How hormones affect the skin: in youth and adulthood

What are hormones

Hormones enter the blood, which delivers them to the right place – to the target cells. Each hormone has its own cellular receptor. The hormone clings to it, and the cell receives a signal how to behave further. There is no receptor or it is inactive – and the transmitted signal will not be received, no matter how many hormones are “sent to the task.”

When too many/few hormones are produced, or cells become unresponsive to them (the receptors don’t work properly), problems begin. Including the skin.

How hormones affect the skin at different ages

Strictly speaking, the skin depends on hormones at any age in exactly the same way: it reacts to their deficiency or excess.

In youth

Check if you are taking care of problem skin properly.

In young age

25 years – the age of obtaining a “hormonal passport” (yes, there is such a thing). If a person is healthy, then at this age all hormones are in perfect proportion. Therefore, young skin easily endures any difficulties, including sleepless nights and unhealthy habits.

In adulthood

The period of maturity – by it we mean the age of about 50, when menopause begins. The skin at this time suffers from a drop in the level of sex hormones in the body:

With age, the production of all hormones decreases, except for one – cortisol, the stress hormone. With rare exceptions, he is the enemy of youth and health.

Eliminate problems associated with hormonal disorders with the help of cosmetics impossible. But correcting the hormonal imbalance through special therapy will very quickly have the most beneficial effect on the skin.

Now medicine is able to maintain a “young” hormonal balance. As for the beauty industry, manufacturers, understanding the mechanisms of action of hormones on the skin, create cosmetics that:

What you need to know about skin-related hormones

Directly or indirectly, dozens of hormones known today have an effect on the skin. Let’s talk about the nine most influential.

Estrogen

The hormone of femininity and beauty is the main one in terms of sexual attractiveness. If there is enough estrogen in the body, for the skin this means:

Androgens

Traditionally, they are called male sex hormones. Although now they have already adopted the wording “sex steroids” in relation to both female hormones and male ones. Testosterone in the female body is present in a very significant amount and is needed not only for career ambitions and sexual temperament. The skin has a very close relationship with testosterone because it:

The level of androgens in the body rises towards the end of the cycle, so these days they can provoke the appearance of pimples.

Progesterone

It is called the hormone of whims and bad mood, and also the hormone of pregnant women. In a sense, it is an antagonist of sex hormones. Its deficiency leads to skin rashes, hair loss. However, excess progesterone is no better. It calls:

D-hormone

Good old vitamin D acts as both a vitamin and a steroid hormone. Its role in the body is difficult to overestimate. It is synthesized, as you know, under the influence of the sun. What does it mean for the skin?

Growth hormone (somatotropin)

It is no coincidence that it is considered one of the most important “hormones of youth”. Somatotropin is also called a lifting hormone, and this speaks for itself.

A sufficient amount of growth hormone in the body means:

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

In the 90s, he was one of the first to be credited with the reputation of the “hormone of eternal youth.” Which is understandable, because DHEA supports:

Interestingly, in the West there was a real boom in cosmetics with DHEA, which showed high anti-aging effectiveness. In Russia, the use of hormones in cosmetics is prohibited. However, a careful study of the processes occurring in the skin, allows you to simulate its action.

Thyroid hormones

Since they are responsible for energy metabolism, their deficiency leads to the fact that the skin does not receive enough nutrients, and mitochondria (energy stations of each cell) – the necessary energy. The thyroid gland suffers greatly from an unfavorable environment. Problems with the thyroid gland and the lack of its hormones can be judged by the following signs:

Cortisol (stress hormone)

Cortisol is the “sibling” and at the same time the complete opposite of DHEA. Both of them, as well as the vitamin-hormone D that joined them, are synthesized from cholesterol (it is also well-known and not so bad cholesterol). Just the optimal ratio of DHEA and cortisol is the most reliable marker of stress resistance.

We need more DHEA and less cortisol. But the latter is formed against our will as a result of stressful situations. And, of course, its effect on the skin can hardly be called beneficial. It appears as:

Melatonin

This hormone is called the biological clock. It is responsible for our perception of time. Like growth hormone, melatonin is produced primarily in the dark. And he acts as the head of the repair shop – he manages the nightly correction of the damage received during the day at the cellular level.

