The hormones in our body are chemical messengers secreted by glands that affect the function of different processes in the body like metabolism, mental focus, memory, cognition, sleep, mood and libido. Your hormones don’t just travel throughout your bloodstream and affect a range of physiological functions, they can also impact the health of your skin.
Small changes in the hormone ratios needed for optimal function can cause issues related to bodily functions. When it comes to your skin, one of the body’s largest and most important organs, certain hormonal disorders can manifest themselves in the skin, as well as hair. Skin issues such as acne, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles can occur if your body fails to produce certain hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Ways in Which Hormones Affect the Skin
As we age, our body and skin go through a variety of changes. Many of the skin changes you experience are usually around puberty and later in life during menopause or perimenopause which can alter skin structure. Your skin responds to many signals, including your hormones, through many receptors. Here are a few.
Androgens
Androgen, a type of hormone, contributes to the shifts experienced in the skin. Excess androgen can stimulate sebaceous glands in the skin to pump out oil, one factor that contributes to the development of acne. In women, there is a fine balance between estrogens and androgens. However, because that balance becomes skewed with age and the onset of menopause, women tend to experience greater rates of adult acne.
Estrogen
Another big hormonal player in skin health is estrogen. Estrogen is associated with increased collagen production, skin thickness, skin hydration, wound healing, and improved barrier function. As we age, however, estrogen levels start to decline. As estrogen decreases, skin turns drier and itchier. Drying, sagging, and dullness are usually the result of a decline in estrogen levels. A decline in estrogen can also lead to an increase in inflammation, triggering skin conditions like rosacea.
On the other hand, too much estrogen can actually produce different types of skin issues. During times of hormonal imbalance, skin pigmentation is intensified, known as hyperpigmentation or ‘Melasma’.
Testosterone
We usually associate testosterone as the hormone that gives men vigor, but testosterone also plays a big role in women’s hormonal system and affects on the skin. When testosterone levels are healthy, the hormone contributes to natural skin moisture via increased oil production, supporting optimal collagen production levels for strong, smooth skin. The hormonal system, when balanced, usually regulates itself. Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone work together to keep your body balanced.
As with most hormones, testosterone levels also eventually decline with age. Skin loses elasticity and starts to form thicker folds and deeper wrinkles when testosterone levels fall. Women may experience increased oiliness or even adult acne when these hormones become imbalanced, particularly during menstruation or menopause.
Progesterone
Progesterone usually affects your skin more during the second half of your menstrual cycle. You may experience oilier skin as it stimulates the production of sebum, which may lead to breakouts around your jawline. While progesterone can be a reason behind the alternations of your skin, other factors such as changing weather, sun exposure, overuse of skincare products can be the ones to blame too.
Cortisol
Cortisol is your body’s stress hormone. Cortisol is produced as a natural reflex to help the body deal with stress. Your adrenal glands release it when you are faced with physical or mental stress. Excess cortisol is a big disruptor in your hormonal system. It increases inflammation (which can amp up and skin condition), and it also leads to sugar cravings. You might have noticed your skin breaking out during times of excess stress. This is the indication of too much cortisol production in your body.
The excess inflammation can not only trigger acne breakouts, but it can also feed other skin issues, such as rosacea, eczema, and more.
Can you Really Reset Your Hormones for Better Skin?
It is oftentimes claimed that there is a way you can “reset” your hormones to restore skin health and improve your skin. As appealing as it may sound, the “hormone reset” concept lacks scientific and medical basis.
What can help, though, is if you’re experiencing symptoms such as a specific skin problem, it can be considered a hormonal condition. For instance, if you have irregular periods, acne along your jawline, and excess hair on your lip and chin, your doctor may evaluate you for polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. In this case, treatment via weight reduction or prescription medication, like birth control pills, may help regulate hormones.
Resetting your hormones for healthy skin is not about taking specialized supplements or adhering to a detox or cleanse. There exists no secret ingredient that can magically reset your hormones to its perfect shape. It’s more about being conscious of your day-to-day habits and lifestyle routine.
Ways to Optimize Hormonal and Skin Health
There are many different approaches you can go ahead with to support your body’s natural hormone balance. You can improve your skin health by following habits that hear about every day- getting plenty of sleep, having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking. Severe diets and prolonged cleanses, rather doing anything good, can lead to a hormonal imbalance if they put too much stress on your body.
Managing stress is one way to boost the health of your hormonal system and your overall skin. Making a few lifestyle changes and practising healthy habits like exercising, mediation, yoga, eating clean or simply taking a break can help calm and clear your skin.
If your condition still does not improve or if there’s an underlying issue, it’s always for the better to discuss treatment options with your GP or dermatologist. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor and explore your options that work best for you and your body.
