The skin, as the largest organ in the human body, represents the biological barrier between the body and the external environment. It is closely related to the endocrine system. The endocrine system is involved in the normal development and functioning of the skin. There are a number of factors affecting its condition. One of these factors are the hormones, as a product of the endocrine glands. Nowadays, due to the dynamic lifestyle and rapidly developing society, every person is subjected to psychological stress, unpredictable emotions (depression, irritability, anger), weight gain, insomnia and others. All of these conditions lead to an increase or decrease in hormone levels, which has an impact on the skin’s condition. Due to the ability of the skin to synthesize hormones and substances with hormone-like activity, it can be considered an endocrine organ. 1
- Hormonal harmony and your skin
Hormones are chemical substances synthesized in the body by endocrine glands. From the glands, they travel through the bloodstream to target organs where they perform their role. They regulate a wide range of physiological processes such as growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and mood. Interacting with specific receptors on the cells of target organs, they lead to changes in gene expression and enzyme activity, among other cellular processes. In short, describe the endocrine system and its connection to skin appearance. Skin health is significantly influenced by hormone levels in the body, and certain hormonal disorders manifest changes in the skin. The influence of hormone levels on the appearance of the skin is observed through the regulation of the process of sebum production, maintenance of moisture, elasticity and regeneration of skin cells. Changes in hormone levels can lead to various skin problems such as acne, dry skin, wrinkles and changes in pigmentation. 1,2
2. Direct influence of hormone levels on skin health
- Estrogen: Estrogen is a common topic today, and every woman feels the effects of its activity in the body. Estrogen, a steroid hormone, is responsible for the development and functioning of female sexual characteristics. Estrogen levels are important in maintaining skin thickness, moisture, and elasticity. A reduction in estrogen levels, which primarily occurs during menopause, can lead to dryness, loss of elasticity, and an increased appearance of wrinkles. Levels peak in women’s mid to late 20s, then decline by 50% by age 50, with a sharp decrease continuing with aging. The loss of estrogen with aging contributes to decreased skin health, hence estrogen hormone therapy can be applied to restore skin health. Based on a psychological dermato-endocrine perspective, the positive correlation of high estrogen levels with perceived age and facial attractiveness in women, especially with aging, demonstrates the significance of hormonal influences on observed skin health and youthful appearance.3–6
- Testosterone: Plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testicles and prostate, as well as in promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle mass, bone and body hair growth. Commonly mentioned as a male hormone, testosterone is also present in women and can stimulate the production of sebum in the skin’s sebaceous glands. Increased sebum production can lead to clogged pores and the formation of acne. Despite its significance, an imbalance of testosterone can lead to a variety of skin problems. The effects of testosterone level changes, depending on a person’s age, on the skin can show a wide range of changes: decreased skin elasticity leading to fragility, decreased epidermal thickness leading to atrophy, reduced rete ridges, size of keratinocytes and metabolic activity of keratinocytes, increased elastic degeneration, decreased collagen content leading to wrinkles, reduced sebum excretion rate causing dryness, decreased epidermal barrier causing irritation, and reduced sweat glands, number of melanocytes, and number of hair follicles.7,8
- Progesterone: Also one of the female sex hormones, plays a role in supporting menstruation and pregnancy. When at a normal level, progesterone helps maintain healthy skin. This hormone affects the oil level in the skin by stimulating the sebaceous glands. An increase in the production, that is, an increase in the concentration of progesterone during certain phases of the menstrual cycle, affects the development of acne. Oilier skin leads to clogged pores. The presence of certain types of bacteria on the skin can pattern inflammation and the appearance of pimples.9,10 On the other hand, in women’s skin, hormonal changes during menopause cause the skin to become thinner and more wrinkled, as well as to lose elasticity and firmness. Research results show that topical progesterone can reduce some of the aging phenomena on the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women while at the same time improving the viscoelastic properties and firmness of the skin.11
