The overlap of the symptoms of menopause and the onset of skin aging suggests that a decrease in estrogen levels may be a significant factor in perimenopausal women.
Hormones are often thought to be important in the intrinsic aging of the skin, but their role has not been clearly defined.
Therefore, this study examined whether local skin treatment using estrogen may help reverse some of the changes in aging skin.
Materials and methods:
The effects of 0.01% estradiol compounds in one group and 0.3% estriol in the other group were tested,
59 premenopausal women who experienced skin aging symptoms participated in the study.
Monthly tests were performed for estrogen (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PRL).
The monthly clinical follow-up is accompanied by skin moisture measurements using a cornometer and profilometer device.
In 10 subjects, skin samples were taken for immunohistochemical testing of collagen types I and III.
Results:
After treatment for 6 months, the elasticity and firmness of the skin improved significantly and the depth of wrinkles and pore sizes decreased by 61% to 100% in both groups.
Furthermore, skin moisture increased and the measurement of wrinkles using a skin profilometer showed a significant, even very high, decrease in the depth of wrinkles in the estradiol and estriol groups respectively.
In an immunohistochemical test, a significant increase in type III collagen labeling was observed along with an increased number of collagen fibers at the end of the treatment period.
Regarding hormone levels, only prolactin levels increased significantly and no systemic hormonal side effects were observed.
Topical estrogen:
Topical estrogen is applied directly to the skin in the form of a cream, gel.
This approach allows estrogen to act directly on the affected area, while reducing the risks associated with taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy) systemically.
Many studies have shown that topical estrogen is effective in improving skin dryness, wrinkles and skin thickness.
At the same time, it is important to note that the use of topical estrogen may cause local side effects, such as skin irritation, rash and bleeding.
Another study:
A recent study found that topical estrogen combined with isoflavones was even more effective in improving skin dryness, wrinkles, and skin thickness than either treatment alone.
The study included 100 menopausal women who received topical estrogen, isoflavones, or a combination of both for 12 weeks.
Women who received the combination reported a more significant improvement in the appearance of their skin compared to women who received only one treatment.
Isoflavones:
Isoflavones are plant compounds found mainly in foods such as soy and soybeans.
Isoflavones are structurally similar to estrogen and can bind to the same receptors in the body.
As a result, isoflavones may affect the skin in a similar way to estrogen.
Studies on the effects of isoflavones on the skin have been less consistent.
Some studies have shown that isoflavones may improve skin dryness and wrinkles, while others have found no significant effect.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8876303/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647519300012
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6451761/
