In a straightforward answer, no. However, hormonal changes that impact the skin can be brought on by specific life phases. You can control those changes by altering your diet and lifestyle. According to the Hormone Health Network, hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands that control the operation of numerous bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, sexual function and reproduction, and mood. Hormones produced by the thyroid, insulin, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are a few important hormones.
How do hormones affect the skin is a question I know many people ask themselves. So here is the answer.
“Hormones play a key role in skin health. We know this because certain hormonal disorders manifest themselves in the skin and hair, in addition to internally,” says S. Tyler Hollmig, MD, director of dermatologic surgery at UT Dell Medical School and Ascension Seton in Austin, Texas. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the three main hormones that can alter how our skin looks and feels. Each one has a very distinct function.
- The formation of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which keep the skin tight and lush, is stimulated by estrogen.
- Sebum or oil glands in the skin are stimulated by progesterone. It may make pores appear smaller and cause the skin to expand. Yet too much of it might cause an accumulation of oil.
- Similar to progesterone, testosterone causes the sebaceous glands to create oil when it is active, which is typical during menstruation. Sebaceous glands are microscopic glands found in your hair follicles that secrete sebum.
Over Time, Changing Hormones May Have An Impact On Your Skin.
Fluctuating hormones can cause skin changes and concerns. For example:
- Hormonal acne may be set off by puberty – When a woman’s ovaries become active during puberty, both estrogen and testosterone (which is not just a hormone for men) rise. Amounts of sebum are produced as a result of testosterone’s sensitivity to skin receptors, which might result in acne and for men may be worse due to their higher levels of testosterone.
- Melasma may be caused by pregnancy-related hormonal changes – Throughout pregnancy, skin changes vary widely among women. Melasma, a disorder that causes dark discoloration on the face, is one notable skin change. High levels of estrogen during pregnancy make skin more susceptible to the sun. Mary Jane Minkin, MD advises patients to look for shade and consistently use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to lower their risk of developing melasma.
- Skin structure may change during menopause – According to Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut., “menopause is associated with dryness everywhere, including your vagina and skin” because of the decrease of estrogen. At this time, the skin may undergo discomfort including itchiness. Lack of estrogen also contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its structure. With the combination of dryness and collagen loss, wrinkles now become more prominent.
Food And Lifestyle Choices That Can Improve Skin And Hormonal Health.
By getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising frequently, consuming less alcohol, and quitting smoking, you can improve the appearance of your skin. In addition, managing stress is a way in which you can boost the body’s hormonal system, resulting in an improvement in your skin health. Reading, going for walks outside, laughing hysterically with friends, and giving yourself a skincare day at a spa or even at home are some stress-relieving activities that can also indirectly soothe and clarify your skin. Also, including magnesium-rich foods like nuts and green leafy vegetables may improve your body’s capacity to handle stress.
In the end, hormones impact every bodily function, including [the onset or progression of] skin illnesses, and they are crucial in maintaining skin stability. The ideal practices include eating a balanced diet, working out frequently, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. Having healthy habits is the key to maintaining your hormones.
