SMARTER SKIN CARE
Understanding Hormones
Understanding the Effects of Hormones on Skin Health
What are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands. They travel through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues, affecting many physiological processes like growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. Hormones interact with specific receptors on cells, leading to changes in gene expression, enzyme activity, and other cellular functions.
Hormones and Skin Health
Several hormones significantly influence skin health. Here are some key hormones and their effects:
• Estrogen:
Maintains skin thickness, collagen production, and moisture. As estrogen levels decline with age, skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic.
• Testosterone:
While primarily produced in men, women also have small amounts. Testosterone stimulates sebum production, leading to acne and oily skin.
• Progesterone:
Increases oil production, potentially causing acne and oily skin.
• Cortisol:
Produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, high cortisol levels can cause inflammation, worsening skin conditions like acne and eczema.
• Thyroid Hormones:
Affect skin moisture and hair growth. Low levels (hypothyroidism) can lead to dry, thinning skin and hair loss, while high levels (hyperthyroidism) can cause oily skin and hair.
• Growth Hormone:
Essential for collagen production and skin thickness. Declining levels with age lead to thinner, less elastic skin.
Women’s Hormones and Skin Health
Hormonal changes during different life stages significantly impact women's skin. Here’s how:
• Menstrual Cycle:
Hormone levels fluctuate, affecting the skin. Higher estrogen levels in the first half can result in clearer skin, while increased progesterone in the second half can cause oilier skin and acne. A consistent skincare routine helps manage these changes.
• Pregnancy:
Elevated estrogen and progesterone levels cause various skin changes, such as darkening, stretch marks, acne, and increased sensitivity. Use gentle, pregnancy-safe products and consult with a healthcare provider before starting new treatments.
• Post-pregnancy:
Hormone levels fluctuate as the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state, causing dryness, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Continue a gentle skincare routine and use products safe for breastfeeding.
• Menopause:
Decreasing estrogen levels cause dryness, thinning skin, wrinkles, and age spots. Use hydrating and nourishing skincare products and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, hydration, and adequate sleep, also supports skin health.
Effects of the Stress Hormone Cortisol
Cortisol, produced in response to stress, can negatively impact the skin:
1. Acne: Increased cortisol stimulates sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil and acne.
2. Skin Inflammation: Prolonged stress disrupts cortisol balance, increasing inflammation and worsening conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
3. Impaired Skin Barrier: Chronic stress compromises the skin’s barrier, causing dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.
4. Slower Wound Healing: High cortisol levels slow skin cell formation and collagen production, delaying wound healing.
Effective stress management, including relaxation techniques, regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and professional support, can help reduce stress and its impact on the skin.
Teenage Hormones and Skin Health
Hormones significantly impact teenagers' skin, often causing acne due to increased oil production from androgens (male hormones). Here’s how different hormones affect teenage skin:
• Progesterone: Regulates sleep, immunity, and brain function.
• Estrogen: Supports collagen production, keeping skin plump and wrinkle-free.
• Testosterone: Regulates oil glands and hair growth.
• DHEA: Protects against oxidative stress, important for preventing skin aging.
• Human Growth Hormone: Supports skin elasticity and muscle.
During prepubescence (ages 9-12), hormones start affecting the skin with minor blackheads. By age 13 and beyond, hormonal changes can cause significant skin changes, often resulting in acne.
Boys typically experience more severe acne due to higher testosterone levels, which overstimulate sebaceous glands. Girls may have fewer breakouts during their teen years but often continue to experience acne due to monthly hormonal fluctuations (also refer to menstrual cycle in women's hormones and skin health point above).
Maintaining Healthy Skin
To maintain healthy skin, it is important to:
• Hydrate:
Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated.
• Protect:
Use sunscreen to protect against UV radiation and avoid excessive exposure to environmental pollutants.
• Nourish:
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support skin health.
• Cleanse:
Use gentle cleansers to remove dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
• Antioxidants:
Use products with a blend of antioxidants to protect against environmental damage.
• Barrier-replenishing ingredients:
Ceramides, niacinamide, and omega fatty acids help maintain a smooth, soft, radiant, and even skin surface.
Understanding the relationship between hormones and skin health, can help you manage and improve your skin’s appearance. Whether you're dealing with teenage acne, pregnancy-related skin changes, or menopausal dryness, maintaining a consistent skincare routine and healthy lifestyle is key. If you have specific concerns, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
“With Serum Laboratory, you can trust that every product you use has been scentifically formulated, ensuring you achieve the best skin of your life”.
Madaline,
Founder of High Performance Skin Care
- Serum Labratory.
Our Philosophy
We understand the impact that skin health and appearance can have on peoples lives and empathise deeply with the needs and desires of human beings to feel confident, empowered, more youthful, seen and accepted.
The reason Serum Laboratory was founded was to have a significant impact in the world of skin care and skin nutrition.
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