Effect of Estrogens on Skin Aging and the Potential Role of SERMs

October 2007 in “ Clinical Interventions in Aging ”

Susan C. Stevenson, M. Julie Thornton

estrogens selective estrogen receptor modulators SERMs hormone replacement therapy HRT skin aging wound healing inflammatory skin disorders photoaging skin cancer postmenopausal skin hydration skin elasticity skin thickness wrinkles cardiovascular events breast cancer hair growth

TLDR Estrogens help reduce skin aging, and SERMs might offer similar benefits without the risks of hormone therapy.

The document from 2007 reviews the effects of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in mitigating these effects. Estrogens are shown to be beneficial for skin physiology, including improving wound healing, inflammatory skin disorders, and protection against photoaging and skin cancer. Postmenopausal women experience skin aging symptoms due to reduced estrogen levels, which can be improved with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by enhancing skin hydration, elasticity, thickness, and reducing wrinkles. However, HRT carries risks such as cardiovascular events and breast cancer. SERMs, which can mimic estrogen's beneficial effects without these risks, are discussed as a potential therapy for skin aging. The document also notes the complex effects of estrogens on hair growth, with some evidence suggesting that estrogens may stimulate human hair growth. Further studies are needed to fully understand the effects of estrogen and SERMs on skin and other organ systems and to optimize their use for skin benefits without systemic effects.

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Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research The Hair Follicle as an Estrogen Target and Source

159 citations, July 2006 in “Endocrine Reviews”

Estrogens significantly influence hair growth by interacting with receptors in hair follicles and may help regulate the hair growth cycle.

research Biology of Estrogens in Skin: Implications for Skin Aging

187 citations, December 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Estrogens can improve skin aging but carry risks; more research is needed on safer treatments.

research Estrogens and the Skin

137 citations, June 2005 in “Climacteric”

Estrogen loss during menopause worsens skin health, but hormone replacement therapy may improve it, though more research is needed.

research Estrogen Functions in Skin and Skin Appendages

68 citations, June 2005 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets”

Oestrogens help maintain healthy skin, heal wounds, and may protect against skin aging and cancer.

research Estrogens And The Hair Follicle

50 citations, May 2004 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Estrogens generally inhibit hair growth and improve skin quality, but their exact effects on hair follicles are complex and not fully understood.

research Estrogens and Human Scalp Hair Growth: More Questions Than Answers

44 citations, March 2004 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

The effects of estrogen on human hair growth are unclear and need more research.

research Dermatoses of Pregnancy

208 citations, July 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Pregnancy can cause various skin changes and diseases, with PUPPP being the most common skin condition specific to pregnancy.

research Hormone Replacement Therapy and the Skin

138 citations, May 2000 in “Maturitas”

Estrogen replacement can improve skin health in menopausal women but doesn't reverse sun damage or prevent hair loss.

research Tamoxifen-Induced Female Androgenetic Alopecia in a Patient with Breast Cancer

15 citations, May 1997 in “Annals of Internal Medicine”

Tamoxifen caused hair loss in a 52-year-old woman.

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research Characterization of Hair Follicle Development in Engineered Skin Substitutes

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Effect of Estrogens on Skin Aging and the Potential Role of SERMs

Research cited in this study

research The Hair Follicle as an Estrogen Target and Source

research Biology of Estrogens in Skin: Implications for Skin Aging

research Estrogens and the Skin

research Estrogen Functions in Skin and Skin Appendages

research Estrogens And The Hair Follicle

research Estrogens and Human Scalp Hair Growth: More Questions Than Answers

research Dermatoses of Pregnancy

research Hormone Replacement Therapy and the Skin

research Tamoxifen-Induced Female Androgenetic Alopecia in a Patient with Breast Cancer

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