HORMONALLY-IMPACTED SKIN

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) & Skin Aging

August 03, 2021

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medication that contains female hormones. It is mainly used to treat common menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms including vaginal discomfort and hot flashes. HRT is not for everyone, and a full medical evaluation is necessary to avoid certain risks. But how does hormone replacement therapy affect aging skin? Dr. Zenovia is here to help us explore this correlation.

Menopausal Skin Changes

The menopausal and post-menopausal period causes a natural depletion in reproductive hormones including a drop in estrogen and an increase in the ratio of testosterone and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to noticeable skin changes including increased dryness, loss of firmness, loss of elasticity, and acne. This leads to thinner, more wrinkled tissue, and volume depletion due to a significant loss in collagen. The dermis, the deeper portion of the skin which provides the skin with its turgor and tautness, becomes thinner resulting in a droopier appearance.

HRT & Skin Aging

Systematic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to improve some of these aspects of skin aging. By introducing more estrogen into the body, the skin can restore some of its thickness by increasing collagen synthesis and limiting excessive collagen degradation.

Note from Dr. Zenovia: Hormone replacement therapy needs to be tailored to the individual and evaluated with the help of a physician. There are various risks involved which depend on one’s age, health history, and the type of hormone therapy.

Estrogen & Skin Aging

Scientific studies have demonstrated that fluctuations in estrogen levels directly correlate to fluctuations in collagen production. To receive the skin benefits of estrogen without actually applying estrogen on the skin, Dr. Zenovia created the REG-ulate360 Complex™ (Found in all our topicals) with a phytoestrogen. A natural compound found in some plants and plant-based foods, phytoestrogens have a chemical structure that is similar, but not identical to the human estrogen molecule. The phytoestrogen molecule mimics the effect of human estrogen on the skin without systemic effects.

Phytoestrogens bind to our estrogen receptors, initiating important signal pathways in the skin. Proven to be safe to apply to the skin and work only locally, phytoestrogens do not get absorbed into the tissue. Formulated in combination with a medical-grade blend of powerful antioxidants, Dr. Zenovia’s proprietary skin technology provides the skin with constant hormonal support so that you won’t experience hormonal fluctuations on the epidermis. Regular use of Dr. Zenovia Skincare products results in less flaking, firmer skin, and increased hydration.

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