How Your Hormones Affect Your Skin

The Problem: Sun Sensitivity When You're on the Pill

The Cause: Birth control pills trick your body into thinking it's pregnant by raising estrogen levels. This increases melanin production, making skin more susceptible to sun-induced dark spots, says Dr. Alpert Levine.

The Rx: Laser resurfacing at a doctor's office evens skin tone and helps erase those spots. It's pricey (treatments start around $400), but most women see results after one session. Use sunscreen, and try a serum like Lancome Bright Expert Intense Brightening Spot Correcting Serum, $90, lancome.com; the vitamin C in it lightens dark areas.