Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So, this is a very serious question for anyone who's dated a trans girl (read: after HRT and possibly transition but not necessarily after transition) and has also dated a cis girl.  It has been something i've had on my mind for a while during this whole new part of my life I am discovering and it worries me.  Is there a difference in skin feel?  What I mean is...I have felt cis girls and cis men skin and there is a tangible difference.  Even in cis girls that I know that don't use moisturizers or lotions or anything.  Cis men tend to have a "harder" skin, kinda thicker or tougher, vs a cis woman's skin which feels usually very silky and delicate and soft.

I am worried about this because when (and if) I come out to my girlfriend, if I have to return to the dating pool eventually, I am worried someone as tactile as myself may notice.  I'm not planning on being deceptive by any means, but it worries me that if I find someone who does accept me, I don't want there to be any doubts, any signs.  I want them, and myself to have as authentic experience as possible.  I realize I am getting wayyy ahead of myself here, and I realize a lot of this has to do with mindset of myself and partner, but I'm just curious. 

By the time I was two months on HRT, my skin had totally changed.  It is much softer and smoother than it was before.  I don't think you have anything to worry about.

There is no tangible difference. I've never dated a trans woman, but I am one and have dated lots of cis women (n = 1).   The skin adjusts as hormones do their thing.  I had decent skin even as a guy though.  There are plenty of women out there with rough skin, particularly the ones who don't take care of it.  My wife's skin is always dry and scratchy.  She is kind of jealous about it.  I think you are worrying too much about it at such an early stage.  However, it's never to early to start a skin care regimen.

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I don't think there is a difference my boyfriend always complement me about how soft my skin is. It did change with hrt within a couple of months. If I feel my skin against his my skin is very soft and smooth.

Wonderful!  Thank you ladies!  Fear assuaged.

 Hi Ilyria,

   The University of California, San Francisco  has good reference information posted on their Transgender Care pages.       

From their page on what to expect;

"The first changes you will probably notice are that your skin will become a bit drier and thinner. Your pores will become smaller and there will be less oil production. You may become more prone to bruising or cuts and in the first few weeks you'll notice that the odors of your sweat and urine will change. It's also likely that you'll sweat less."

Their link is:
https://transcare.ucsf.edu/article/information-estrogen-hormone-therapy

Hugs,
   Laurie ( yeah it's pronounced Jeanette )

Yep, rest assured, skin changes!

Mine too is very changed, so soft now (and prone to bruises and scrapes of course too). I love the skin changes i have seen.