Skin Aging in Women: Pathophysiology and Treatment
September 1999
in “
The Journal of The British Menopause Society
”
hormone replacement therapy HRT UVR exposure menopause skin aging histology physiology immune function pigmentation hair loss diffuse androgenic alopecia lichen sclerosus et atrophicus keratoderma climactericum emollients topical steroids keratolytics oral retinoids transdermal estrogen photoaging sunscreens alpha-hydroxy acids tretinoin chemical peels laser resurfacing HRT UV exposure menopause skin aging immune function hair loss androgenic alopecia emollients topical steroids keratolytics retinoids transdermal estrogen photoaging sunscreens AHAs Retin-A chemical peels laser resurfacing
TLDR The document concludes that skin aging in women can be caused by UV exposure and hormonal changes, and treatments like hormone replacement therapy and various skin therapies can help.
The 1999 document reviewed the causes and treatments of skin aging in women, highlighting the impact of UVR exposure, hormonal changes due to menopause, and the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for skin conditions associated with menopause. It detailed the effects of aging on skin's histology, physiology, immune function, pigmentation, hair, sensory perception, and glandular production, and discussed the increased risk of skin cancer with age. Specific skin conditions like lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and keratoderma climactericum were addressed, with treatments ranging from emollients and topical steroids to keratolytics and oral retinoids. Hair loss in menopausal women was noted to be similar to diffuse androgenic alopecia, potentially benefiting from HRT. Side effects of HRT on the skin were considered rare, with strategies to mitigate reactions to transdermal estrogen provided. The document also mentioned treatments for photoaging, such as sunscreens, alpha-hydroxy acids, tretinoin, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing, noting that regular application can improve wrinkles and skin color, despite the common occurrence of irritant reactions.
