The effect of hormones on facial skin (English)

Many of us have heard the expression about hormonal balance or imbalance. The importance of hormones is difficult to overestimate. Disruption of the endocrine system immediately affects health, well-being, skin and figure. The condition of the skin is significantly influenced by hormones: estrogen, progesterone, insulin, testosterone, thyroid hormones. Very often, the condition of a woman’s skin is a mirror of her hormonal balance.

What hormones affect the skin

Estrogen. This hormone is called female. It stimulates cell regeneration and the production of elastin and collagen. Estrogen slows down the rate of hair growth and maintains normal activity of the sebaceous glands. Estrogen reduces the level of hyaluronidase, which destroys hyaluronic acid.
Progesterone. The hormone is considered estrogen's "best friend." It solves the problem of puffiness and suppresses inflammation, maintains skin elasticity and the functioning of the nervous system.
Testosterone. A woman's body produces small amounts of testosterone. This hormone is very useful for the skin, as it promotes its renewal. However, in large quantities, testosterone leads to strong activity of the sebaceous glands and rapid hair growth.
Cortisol. Stress hormones in excess amounts inhibit protein synthesis, reduce immune defenses, and interfere with the maintenance of strong bones. This hormone is undesirable in our body. However, it is triggered on its own as a result of stress.

Hormonal imbalance

Skin problems can be caused by hormonal imbalance, regardless of its type.

Women aged 35 to 50 years old face the problem of estrogen dominance and low progesterone levels. Such hormonal changes can be caused by stress, aging, exposure to toxins, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Hormone imbalance is manifested by the following symptoms:

bloating;
PMS;
soreness of the mammary glands;
weight gain;
endometriosis.

During menopause in women, the level of female sex hormones decreases sharply, but the amount of testosterone is relatively high. This combination of hormones can lead to acne, baldness, and increased facial hair growth.

The condition of the skin is affected by low levels of thyroid hormones. This imbalance causes the following symptoms in women:

peeling and itching of the skin;
dry skin, which contributes to the appearance of wrinkles;
swelling of the face;
hair thinning;
weight gain;
deterioration of the nails.

Hormonal imbalance in women can occur for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, one of the serious reasons is the modern lifestyle, saturated with a polluted environment, stress, toxic influences, lack of physical activity and poor nutrition. This means that almost every second woman between 35 and 50 years old suffers from hormonal imbalance.

Menopause, hormone imbalances and skin conditions

Typical problems appear in women during the menopausal and perimenopausal periods. This is due to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. In this case, the following characteristics are observed:

The rate of cell renewal decreases, the skin becomes rough.
Blood vessels become fragile.
Immune defense decreases.

4.Skin sensitivity increases.

5. The synthesis of hyaluronic acid becomes lower.

The skin becomes noticeably dry.
Collagen production levels are reduced by 30%.
The skin becomes flabby.

An imbalance of progesterone, testosterone and estrogen during menopause leads to increased sebum production. During this period, women often experience pimples, acne, comedones and age spots.

Methods for treating hormonal imbalance

The problem of hormonal imbalance in women is quite common. To treat this phenomenon, the doctor conducts a series of tests and other diagnostics to determine the hormone whose level is outside the normal range. The problem of hormonal imbalance is solved individually for each person, based on the characteristics and causes of hormonal imbalance.

After making a diagnosis, the doctor selects a course of treatment, which depends on the cause of hormonal disorders. Treatment procedures include the following:

Special diet.
Taking hormonal drugs.
Physical exercise.
Surgical intervention if necessary.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for imbalances. If you notice signs of hormonal imbalances, it is recommended to consult a specialist. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.

The beauty and health of a woman are largely determined by hormonal balance.

Types and effects of hormones

ADRENALIN makes you feel full of energy. Known as the "fight or flight" hormone. Produced by the adrenal glands in stressful situations. The adrenal glands are supposed to release this hormone only sporadically, but modern, stressful lifestyles cause adrenaline to be produced regularly, causing the adrenal glands to become exhausted. Then the lack of adrenaline will be compensated by the overproduction of cortisol and testosterone.

CORTISOL – a hormone that is always present and leads back to adrenaline. Cortisol increases the acuity of all senses and makes you ready for “fight or flight” and has an inflammatory effect on the body.

SEROTONIN – hormone of happiness. Helps you feel calm and relaxed and regulate your appetite. To ensure a sufficient amount of serotonin in the body, it is necessary to get enough sleep, since it is during sleep that this hormone is produced. So if your client doesn't get enough sleep due to stress or hot flashes at night, they will suffer from a lack of serotonin. Low serotonin levels also lead to a lack of melatonin.

MELATONIN works “hand in hand” with serotonin and allows you to sleep peacefully at night. Good sleep allows you to wake up with a sufficient supply of adrenaline and serotonin.

INSULIN responsible for sugar levels.