- Cortisol: Cortisol is often referred to as the ‘stress hormone’. Our emotional and physical state can affect the health and appearance of our skin, whether it’s temporary breakouts or longer-term changes. During prolonged periods of stress, the body secretes high levels of cortisol, which can interfere with other hormones. High levels of cortisol in the body cause inflammatory processes in the skin, exacerbating conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.12,13
- Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormones, produced and released by the thyroid gland—namely triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)—play a significant role in skin health. Skin tissues contain all three well-known thyroid hormone binding isoforms of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). Epidermal keratinocytes, skin fibroblasts, sebaceous gland cells, vascular endothelial cells, hair arrector pili muscle cells, other smooth muscle cells, Schwann cells, and other cell types that comprise the hair follicle have all been found to possess TRs. Additionally, numerous genes related to thyroid hormone response have been identified in skin. Thyroid hormones significantly impact the skin, where thyrotoxic states lead to warm, moist, and smooth skin with increased blood flow and peripheral vasodilation, which can cause facial and palm redness, as well as generalized excessive sweating due to increased metabolic activity. Conversely, hypothyroidism results in cold and pale skin due to reduced blood flow and can also cause purpura due to decreased levels of clotting factors or loss of vascular support. Thyroid hormone is also an important regulator of epidermal homeostasis. 14–16
3. Balancing Actions – Managing Hormones for Skin Health
Hormonal imbalance greatly affects the processes that take place in the human body, causing visible changes in the skin. Although we cannot control every influence, changes in diet and lifestyle restore hormonal balance. Often, maintaining a daily routine helps maintain proper hormone levels and balance.2,17
- Get enough sleep
Sleep is one of the most important factors for achieving and maintaining hormonal balance. The levels of certain hormones vary throughout the day in response to various influencing factors, among which the quality of sleep is particularly important. Adequate rest affects the regulation of hormone levels, supports the recovery of the body, improves cognitive functions and can have an impact on metabolic processes, appetite and the body’s ability to manage stress.18
- Stress reduction
Stress is a problem that occurs almost every day and is faced by every person. When we experience stress, our body responds by releasing stress hormones, as well as cortisol and adrenaline, from the adrenal glands. These hormones force the body to face unexpected challenges, responsible for fight or flight. When stress is chronic, then constantly high levels of cortisol disrupt the balance of other hormones, including sex hormones and thyroid hormones. The resulting imbalance contributes to greater obesity, sudden mood swings and cardiovascular problems. Relaxation through meditation, positive conversations and quality music are just some of the ways to avoid the negative impact of stress. 12,19
- Regular exercise
Hormone production increases with consistent, moderate exercise. Exercise is very beneficial and should be incorporated into your regular routine in moderation. Physical activity strongly affects the activation of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is then further activated to increase the synthesis of certain hormones, such as testosterone, serotonin, dopamine and human growth hormone (HGH). In women, exercise regulates the menstrual cycle and relieves PMS symptoms, while in men it increases testosterone levels, which in turn affects sexual health and increases muscle mass and strength. 20,21
- Proper nutrition
Hormones are closely related to the digestive system. A healthy and properly balanced diet affects the gut microbiome, which is essential for our overall health and hormonal balance. Hormones are found naturally in food. A balanced diet is very important in the proper production of hormones, especially the quality of fat. Omega-3 fatty acid affects the proper production of hormones and their normal functions. Cruciferous vegetables and nutritious compounds from fruits such as pomegranates, figs and dates maintain and stimulate the balance of the hormonal network in the blood. Probiotics from food help in the proper functioning of hormones through detoxification of the liver and intestines. A high-fiber diet is important for gut health and the regulation of insulin and other hormones that help control weight. All artificial sugars, additives and canned products should be completely removed from the diet because they have no positive effect on the body. In addition, moderate food intake is vital to avoid overeating and prevent metabolic problems and insulin resistance. 22–24
References
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