When the glow (whether glass skin or dolphin skin) is closer to home—inside us—we hunt for answers in bottles of actives and antioxidants. Those with a female reproductive system—the interaction of three essential hormones, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—their skin health is dependent on the interplay of three major hormones, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Estrogen promotes the formation of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, whereas progesterone promotes the creation of sebum or oil glands and testosterone activates the sebaceous glands. If life were easy, the three would be perfectly balanced, and we wouldn’t have PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, or hormonal acne, among other issues. But where’s the excitement in that?
We start puberty with millions of eggs, reveals gynaecologist Dr. Kiran Coelho. The menstrual clock is a finely regulated equilibrium between the upper centres of the hypothalamus, which generate hormones that operate on the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland begins to produce Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormones, which operate on the ovaries and cause the egg to mature. “Every month, we have millions of eggs, but just one ripens.” It generates oestrogen when it ripens. For the first 14 days, oestrogen restores the lining, and when it reaches a particular level in the blood, it sends feedback to the brain, causing the luteinizing hormone to be released. As a result, the egg ruptures. The egg’shell’ then stays and begins to produce progesterone, which expands the uterine lining, making it ripe and ready for pregnancy.” If this does not occur, progesterone and oestrogen are withdrawn, and the lining comes out as your monthly period.
This perilous dance between oestrogen and progesterone is responsible for far more than just your monthly cycle. “Even the smallest imbalance can cause skin problems,” explains dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal of Yavana Aesthetics. “Low oestrogen levels can cause skin dryness and sensitivity, whilst excessive progesterone levels can cause skin oiliness and breakouts.
Menstrual periods are irregular, and hormone levels are influenced by external influences, particularly as our lifestyles become more stressful. “One in every 3-5 adolescent girls and one in every five adult women acquire PCOS as a result of stress and sedentary lifestyle,” explains Dr. Coelho. “Their menstrual clocks are off—the egg ripens but does not burst, staying within and releasing male hormones such as testosterone and DHEA” (Dehydroepiandrosterone). These are the root causes of hormonal acne, pimples, hair growth, and insulin resistance. As a result, there is weight increase.
As we age, the balance and balances get increasingly skewed. Estrogen levels begin to fall throughout menopause or as we approach it, leaving the skin dry. Collagen and elastin degrade, and hyaluronic acid synthesis declines, resulting in wrinkles, more visible pores, and drooping skin. “Age spots are increasing, and the risk of skin cancer is increasing,” Dr. Agarwal continues. “You may see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and begin skin care with sunscreen and retinols.” Use a moisturiser with ceramides, oatmeal extracts, sea buckthorn oil, and gotu kola. Oral omega-3, phytoestrogens, and antioxidants can assist. After talking with your doctor, you can also explore hormone replacement treatment and bioidentical hormone therapy to ease your hormone loss.
A hormone imbalance is a red flag that something is wrong. “Your skin is a reflection of your body,” explains Dr. Agarwal. “The first indicators of hormonal changes appear on the skin before they appear in blood tests and other organs.” It may begin as resistant acne or facial hair, thinning scalp hair, increased pigmentation, or dry irritated skin that is refractory to standard therapies. To some extent, skincare products can assist. However, not simply skin products, but early diagnosis and therapy with an expert doctor are vital for treating hormone imbalance.
At that point, you must not only seek expert assistance, but you must also assess your lifestyle and determine what has to be significantly altered. A round of medicine can cure your symptoms, but the core reason will remain unaddressed unless you balance stress, exercise, food, and something that brings joy and significance to your life. “Eat the appropriate foods at the correct times, exercise consistently, and sleep early” (follow the natural circadian rhythm so that the hormones follow the natural pattern). To avoid hormonal disturbance, avoid smoking and drinking. Avoid excessive cleanses or diet regimens since they might cause hormonal imbalances,” warns Dr. Agarwal. There’s never been a better time to start doing Pilates or Yoga—aside from a supple body, that glow doesn’t come from a bottle.