If the adrenaline supply is depleted, the person begins to act on cortisol, and the skin then becomes inflamed. You can forget about deep sleep - melatonin and serotonin will be at different levels, which means you will feel tired, exhausted and lethargic. In this case, most likely, a burst of energy will help, which will stimulate the production of insulin, which will lead to stress relief and activation of the adrenal glands.

This is how the hormonal “carousel” starts. These hormones will bind to reproductive hormones present in the body,

Reproductive hormones

Hormones, as you know, are chemical “messengers” that have a specific effect on certain cells of the body. They enter the bloodstream, through which they are delivered to various parts of the body. But they only affect those cells that have a specific unique structure specifically for this type of hormone. Therefore, hormones have an effect only if they enter the correct receptor. The skin has several types of receptors for different hormones:

ESTROGENIC HORMONES of female action;
ANDROGENIC HORMONES of male action;
PROGESTERONE is a precursor of androgens and estrogens. Has a regulatory effect.

How do hormones affect the skin?

ESTROGEN:

Stimulates cell growth and turnover.
Reduces the size and activity of the sebaceous glands.
Makes sebaceous secretions less viscous.
Increases fat reserves.
Retains fluid in the body.
Disturbs blood sugar levels.
Leads to a decrease in zinc.
Reduces the supply of oxygen to cells.
Stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid.
Leaves skin texture softer and calmer.

The effect of estrogen on women's skin is obvious. The regulating effect on the sebaceous glands means that a woman’s skin will be much less oily than a man’s. Estrogen also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, which not only keeps the skin soft and smooth, but also achieves optimal moisture levels. Estrogen production changes over the course of life. At the same time, our skin also changes.

ANDROGENS:

Increases the number of cells in the basal layer.
Increases the activity of the sebaceous glands.
Increases the viscosity of sebum.
Stimulates collagen production.
Increases hair growth.

The behavior of the sebaceous glands is regulated by hormones. Men have higher levels of androgenic hormones than women - this can be seen if you compare the skin of different sexes. Because androgens increase the viscosity of sebum, men's skin is oilier and their pores are enlarged. Androgens stimulate fibroblast cells to produce collagen, resulting in thicker, firmer skin.

PROGESTERONES:

They interfere with the functioning of estrogen receptors.
Provide cells with oxygen, thus strengthening the skin.
Stabilizes sugar levels.
Normalize the content of zinc and copper.

Taking into account all the effects described above, let's take a look at the different conditions of our skin according to the periods of hormonal changes.

Pimples (acne) and hormones

This effect is one of the most undesirable. Its grade can vary from one pimple to huge cystic acne (grades 1-5).

Acne is the result of poor quality sebum, extreme thickening of the stratum corneum, disruption of skin microflora or inflammation. We know that androgens affect two of these factors, increasing the rate of basal cell turnover (skin thickening, congestion) and sebum viscosity (food for bacteria, inflammation).

This leads us to believe that everyone who suffers from acne has high levels of androgen in their blood. However, it is not. The issue is complicated by the fact that we must take into account the following fact: the ovaries and adrenal glands produce only 50% of the total amount of androgens in the body. The remaining half is produced directly in the skin, and the skin can also convert already produced androgens into a more potent form. But how?

The lower part of the sebaceous gland contains an enzyme that is especially sensitive to androgens. 5A reductase enzyme converts androgens into a very powerful testosterone called dehydrotestosterone. It increases the viscosity of sebum. To treat such skin, it is necessary to find an ingredient that will regulate the activity of sebocytes (sebaceous gland cells), such as vitamin A in the forms of retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate and in a dosage high enough to achieve results.

Premenstrual acne

During the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen dominates and controls the sebaceous glands. After ovulation, progesterone begins to dominate, and estrogen returns to its normal effect on the glands. Androgens help mask the effects of estrogen by thickening the skin and making the secretions of the sebaceous glands more viscous.

And this in turn leads to inflammation and acne. If your client suffers from this, the diagnosis is obvious - cutaneous estrogen deficiency. Treatment requires an ingredient that stimulates the production of phytoestrogens and adaptogens, which help cells recognize these substances.

Menopause

Hormonal changes during menopause occur slowly unless they are caused by surgery. Menstruation becomes irregular, ovulation decreases until it completely disappears. Many interesting things happen at this time. Progesterone stops being produced because there is no more ovulation. The ovaries reduce estrogen production. Androgens continue to be produced at the same level.

Thus, the influence of testosterone becomes more obvious. Unopposed testosterone causes hair growth and acne (as well as changes in body shape). Lack of estrogen causes a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, which means the skin becomes thinner and almost unable to remain hydrated.

Remembering that estrogen is no longer produced by the ovaries and that there are receptors in the skin that are supposed to accept estrogen, we can conclude that an ingredient that stimulates the production of phytoestrogens is needed. In this case, you will notice improvements within a few days.

