Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced and secreted by many glands in the body. They help to regulate physiological processes such as metabolism, the reproductive system, growth and skin. Hormones influence the skin by controlling things like oil production, inflammation and collagen production.
The different hormones that regulate the impact on skin health include:
High androgens: An increase in androgen hormones such as testosterone or DHEAS causes excess oil production and creates changes to the pores which creates more cystic like pimples.
Low progesterone: This is a female hormone that is made after women ovulate. It’s necessary to balance out the effect of testosterone on the skin. Therefore, low progesterone means that testosterone can seep through, causing your skin to be more sensitive to its effects.
High-stress hormones: Cortisol, our main stress hormone, is released in response to everyday small stresses. Over time, increased cortisol can suppress female hormones because the body deems it unsafe. This suppression of estrogen and progesterone then allows androgens to dominate, causing acne.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): These two hormones help develop follicles in the ovaries and assist with ovulation. If there is too much LH compared to FSH then it can cause too many follicles to develop but not ovulate. This throws out the balance of other hormones and can trigger increased testosterone production.
The Role of Estrogen in Skin Conditions
Estrogen is essential for maintaining healthy skin by promoting collagen production, which helps maintain hydration, firmness, and elasticity. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin structure and strength. Estrogen stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production, and enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture, keeping it plump and smooth.
During menopause, estrogen levels decline, leading to a decrease in collagen production. As a result, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This loss of collagen contributes to the development of wrinkles and sagging. The decline in estrogen’s protective effects accelerates the visible signs of aging, making the skin more vulnerable to dryness and aging. Without sufficient estrogen, the skin struggles to maintain moisture and structural integrity, speeding up the aging process.
Testosterone and Its Impact on Skin
Testosterone is an androgen hormone that can increase sebum levels in your follicles, leading to blocked pores which creates acne. When sebum levels increase, bacteria can become trapped in your follicles and result in inflammation, pimples, and cystic acne.
High production of testosterone can result in individuals gaining pimples on their cheeks, jawline and neck. High testosterone is more prevalent in women suffering from PCOS. Having this imbalance will continuously affect the skin as well as the production of other hormones like progesterone and estrogen.
Cortisol: The Stress Hormone and Skin Issues
Elevated cortisol can increase sebum production (oily substance) by stimulating the sebaceous glands in the skin. This excessive oil can clog pores, leading to acne. Cortisol also promotes inflammation, which can trigger inflammation, and worsening acne, which will slow down cellular turnover. This makes it harder for the skin to heal itself.
Thyroid Hormones and Their Effects on Skin
Thyroid hormones are essential for maintaining skin health, hydration and texture. Hypo and hyper-thyroidism contribute overall to the appearance of hair, skin and nails.
T3 (triiodothyronine) is the active form of the thyroid hormone. T3 not only affects metabolism, but it promotes the thickening of the outer layer of the skin. Low levels of T3 have been known to affect cell turnover which contributes to brittleness of nails and hair thinning.
On the other hand, high T3 levels are caused by a variety of factors. High cortisol is one part of the puzzle that affects T3. In some cases, high T3 levels are caused by high cortisol levels, which can cause dryness of the skin, hair loss and slow skin cell turnover.
Insulin’s Influence on Skin Health
Insulin regulates blood sugar levels. Elevated insulin or insulin resistance can trigger skin problems like acne and acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin patches). Maintaining a balanced diet with minimal processed sugars can help stabilise insulin levels. The best and most researched diet for overall skin health and to balance insulin is the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet consists of more diverse foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, proteins and healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and cheese.
Regular exercise and staying hydrated also promote clearer, healthier skin.
Hormonal Changes During Menstruation and Pregnancy
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly a rise in androgens and estrogen, can cause increased oil production, leading to acne flare-ups, especially around the chin and jawline.
During pregnancy, hormonal shifts can result in melasma, causing dark spots on the face due to excess melanin. To manage these skin changes, opt for gentle, safe skincare products. For melasma, avoid harsh treatments like chemical peels and instead use mineral-based sunscreens to protect the skin from further pigmentation.
Natural sunscreen brands that are safe and beneficial include:
– Wotnot
– Ethical Zinc
– INIKA
– MooGoo
Aging and Hormonal Changes Affecting the Skin
As we age, a shift in hormone levels, especially estrogen and testosterone, can impact skin elasticity, texture, and hydration. These changes lead to a decline in collagen production and slower cell turnover, contributing to sagging and dryness. To combat these effects and keep the skin glowing, incorporate antioxidants to accelerate cell renewal and fight off free radical damage. Together, they help boost the skin’s resilience, improve texture, and restore a youthful, radiant glow.
Skincare Routines for Hormonal Balance
To support hormonal balance in your skincare routine, start with a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils. Exfoliating once per week at its maximum helps to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliating more than once per week causes to strip away the natural oils in the pores too much. While hydration keeps the skin nourished.
For acne-prone skin, incorporate salicylic acid to unclog pores, while hyaluronic acid is great for combating dryness. Calming ingredients like chamomile, calendula, gotu kola and aloe vera can soothe sensitive skin. Consistent care with these ingredients helps maintain balanced, healthy skin, addressing hormonal-related issues effectively.
When to Seek Professional Help for Hormonal Skin Issues
Chronic or severe skin problems, like continuous rashes, or excessive dryness and irritation may signal other underlying imbalances and often require a consultation with a dermatologist or endocrinologist.
If your skin is significantly impacting your well-being or daily life, it’s important to seek professional advice to identify the root cause and receive appropriate treatment. Underlying problems like hormonal imbalances as well as gut imbalances play a big role in our skin.
Addressing the root cause with expert care can help improve both your skin and overall health. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalised guidance and effective solutions.
Empowering Skin Health Through Hormonal Awareness
Overall, your hormones play a significant role in skin health. They influence everything from oil production and hydration to inflammation and breakouts. Fluctuations in hormones, during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can lead to changes in the skin’s appearance and condition. To manage these effects, it’s important to take a proactive approach in your skincare routine, choosing products that support your skin’s unique needs and addressing any concerns that arise.
It is imperative to understand the impact of hormones on your skin, which can help you make more informed choices and promote healthier, more balanced skin over time.
Here at the Happy and Healthy Wellbeing Centre, we offer services to support clients dealing with hormonal acne, gut health issues, and more. We look into treating the root cause and providing clients with the best personalised plan for them. Not all supplements, diets, and skincare solutions are one-size-fits-all, so ensuring you receive the right personalised care is important.
Our services include:
– 30-minute express appointments for acne and gut health
– 60-minute initial appointment for more than one condition
We provide face-to-face sessions as well as online Zoom consultations. We see clients from all over the world and have successfully helped thousands clear their skin and improve their overall lifestyle and we can help you too.
To get our help, book in with one of our expert Naturopaths, Hayden Keys and Bianca Rezo by contacting us or booking online.
