Addressing hormonal imbalances with lifestyle changes improves women’s skin appearance
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Key takeaways:
- Hormonal changes occur at various life stages from puberty to menopause, affecting the skin.
- Encouraging patients to make lifestyle treatments can help correct hormonal imbalances.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Addressing the internal hormonal changes in women will directly affect the appearance of their skin, according to a speaker at South Beach Symposium.
“Hormones directly affect skin health through various pathways including by regulating collagen production, oil production and skin hydration levels,” Erika Schwartz, MD, of Evolved Science, told Healio. “As hormone levels fluctuate throughout every stage and phase of life, skin structure and function may change, leading to pimples, wrinkles, dry skin and loss of elasticity.”
According to Schwartz, women will experience these hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, during and after childbirth, postpartum, in the years leading up to menopause and during menopause. While these hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of life, some women will also experience imbalanced hormonal levels due to certain conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
According to Schwartz, hormonal changes will manifest through the skin in the form of acne — which is the case most often during puberty, menstruation and PCOS — or in the form of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots, such as with menopause.
While treatments for hormonal imbalances exist, including oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, according to Schwartz, it is important to couple medical treatments with lifestyle changes.
During any kind of hormonal imbalance, Schwartz recommends that patients alter their diet to avoid high glycemic foods, dairy and processed foods. Patients should also stay hydrated, intaking approximately 2 L to 3 L of flat water daily.
Maintaining a good balance of the body and mind by decreasing stress, sleeping 7 to 8 hours a night and exercising 3 to 4 times weekly will also help correct hormonal levels.
During postpartum, adding adrenal and thyroid support as well as progesterone supplementation to the aforementioned lifestyle changes will also help achieve hormonal balance.
During menopause, patients should be offered antioxidant skin protection in the form of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are administered via IV infusions.
“With hormones in balance, skin can stay healthy through all stages of life,” Schwartz said. “As a dermatologist it is important to realize that skin appearance is directly influenced by internal changes and hormones are at the forefront of these changes."
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Schwartz E, et al. Hormonal impact on skin at various life stages. Presented at: South Beach Symposium; Feb. 8-11, 2024; Miami Beach, Florida.
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