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And how to recognize problems with each of them

Text: Kristina Ivanova

Hormones regulate almost all processes in the human body. Each of them can have several functions, and they interact with each other through complex algorithms. A disruption in the synthesis of just one hormone can lead to a whole cascade of health problems - and hormonal imbalances also affect the skin. They can manifest themselves in different ways: as acne, dryness, flaking or too early loss of elasticity.

In order for your skin to feel good, you should monitor not the level of a specific hormone, but the overall hormonal balance, under the supervision of a competent and trustworthy doctor. Irina Vyatkina, Candidate of Medical Sciences, gynecologist-endocrinologist at the Marina Ryabus Clinic, told us about which hormones and how they affect the condition of the skin.

Androgens

Testosterone and its derivatives are usually called male hormones - but in fact, everyone has both androgens and “female” estrogens, and only their quantity differs. Androgens stimulate connective tissue cells that produce collagen, resulting in renewal of the deep layers of the skin and maintaining its elasticity.

Lack of androgens, including age-related, reduces the protective function of the skin and the rate of its renewal - it gradually loses elasticity and density, becomes drier and thinner. An excess of androgens - for example, in the last phase of the menstrual cycle, a few days before menstruation - causes increased activity of the sebaceous glands, which makes the skin oily and prone to rashes.

Estrogens

The average female phenotype depends on estrogens - for example, the tendency to accumulate fat on the hips and other features of the figure. Estrogens are involved in the renewal of skin and hair cells. At the normal speed of this process, the skin remains elastic and hydrated - and contracts well after sudden weight changes.

With an excess of estrogen, problems with blood vessels may appear (for example, varicose veins or vascular networks in the legs), and body weight may also increase sharply. Lack of estrogen in women can manifest as loss of strength, excessive and uncharacteristic hair growth, and decreased libido.

Progesterone

Every month, progesterone prepares the female body for pregnancy, and if pregnancy occurs, it helps to preserve and bear the child until the placenta takes over this function. The work of this hormone also affects the appearance: an increase in progesterone levels leads to fluid retention and swelling. In addition, the permeability of the vascular wall increases, and as a result the skin becomes more stretchable and prone to rashes, and the likelihood of pigmentation increases. An extra couple of kilograms shortly before menstruation is due to progesterone. Thanks to this hormone for all the favorite symptoms of PMS: irritability, short temper, touchiness, tearfulness and lethargy.

An increase in progesterone levels in the last phase of the menstrual cycle is normal. You can suspect that there is too much of it on other days if there is obvious stretchability of the skin, swelling, increased cellulite (this occurs due to fluid retention), mood swings, and hyperpigmentation. A lack of progesterone may be indicated by too long menstruation, brittle nails and hair.

Prolactin

This hormone is primarily responsible for the formation of breast milk and is actively synthesized during lactation - but its level can also increase in stressful situations and under emotional stress. Its excess provokes swelling, chest pain, and a tendency for the skin to become oily and rashes. A deficiency can lead to dry skin, headaches, and loss of strength. The only indirect benefit of prolactin for the skin is that it enhances the production of oxytocin.

Oxytocin

This hormone is responsible for feelings of tenderness and affection, and in the largest quantities it is produced under the influence of prolactin after childbirth - this explains the instant wave of love for the newborn that occurs in some women. Oxytocin increases local (on the surface of the skin) immunity and reduces the risk of rashes. This hormone utilizes glucose, namely sugar - the main food of pathogenic bacteria, and the less it is, the lower the risk of inflammation.

Melatonin

Feeling good and looking fresh is hardly possible without normal sleep, and melatonin is responsible for its quality. Its synthesis occurs at night, from approximately midnight to four in the morning, during sleep and only in complete darkness. Night owls who are not sleeping at this time need to monitor their melatonin levels especially carefully.

Melatonin neutralizes the destructive effects of oxidative processes - it binds free radicals that are formed during the oxidation of, for example, fats. Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of visual aging of the skin (loss of shine and elasticity), so the condition of the skin directly depends on the level of melatonin. The level of melatonin is closely related to the level of another important hormone - cortisol, and it is the smooth change in their concentrations that brings us from sleep to wakefulness when daylight hours come. If you sleep in the light, there is more cortisol in the body and less melatonin.

Cortisol

Cortisol is commonly called the stress hormone, but it is involved in all metabolic processes - in case of stress, it is responsible for the instant mobilization of the body. If cortisol is in excess, it has a truly destructive effect on us. For example, carbohydrate metabolism and insulin production depend on its level, and its excess can lead to a typical redistribution of fat in the body. At the same time, the face, neck, and upper shoulder girdle become very plump, and the legs and pelvis lose weight disproportionately.

When cortisol levels increase, acne and flaking appear, the skin becomes oily and thin, and the risk of hyperpigmentation increases. Damage takes longer to heal and leaves behind scars and age spots. In addition, cortisol causes swelling, makes hair brittle, and can lead to seborrhea and even hair loss.

The effect of hormones on facial skin (English)

The effect of hormones on facial skin