The Skin as an Endocrine Organ

September 2009 in “ Dermato-endocrinology ”

Christos C. Zouboulis

TLDR The skin produces and processes hormones, affecting both local and overall body functions.

The document discussed the emerging understanding of the skin as an endocrine organ capable of producing, metabolizing, and responding to hormones through paracrine, autocrine, intracrine, and endocrine pathways. It highlighted that skin hormones play significant roles in overall human homeostasis and disorders, with implications for pharmacological and therapeutic applications, as evidenced by the use of corticosteroids, androgens, estrogens, vitamin D analogues, and retinoids in dermatology.

View this study on tandfonline.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Hormones and the Pilosebaceous Unit

97 citations , March 2009 in “Dermato-endocrinology”

Hormones significantly affect hair and oil gland function in the skin, and more research is needed on skin-related hormone disorders.

research Sexual Hormones in Human Skin

305 citations , February 2007 in “Hormone and metabolic research”

Human skin makes sexual hormones that affect hair growth, skin health, and healing; too much can cause acne and hair loss, while treatments can manage these conditions.

research Androgen Action on Human Skin – From Basic Research to Clinical Significance

147 citations , October 2004 in “Experimental dermatology”

Hormones like testosterone affect skin functions and can cause skin issues when in excess; treatments to manage these effects are only somewhat effective.

research The Human Skin as a Hormone Target and an Endocrine Gland

146 citations , January 2004 in “Hormones”

Human skin acts like a hormone-producing organ, making and managing various hormones important for skin and hair health.

research Cutaneous Androgen Metabolism: Basic Research And Clinical Perspectives

233 citations , November 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Creating stronger blockers for skin enzymes might lead to better treatment for conditions like acne and excessive hair growth.

research Sebocytes Are the Key Regulators of Androgen Homeostasis in Human Skin

196 citations , May 2001 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Sebocytes play a key role in controlling androgen levels in human skin.

research Intracrinology and the Skin

82 citations , January 2000 in “Hormone Research in Paediatrics”

DHEA stimulates skin oil glands and could help postmenopausal women, with potential for acne and excessive hair growth treatments.

research The SAHA Syndrome: Overview and Classification

70 citations , January 2000 in “Hormone Research in Paediatrics”

SAHA syndrome is a condition in women involving skin and hair issues, often related to hormonal imbalances, and is treated based on the underlying cause.