Raging Hormones

PREGNANT? PREMENSTRUAL? MENOPAUSAL? You may generally keep your hormonal status to yourself, but it's vital that you share it with your aesthetician or massage therapist. "Hormones have a lot of influence over the skin," says Annet King, worldwide training and development manager for skincare company Dermalogica. "When you experience hormonal fluctuations it's like going through puberty again."

Although the intricate balance of hormones and glands King describes would take a science degree to figure out, the gist is that people going through hormonal changes are at risk for acne, hyperpigmentation, excessive dryness and oversensitivity. "The reason the skin feels more sensitive is because of the water retention, which can cause pressure on the nerve endings," King says. "So getting your legs waxed, a firm pressure message, your eyebrows tweezed or waxed - it all suddenly feels more painful."

Thus, a full disclosure is in order. Also, tell your therapist if you are taking birth control pills, antibiotics, diet drugs, Retin A, Adapalene or Renova since they can increase the skin's sensitivity.

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