TLDR Estrogens can improve skin aging but carry risks; more research is needed on safer treatments.
The document from 2005 explores the effects of estrogens on skin aging, indicating that estrogens can improve skin by increasing collagen, thickness, and moisture, but the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Estrogen receptors are present in the skin, and estrogens may act through similar pathways as in other tissues. However, systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not recommended for skin aging due to the risk of breast cancer and other pathologies. Research is directed towards developing selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) to specifically target skin without systemic effects. The document also reviews estrogen's impact on skin functions like hair growth, pigmentation, and elasticity, noting that while systemic estrogen therapy visibly affects the skin, more studies are needed to fully understand its role in skin collagen, thickness, and aging-related changes. Additionally, estrogen's influence on melanocytes and hair follicles is discussed, with the presence of estrogen receptors suggesting a role in pigmentation and hair growth regulation. The document concludes that while skin is responsive to estrogens, the risks associated with HRT necessitate further research into topical estrogens, phytoestrogens, and SERMs for treating skin aging.
Cited in this study
10 / 10 results
68 citations
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June 2005 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets” Oestrogens help maintain healthy skin, heal wounds, and may protect against skin aging and cancer.
52 citations
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May 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Male pattern baldness involves three mechanisms and finasteride can help reverse it.
130 citations
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June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Estrogen Receptor ß (ERß) is the main hormone controller in human skin and hair follicles, not Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) or the Androgen Receptor (AR).
180 citations
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January 2003 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Menopause can lead to skin and hair problems due to hormonal changes, but hormone replacement therapy might help slow these effects.
28 citations
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February 1999 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” Finasteride potentially treats hair loss by reducing DHT production.
27 citations
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April 1998 in “American Journal of Dermatopathology” Estrogen and progesterone don't directly affect hair growth in androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.
329 citations
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January 1997 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a hair loss condition in postmenopausal women, similar to lichen planopilaris, with ineffective treatments.
154 citations
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October 1996 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” Estrogen affects hair growth and skin cell multiplication.
745 citations
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February 1992 in “Trends in genetics” Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.
39 citations
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January 1980 in “Dermatology” Cyproterone acetate was effective in treating acne, hirsutism, and alopecia with few side effects.
67 citations
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January 2007 in “Climacteric” Estrogens and SERMs can help with skin aging, but their safety and effectiveness need more research.
187 citations
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December 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology” Estrogens can improve skin aging but carry risks; more research is needed on safer treatments.
