TLDR The skin acts like an endocrine organ, producing hormones that affect various body functions and skin health, and understanding this can lead to new treatments.
The review "The Endocrine Function of the Skin: An Analytical Narrative" discusses the skin's role as an endocrine organ, capable of producing and responding to various hormones, including corticosteroids, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, Vitamin D, and growth factors. These hormones influence processes such as hair growth, wound healing, immune response, inflammation, and cell proliferation. The skin also participates in feedback loops and regulates endocrine homeostasis. The document particularly highlights the role of Vitamin D, which is converted into its active form by keratinocytes in the skin's epidermis, contributing to skin homeostasis. Mutations or deletions in Vitamin D receptors and CYP27B1, or issues with permeability barrier formation, can cause overproliferation of basal layer cells. The study concludes that understanding the skin's endocrine function is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic approaches and interventions.
185 citations,
December 2011 in “Molecular and cellular endocrinology” Skin cells produce and activate vitamin D, which regulates skin functions and supports hair growth.
44 citations,
July 2011 in “Dermato-endocrinology” Thyroid hormone affects skin health, with too little causing rough, pale skin and too much leading to smooth, thin skin, and may also impact wound healing and skin conditions.
75 citations,
September 2009 in “Dermato-endocrinology” The skin produces and processes hormones, affecting both local and overall body functions.
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.
224 citations,
March 2006 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” The document concludes that understanding hair follicle biology can lead to better hair loss treatments.
14 citations,
April 2014 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Acne is caused by multiple factors including oil production, bacteria, inflammation, and possibly diet and environment.
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.
219 citations,
September 2009 in “European journal of epidemiology” The Rotterdam Study aims to understand various diseases in older adults.
1 citations,
June 2010 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” Covers common skin issues in kids, their diagnosis, treatment, and need for specialist care.
