Estriol in Skincare: Benefits, Side Effects, and Best Uses

Estrogen Topicals for the Face: Estriol Cream

I see a lot of ads on social media for using estrogen and estradiol topicals to treat facial wrinkles and aging skin.

The most widely advertised is Alloy M4 cream, which contains estriol. Do these creams work?

Are they safe? Which is best? I discuss different estrogen skin care products and natural options and compare their pros and cons.

To find the right skin care for your Bowman skin type, take our skin care quiz.

Estrogen is an excellent anti-wrinkle cream.

It should only be used by postmenopausal women who have a low risk of breast cancer.

Do not use if you have melasma or hyperpigmentation.

Estrogen is available in prescription, cosmetic, and natural forms.

Discuss use with your doctor.

Why use estrogen creams?

There are really only three reasons to use estrogen creams:

Estrogen deficiency due to loss of ovarian function

Menopause

Estrogen deficiency

If your ovaries have been removed, or if you have abnormal estrogen levels due to PCOS or another medical condition, discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Menopause

Menopause marks the beginning of a new phase of life, and with it come many changes in the body, including changes in the skin.

My patients often complain of rapid skin aging, hair loss, acne, sun spots, dry skin, and itching during premenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

As ovarian function declines, the decline in hormone levels can significantly affect the health and appearance of the skin.

Understanding the scientific background of these skin changes can help develop the best skin care routine for mature skin during menopause.

The key is to use the right skin care during menopause to prevent skin aging. One promising option is estrogen cream.

Please note: If you are already taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), then you may not need additional estrogen cream. Talk to your doctor before using any topical estrogen.

Transitioning to Female

Topical estrogen easily penetrates the skin and enters the systemic circulation. Therefore, topical estrogen creams can greatly affect your hormonal status.

Talk to your transgender specialist before using any estrogen creams. Hormone therapy is very complex and requires medical supervision.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles for Women

There are many good anti-aging creams. To find out which one is best for you, select your skin type octagon. In our skin type quiz, you will be assigned one of 16 skin types.

Once you know your skin type and skin number, you can refer to the skin type octagon when shopping for skin care products to see if it is the best anti-aging product for you.

Facial Estrogen Creams

Estrogen creams were developed to treat menopausal skin changes. They contain different forms of estrogen, each with unique properties and benefits:

Estradiol: Estradiol is known for its effectiveness and can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Available only by prescription.

Estriol Esters: A gentler alternative. Estriol is less effective, but still beneficial for skin hydration and reducing signs of aging. Available only by prescription.

Methylestradiol propionate (MEP): A synthetic derivative that provides stability and efficacy to skin care formulas.

It is found in cosmetic skin care creams that do not require subscription, such as: B. Emepelle.

Xenoestrogens: Synthetic or natural compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and are sometimes added to skin care products for their estrogen-like effects.

Bioidentical hormones: Hormones with a molecular structure identical to the body’s own hormones.

They are often used in hormone replacement therapy and are increasingly used in skin care due to their natural benefits.

Phytoestrogens (phytoestrogens): These plant-derived estrogens are used in skin care for their mild estrogen-like effects and are commonly found in ingredients such as soy and wild yam.

Below you can find over-the-counter estrogen or estrogen analog creams:

Benefits of estrogen in skin care

Estrogen creams have several benefits for aging skin:

Maintain skin elasticity: Maintains elastin levels, thus preventing skin sagging.

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: Stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen types I and III.

Improves skin hydration: Estrogen promotes the production of hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural moisturizer, and strengthens the skin barrier, allowing the skin to retain water.

Strengthens and thickens the skin: More collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin make the skin thicker and more elastic.

Makes the skin soft and elastic and reduces unruly facial hair.

Side effects of estrogen creams

While estrogen creams have many benefits, they can also have side effects, such as:

Hormone imbalance

Increased risk of breast and uterine cancer

Melasma

Possible effects on eczema and rosacea

However, the link between sex hormones and atopic dermatitis (AD) is unclear.

Some studies report no consistent association between sex hormones and AD, while others suggest that fluctuations in hormone levels during life stages such as pregnancy and menopause may affect AD symptoms.

The variability in results suggests a complex relationship that requires further research.

Effects of estrogen on melasma

Estrogen can make melasma worse. Do not use it if you suffer from hyperpigmentation.

Effects of Estrogen on Rosacea

Studies have shown a significant association between hormonal factors and the risk of rosacea.

Studies have shown that rosacea is often diagnosed during the perimenopausal period and may be affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives.

A study of 89,062 women (3) found that postmenopausal women had a lower risk of rosacea than premenopausal women.

The intake of exogenous hormones, such as: However, other medications, such as postmenopausal hormone therapy and oral contraceptives, have been associated with an increased risk of rosacea.

This means that estrogen creams on the face can make rosacea worse. However, if rosacea is caused by hot flashes, these creams can relieve symptoms.

Effects of Estrogen on Eczema

The relationship between sex hormones and atopic dermatitis (AD) is unclear.

The variability in results suggests a complex relationship that requires further research.

Safety

Estrogen creams should be used with caution, especially in the following cases:

Breast cancer in the family

BRCA gene mutations

Melasma or other estrogen-sensitive diseases

Disorders such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids

Pregnancy

History of blood clots

Some tumors, especially some types of breast cancer, are known to be sensitive to estrogen, which is h. Estrogen can promote their growth.

Therefore, people with a history of such tumors should avoid using estrogen creams. People with hormone-sensitive diseases should also be particularly careful.

Using estrogen creams may make these conditions worse or cause other health complications.

Before starting a new skin care regimen that contains estrogen cream, always consult your doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your personal health needs.

How does estrogen affect the skin?

Estrogen plays an important role in skin health by:

Stimulating fibroblasts: This increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, making the skin thicker, stronger, smoother, and less wrinkled.

Melanocytes are stimulated to produce pigment.

Increased moisture content: By increasing the amount of hyaluronic acid, estrogen helps the skin retain moisture.

Antioxidant: Estrogen has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from oxidative stress.

The loss of estrogen during menopause is associated with a decrease in type I and IV collagen in the dermis and basement membrane, which can lead to thinning, wrinkling, and reduced structural integrity of the skin.

Forms of estrogen in skin care products

Estrogen can be administered in several different forms, each with unique benefits:

Tablets: Have a systemic effect, but may produce more side effects.

Patches: Ensure that the estrogen is released evenly through the skin.

Serums and creams: Apply directly to the skin to increase estrogen levels.

Intravaginal application: Promote vaginal health while also benefiting the skin.

Treating Skin Conditions with Estrogen

Estrogen creams can help treat a variety of skin conditions, including:

Folding

Dryness

Fragile skin

Sagging skin

Thin skin

Natural alternatives to estrogen

For those who prefer a natural alternative, phytoestrogens offer a plant-based alternative:

Phytoestrogens: These compounds found in soy, flaxseed, and other plants mimic estrogen and can improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Herbal extracts: Ingredients such as saw palmetto and wild yam are often used for their estrogenic effects.

Foods rich in estrogen

Soy products

Flaxseed

Sesame seeds

Garlic

Peaches

Berries

Estrogen creams can be a helpful addition to a menopausal woman’s skin care routine.

Understanding the benefits and potential risks can help you make an informed decision about whether to use estrogen in your skin care routine.

Take our skin care quiz to find out if any of these products are right for you. Always consult your doctor to find the best solution for your individual needs.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected