trans patients, these conditions and symptoms can entrench and elevate body dysmorphia and exacerbate other mental health issues commonly found in trans patients. Therefore, it is important for clinicians caring for transgender persons should recognize and address common dermatologic conditions relevant to gender-affirming treatments.
Testosterone Therapy
Acne Treatment
Electrolysis
Bias-Related Hurdles
HRT Skin Related Effects
Skin Care Issues
Everyday Skin Care Practices for Trans Men & Trans Women
Everyday Skin Care for Trans Women For trans women, certain lifestyle practices can make daily skin care easier, such as quitting smoking/vaping, cutting back on alcohol, using sunscreen, proper diet and exercise, to name a few.
Avoid using cheap products or relying solely on social media influencers to guide you in your product decision making.
Talk to your doctor about developing a daily skin care routine with which you’re completely comfortable.
Make sure you research whatever make-up you’re considering and gauge its potential impact on your skin.
Other things to consider include:
It’s best to complete facial hair removal as early as possible in the gender reassignment process, as delaying it can damage collagen and skin cells.
Use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s) to unclog pores and moisturize skin.
Finally, it’s important to realize that each person’s skin pigment, texture and sensitivity threshold is different, and what works for others may not be the right option for you.
If you or someone you care about is considering hormone therapy or surgical intervention, make sure to work with a doctor who understands the physical and psychological implications of the changes you’re going to experience. Good luck!
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