An overview of cosmetics that will help the skin with hormonal imbalances

Recall that the use of hormones in cosmetics is prohibited, so do not look for their formulas, they are not there. However, there are cosmetics that help the skin survive periods of hormonal imbalance with minimal discomfort. For this, the formulas are responsible:

With a lack of estrogen

Cream Age Expert 45+, L’Oréal Paris

Retinopeptides stimulate regeneration processes in the skin, which slow down with age. Vitalin (opuntia extract) and natural oils retain moisture.

Firming cream with a lifting effect for dry skin Blue Therapy Red Algae Uplift Rich, Biotherm

Thanks to red algae and peptides, it makes the skin supple and dense, reducing wrinkles. Probiotic Life Plankton is responsible for recovery.

With androgen imbalance

Ultra-cleansing gel against acne and blackheads with absorbent charcoal “Clean Skin Active”, Garnier

Contains vegetable charcoal, salicylic acid, blueberry extract. Thoroughly cleanses pores, removes excess sebum, gives a light exfoliating effect. Developed for young skin experiencing the hormonal storms of adolescence.

Cleansing, Blackhead Reducing Facial Scrub, L’Oréal Paris

Due to brown, yellow and white sugar, kiwi seeds, mint and lemongrass oil reduces blackheads, tightens pores, makes the skin matte, soft and silky.

If you have problems with progesterone levels

Cream-gel for eye contour Hydraphase Intense Yeux, La Roche-Posay

increases the elasticity of the skin around the eyes, visibly smoothes it, removes “bags” under the eyes

Firming Body Milk “Ultra Elasticity”, Garnier

It has a tonic effect, refreshes, tightens, smoothes the skin of the body, includes extracts of kiwi, grapefruit, apple, caffeine.

Support for low somatotropin levels

Active Lifting 45+ Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream Garnier

Active plant cells stimulate the renewal of skin cells from the inside, providing a lifting effect.

Night cream-mask Revitalift Laser x3, L’Oréal Paris

High concentration of active ingredients (proxylan, centella asiatica extract) gives the effect of smooth, even and regenerated skin.

Intensive Revitalizing Lifting Serum Rénergie Multi-Lift Ultra, Lancome

A complex complex with extracts of soy, flax, kombucha, hyaluronic acid, adenosine, biolipids deeply affects the skin and stimulates its natural recovery, tightens the oval of the face.

For those with DHEA deficiency

Cream for face and neck Neovadiol Phytosculpt, Vichy

Designed to rejuvenate and improve skin elasticity during menopause. The powerful composition combines fern leaf extract, which increases elasticity, and proxylan, which stimulates collagen production.

Absolue Nuit Premium ßx Deep Revitalizing Night Cream, Lancôme

Increases skin density due to proxylan. Xanthan gum relieves inflammation and intensively moisturizes, capryloyl-salicylic acid gently exfoliates. In the morning the skin is smooth, rested and fresh.

For problems with thyroid hormone levels

Daily serum gel for stressed skin Mineral 89, Vichy

Strengthens the skin’s ability to withstand aggressive external influences, strengthens the barrier function.

Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque, Kiehl’s

Antioxidant mask energizes the skin, refreshes the complexion with turmeric extract, cranberry seeds and oil.

If there is an imbalance in cortisol levels

Sheet mask “Antistress” with lavender extract, Garnier

Calms the skin and nerves thanks to the elements of aromatherapy, relieves the feeling of fatigue, relaxes.

Gel for local use for problem skin Blue Herbal Spot Treatment, Kiehl’s

If a pimple appears against the background of stress, a point application withalicylic acid, ginger root extract, cinnamon and frankincense help you deal with it faster.

Rosewater Soothing Botanical Face Cream for Dry and Sensitive Skin, Garnier

Provides a relaxing effect, reduces skin sensitivity, strengthens its defenses and ability to withstand stress.

When the level of melatonin is disturbed

Awakening eye contour balm Aqualia Thermal, Vichy

Makes the look rested and fresh, and dark circles under the eyes are less noticeable due to hyaluronic acid, polysaccharides, thermal water.

Serum Force C3, Helena Rubinstein

Gives an instant boost of energy for the skin, as after an 8-hour sleep. Contains three types of vitamin C.

Night cream-activator of youth Génifique Repair SC, Lancôme

Stimulates the night processes of regeneration in the skin, refreshes the complexion, eliminates signs of fatigue.