Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through your bloodstream to various body organs, coordinating different functions. These functions include growth and development, mood regulation, thirst and hunger, reproduction, and even skin improvement. Yes, hormones play a crucial part in your skin’s appearance. That is, they contribute to making the skin stay fresh, plump, and healthy. Below we have highlighted 4 hormones that contribute to your skin appearance, including the various roles they play.
1. Estrogen
When you hear the term “estrogen,” what comes to mind? Women, right? Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but estrogen isn’t only present in women; males also have this hormone. In the former, estrogen is produced by the ovaries, and it contributes to the skin’s appearance. It improves collagen levels, reduces pore size, and stabilizes moisture levels so that the skin is attractive and healthy. However, as women clock 40, their estrogen levels plummet, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and appear thinner. The results? Crow’s feet, face wrinkles, and sagging skin.
2. Cortisol
Ever noticed how your skin appears pale after spending the whole night on a big gig? Cortisol, the stress hormone, is to be blamed for that. This hormone is produced as a natural reaction to stress—that is, it helps your body handle stress. Basically, when you stress yourself too much, your body produces more cortisol, which is good, right? No! Excess cortisol isn’t good for the skin. It can result in a pimple breakout and cause it to appear pale.
3. Testosterone
Testosterone is common among males but is present in females, too. It helps with the growth, reproduction, and maintenance of a healthy body. Plus, testosterone also helps trigger sebum production, ensuring that the skin is naturally moisturized. While sebum production is good for the skin, too much can result in oily skin, blocked pores, and acne. This is a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome, where testosterone production can become excessive. We recommend conducting easy testosterone blood tests to know your testosterone levels. Males are required to do this test if they have issues with fertility or are experiencing low sex drive.
4. Melatonin
Ever heard of beauty sleep? Beauty sleep refers to how our skin heals itself from damage when we fall asleep. The healing process is usually carried out by some growth hormones produced while asleep. Yes, as you have guessed, melatonin is one of them. Regarded as a vampire hormone, melatonin is often produced at night, and it is reduced when the day breaks. This hormone is widely known as a strong antioxidant thanks to its ability to neutralize free radical damage and reverse the signs of aging.
How to tackle hormone changes?
Your hormone levels are bound to increase and decrease at different phases of your life. Normally, these fluctuations result in natural reactions that aren’t too severe and will, most times, subside. Of course, some supplements claim to increase or decrease some hormones in the body. While we can’t vouch for such supplements or rule them out, our candid advice is that you do your research as some of them are ineffective or, worse, fake.
Should you discover that your hormone imbalance is affecting your day-to-day activities, ensure you contact your doctor. There are some medical techniques that may be of help. Also, if you believe your hormone imbalance results from underlying medical issues, reach out to your doctor.
How do you manage the effects of hormones on your skin health?
Are you experiencing the effects of fluctuating hormone levels on your skin? You can stop or reverse the effects with hormone therapy. However, there is also a way to activate the skin’s natural healing mechanism and improve your skin health without messing with your hormone levels.
If your fluctuating hormone levels result from your adult-onset acne, a dermatologist may advise you to use topical retinoids. However, should you follow this advice, ensure you don’t apply too much, as doing so won’t give you quick results or improve it.
Applying excess retinoids may make your skin appear brittle, resulting in more clogged pores and breakouts. Instead of applying retinoids, you can consider intense pulsed light acne treatments. These treatments help fight current breakouts and also prevent future ones. The results? A smoother, finer, and healthy skin.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
