Are estrogen creams the key to rejuvenating and restoring your skin’s natural beauty during menopause?

How many of us have shelves full of products, all in the pursuit of finding the right ones for our skin type? From battling breakouts to embracing the changes that come with menopause, finding the right routine can feel like a puzzle.

One hot topic that’s gaining traction is the use of estrogen creams during menopause. If you’re wondering if this could be the missing piece in your skincare regimen, sanoMidLife has the expert insights to help you make an informed decision.

How do estrogen levels affect your skin?

Wondering how estrogen levels can affect the appearance of your skin?

Let’s get through the basics; as women go through perimenopause and menopause, their skin changes in many ways, and a big part of this is due to estrogen.

Women have estrogen receptors all over their bodies, including in their skin. If you want to understand receptors, think of them as Receptors, tiny "locks" on our cells that "unlock" when they connect with certain hormones, like estrogen, to help our body function properly.

As our estrogen levels start to drop during perimenopause and continue to fall at a greater pace after menopause, our skin begins to show signs of change. This can lead to common problems like:

• Loss of skin firmness
• Dryness and itching
• Less elasticity
• Acne that feels like it’s back from our teenage years
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Slower healing of wounds
• Eczema and rosacea
• Facial hair growth similar to men

Because of these changes, using estrogen creams for skin care during menopause might make sense. But does science support it?

Treating the changes in skin during menopause with estrogen creams

Can Estradiol or Estriol creams really help rejuvenate and restore your skin by addressing the root cause of these changes and giving your skin the care it needs during this stage of life?

Estrogen creams like Premarin or Estragyn Vaginal Cream are effective and safe in treating menopausal symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and painful sex. Research suggests that estrogen creams might benefit skin care during menopause.

Several studies have been conducted to explore the impact of estrogen creams on menopausal skin. For instance, one study¹ involving 65 postmenopausal women treated for six months showed a 23% increase in epidermal thickness after a punch biopsy.

 Another study² found significant improvements in skin elasticity, firmness, wrinkle depth, and pore size—showing 61% and 100% improvements in both the estradiol and estriol groups, respectively, with no systemic side effects reported.

Advantages of using Estrogen Creams for skin rejuvenation

The findings from different scientific research highlight the potential benefits of applying estrogen creams to manage the skin changes associated with menopause. With decreased sebum production, collagen, dermal thickness, and elastin fibers during menopause, estrogen creams could be vital in addressing these concerns.
Importantly, studies³ have also shown that the application of low-dose estrogen creams to the face does not result in significant systemic absorption, making them a safe option for long-term use.

Overall, while more research may be needed, the current evidence supports the use of estrogen creams as a promising option for rejuvenating and maintaining skin health during menopause.

Alternatives to Estrogen Creams for Skincare:

Estrogen creams, though proven effective, aren’t the only solution to your skincare concerns during perimenopause and menopause. There are plenty of other tried and tested alternatives that can bring about similar results and keep your skin glowing and healthy!

These days, it seems like a race for skincare serums, and it’s a relief for dermatologists and healthcare practitioners to see how well-aware today’s women are! Various serums, including Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin- C, and Retinol, have worked wonders for many women in their perimenopause and menopause stages.

Our experts at sanoMidLife have found some effective options and the dos and don’ts of skincare during menopause:

• Eat Clean for Clean Skin: A healthy diet remains crucial despite all the latest technologies and skincare treatments. Your skin reflects your diet! Eat clean, and add nutritious greens and fiber to your diet. Trust us, it always works!
• Hydration is Key: How many glasses of water do you drink every day? Well, your skin can tell! Keep yourself hydrated for healthy skin no matter your age.
• Shield Your Skin with Sunscreen: Whether you’re leaving the house, staying indoors, in the sun, or the rain, always apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin. Your future self will thank you!
• Hydrate Skin with Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that keeps skin hydrated and maintains its elasticity. Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine can keep your skin visibly plump, hydrated, and fresh.
• Vitamin C Antioxidants: Vitamin C fights harmful toxins and is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin. It can significantly improve the visible signs of skin aging by boosting collagen production.

These alternatives offer a range of effective options to keep your skin healthy and radiant during menopause.

If you are interested in exploring the use of topical estrogen cream as part of your facial skincare regimen, we encourage you to speak with one of our clinical team members. They can provide personalized advice and help determine whether this option is right for you, considering your medical history or ongoing treatment.

Connect with sanoMidLife and join our community to seek help and learn about the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause; get expert advice on treatments and therapies that can work best for you!

Sources:

1. The effects of an estrogen and glycolic acid cream on the facial skin of postmenopausal women: A randomized histologic study
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10680163_The_effects_of_an_estrogen_and_glycolic_acid_cream_on_the_facial_skin_of_postmenopausal_women_A_randomized_histologic_study

2. Treatment of skin aging with topical estrogens
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8876303/

3. When applied to facial skin, does estrogen ointment have systemic effects?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8215610/