Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help keep skin looking younger in some people. HRT replaces hormones that decline with age, like estrogen in women and testosterone in men. By replacing these hormones, HRT can help slow signs of aging in the skin.
Benefits of HRT for skin may include:
- Increased collagen production - Collagen provides structure and elasticity to skin. Estrogen supports collagen production, which tends to decline with menopause.
- Thicker dermal layer - The dermis gets thinner with age. Estrogen helps maintain dermal thickness and moisture.
- Improved vascularization - Estrogens promote blood flow to the dermal layer, supplying oxygen and nutrients.
- Decreased wrinkle depth - Multiple studies show evidence that estrogen therapy can reduce facial wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
- Increased skin moisture and texture - Postmenopausal women report improved skin moisture, softness and smoothness with HRT.
Exactly how HRT impacts skin depends on:
- Hormones used - Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA all play a role in skin health.
- Dosage - Too high or too low doses may not achieve benefits. Requires personalized care.
- Route of administration - Oral, topical creams, patches and pellets all have pros and cons.
- Duration of therapy - Skin improvements are progressive over years of HRT, not months.
Of course, there are also risks to weigh with long term HRT use:
- Potential increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke
- Side effects like fluid retention, nausea or headaches
- Inconvenience of patches, creams or pellets
In many women though, the skin benefits outweigh the risks. When administered correctly by a qualified healthcare professional,
the rejuvenating effects on skin quality can be dramatic.
Is HRT right for me?
If you're considering HRT primarily for slowing skin aging, be sure to:
- Discuss risks thoroughly with your doctor
- Try conservative doses first
- Use bioidentical hormones if possible
- Monitor for side effects
- Apply creams directly to skin for localized benefits
Of course, lifestyle factors like sun exposure and smoking also tremendously impact skin health. But paired with healthy lifestyle choices, hormone therapy can "turn back the clock", helping you look as radiant as you feel.
