BEAUTY
Your Estrogen Levels May Be Affecting Your Skin Health
By ROBYN SONG
Your Complexion
Estrogen is a vital hormone that impacts cystic acne, hair loss, and your skin’s moisture and collagen production. Dr. Eduardo Lara-Torre says, “It's the drop of estrogen and progesterone that happens right before [your] period starts that makes people break out.”
Effect On Acne Breakouts
It’s no secret that hormones play a role in the formation of acne, and because estrogen can suppress sebum and testosterone production, it can alleviate hormonal acne. Therefore, people with hormonal acne are often treated with birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin.
Collagen Production
Dr. Greeta Yadav says, “High estrogen levels often correlate to high collagen levels, and vice versa.” Signs of estrogen deficiency often occur when women enter menopause, and some symptoms include sagging skin and slow wound healing.
Hydrated Skin
Estrogen is linked to how moisturized your skin is, and Dr. Joshua Zeichner says, “Low estrogen levels may be associated with slow skin cell turnover, impaired skin barrier function and pH, and decreased collagen production.” Estrogen encourages healthy and hydrated skin because it produces hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans.
Early Signs Of Aging
As you get older, estrogen levels naturally begin to decline so there will be changes in your skin’s thickness and appearance. Estrogen provides natural protection against damaging UV rays, so wear sunscreen daily with at least SPF 30.