The skin is the largest organ of the human body and serves as a protective barrier between the internal organs and the external environment. Along with its protective function, it also regulates body temperature and serves as a route for the elimination of fluids like sweat and oils.
The sebaceous glands are small, oil-producing glands located within the skin’s dermis layer. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin and hair. The amount of sebum production is controlled by hormones, primarily androgens such as testosterone.
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various processes in the body, including skin health. Hormonal changes can cause a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, oily skin, dry skin, and hyperpigmentation. During puberty, androgen levels increase, leading to an increase in sebum production which often results in acne.
Under the influence of hormones, when the sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, it can lead to the development of various skin conditions, such as blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to acne. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause skin changes, such as darkening of the skin, melasma, and acne. Additionally, hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause skin changes such as increased facial hair growth and acne.
How Hormones Affect Your Skin?
Hormones can have various effects on the skin, depending on the specific hormone involved and the individual’s unique hormonal balance. Here are some common effects of hormones on the skin:
- Androgens: Androgens can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to oily skin and acne. Women with PCOS, a condition that involves high levels of androgens, experience acne, hair growth on the face and body, and thinning hair on the scalp. All these symptoms are attributed to excess androgen.
- Estrogen: Estrogen, a predominantly female hormone, can promote collagen production, which helps keep the skin firm and smooth. During menopause, when estrogen levels decline, the skin may become thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles and sagging. An excess amount of estrogen in the system can lead to a condition called melasma, which is often seen during pregnancy because of increased melanin production.
- Progesterone: Progesterone, another predominantly female hormone, can cause water retention and swelling in higher concentrations, leading to puffiness around the eyes and face. This is why females have puffiness of the face during pregnancy.
- Cortisol: Cortisol, a stress hormone, helps us manage stress levels. But it can also increase inflammation in the skin and exacerbate conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. This is why acne and skin conditions usually worsen in stressful times.
- Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormones influence almost all the systems of the body. Along with regulating metabolism, they can affect skin health. Too little thyroid hormone (Hypothyroidism) can cause dry, itchy skin, while too much (Hyperthyroidism) can lead to sweaty, flushed skin.
Insulin resistance: In cases like insulin resistance, tiny growths of skin develop on eyelids or neck which are termed as skin tags. Also, there can be pigmentation in areas like axilla, neck etc. called acanthosis nigricans.
Ways to prevent hormonal skin conditions
Hormonal skin problems like acne, pigmentation, dryness, or puffiness often occur when your hormones are imbalanced. While some hormonal shifts are natural (like during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause), you can still take steps to reduce their impact on your skin.
Here’s how you can prevent and manage hormonal skin conditions:
Adopting a healthy lifestyle
Your overall lifestyle plays a major role in balancing hormones. Try to get 7–8 hours of sleep every night. Poor sleep can increase cortisol (stress hormone), which may worsen skin issues.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. These can trigger hormonal changes that affect your skin health. Follow a consistent routine. Your body and skin love balance.
Minimizing stress levels
Practice stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply going for a walk. Engage in hobbies that make you feel relaxed and happy. Even 10 minutes of deep breathing daily can help lower cortisol levels and improve skin over time.
Eat a Balanced, Micronutrient-Rich Diet
A balanced diet rich in micronutrients is needed for healthy skin. Eat plenty of colorful vegetables and fruits. Include healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocados. Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water flushes out toxins and supports clear, healthy skin.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Since hormonal changes are often associated with weight gain, which further causes issues like stretch marks, weight reduction with regular physical activity is crucial.
Also Read:
References:
Archer, D. F. (2012) ‘Postmenopausal skin and estrogen’, Gynecological Endocrinology, 28(SUPPL. 2), pp. 2–6. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2012.705392.
Estrogen and skin. An overview – PubMed (no date). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11705091/ (Accessed: 14 March 2023).
Phillips, T. J., Demircay, Z. and Sahu, M. (2001) ‘Hormonal effects on skin aging’, Clinics in geriatric medicine, 17(4), pp. 661–672. doi: 10.1016/S0749-0690(05)70092-6.
Reichrath, J. (2011) ‘Hormones and skin: A never ending love story!’, Dermato-endocrinology, 3(4), p. 217. doi: 10.4161/DERM.3.4.19058.
Sator, P. G. et al. (2004) ‘Skin aging and sex hormones in women — clinical perspectives for intervention by hormone replacement therapy’, Experimental dermatology, 13 Suppl 4(4), pp. 36–40. doi: 10.1111/J.1600-0625.2004.00259.X.
Shah, M. G. and Maibach, H. I. (2001) ‘Estrogen and skin. An overview’, American journal of clinical dermatology, 2(3), pp. 143–150. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200102030-00003.
Stevenson, S. and Thornton, J. (2007) ‘Effect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs’, Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2(3), p. 283. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S798.
Author: Dr Poonam Vichare (INFS Faculty)
