Topical Estrogen for the Face: Estriol Cream

I am seeing many ads on social media for topical estrogen and estradiol creams for the face to treat wrinkles and skin aging. The one being advertised the most is Alloy M4 Face Cream a face cream with estriol. Do these work? Are they safe, and which ones are best to use? I will discuss the various types of estrogen skin care, natural options and compare the pros and cons of each.

To shop for skin care using your Bauman Skin Type, take our skin care routine quiz.

Estrogen is a great anti-wrinkle cream

Only postmenopausal women with low breast cancer risk should use

Do not use if you have melasma or hyperpigmentation

There are prescription, cosmetic and natural forms of estrogen.

Discuss with your doctor before using

Why Use an Estrogen Face Cream?

There are really only 3 reasons to use an estrogen face cream:

Estrogen deficiency due to loss of ovarian function

Menopause

Transitioning to female gender.

Estrogen Deficiency

If you have had your ovaries removed or your estrogen levels are abnormal due to polycystic ovarian disease, or other disorders, discuss treatments with your doctor.

Menopause

Menopause heralds a new stage in a woman’s life, accompanied by many changes throughout the body, including the skin. My patients often complain of rapid skin aging, hair loss, acne, sun spots, dry skin, and itching during the premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal years. As ovarian function wanes, declining hormonal levels significantly impact skin health and appearance. Understanding the science behind these cutaneous changes can help design the perfect skincare routine for maturing skin during the menopausal transition. The key is to protect the skin from aging with the best menopause skincare, and one promising option is the use of estrogen creams. Note that if you are already taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) you probably do not need an additional estrogen cream. Please discuss with your doctor before using any of these topical estrogens.

Gender Transition to Female

Topical estrogen gets into the skin really easily and goes into the systemic circulation. So topical estrogen creams with greatly affect your hormone status. Please discuss with your gender affirmation care specialist before using any of these estrogen face creams. Hormone therapy is very complex and needs medical oversight.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles in Women

There are many good antiaging creams. The only way to know whichis best for you is to shop using your skin type octagon. When you take our skin type quiz, you will be assigned to 1 of 16 skin types. Once you know your skin type color and number, look for the skin type octagon when shopping for skin care to know if that is the best anti-aging product for you.

Estrogen Creams for Face

Estrogen creams are formulated to address the skin changes that occur with menopause. These creams contain different forms of estrogen, each with unique properties and benefits:

Estradiol : Known for its potency, estradiol is effective in improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Available with a doctor’s prescription only.

Estriol : A gentler alternative, estriol is less potent but still beneficial for skin hydration and reducing signs of aging. Available with a doctor’s prescription only.

Methyl Estradiolpropanoate (MEP) : A synthetic derivative that offers stability and effectiveness in skincare formulations. This is found in cosmetic skin creams that do not requre a subscription such as Emepellle.

Xenoestrogens : Synthetic or natural compounds that mimic estrogen in the body, sometimes included in skincare products for their estrogen-like effects.

Bioidenticals : Hormones identical in molecular structure to those the body produces, often used in hormone replacement therapies and increasingly in skincare for their natural effectiveness.

Plant-based Estrogens (Phytoestrogens) : Derived from plants, these estrogens are used in skincare for their gentle, estrogen-like effects, commonly found in ingredients like soy and wild yam.

Below are the estrogen or estrogen analog creams available without a prescription:

Benefits of Estrogen in Skincare

Estrogen creams offer several benefits for aging skin:

Preserves skin elasticity: Maintains elastin levels preventing sagging

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

Enhances skin hydration : Estrogen boosts the production of hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural moisturizer, and strengthens the skin barrier to help skin hold on to water.

Strengthens and thickens skin: With more collagen, HA, and elastin, the skin becomes thicker and more resilient.

Softens and smooths skin and reduces coarse facial hair

Side Effects of Estrogen Creams

While estrogen creams offer many benefits, they also come with potential side effects such as:

Hormonal imbalances

Increased risk of breast and uterine cancer

Melasma

Potential impacts on eczema and rosacea

On the other hand, the association between sex hormones and atopic dermatitis (AD) is less clear. Some studies report no consistent link between sex hormones and AD, while others suggest that fluctuating hormone levels during life stages like pregnancy and menopause can influence AD symptoms. The variability in findings suggests a complex relationship that warrants further research.

Estrogen’s Effects on Melasma

Estrogen will make your melasma worse. Do not use it if you have a any forms of hyperpigmentation.

Estrogen’s Effects on Rosacea

Research shows a significant connection between hormonal factors and the risk of rosacea. Studies indicate that rosacea is often diagnosed during perimenopause and can be influenced by hormonal changes during pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives. A study (3) involving 89,062 women found that postmenopausal women had a lower risk of rosacea compared to premenopausal women. However, the use of exogenous hormones, such as postmenopausal hormone therapy and oral contraceptives, was associated with an increased risk of rosacea. This means that estrogens creams used on the face may worsen rosacea. However, if rosacea is caused by hot flashes, the creams may improve rosacea.

Estrogen’s Effects on Eczema

The association between sex hormones and atopic dermatitis (AD) is less clear. Some studies report no consistent link between sex hormones and AD, while others suggest that fluctuating hormone levels during life stages like pregnancy and menopause can influence AD symptoms. The variability in findings suggests a complex relationship that warrants further research.

Safety

Estrogen creams should be used with caution, especially if you have:

A family history of breast cancer

BRCA gene mutation

Melasma or other estrogen-sensitive disorders

Conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids

Pregnancy

Have a history of blood clots

Some tumors, particularly certain types of breast cancer, are known to be estrogen-responsive, meaning that estrogen can promote their growth. Therefore, individuals with a history of such tumors should avoid estrogen creams. Additionally, those with hormone-sensitive conditions should be particularly cautious. The use of estrogen creams can potentially exacerbate these conditions or lead to other health complications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new skincare regimen that includes estrogen creams, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.

How Does Estrogen Affect the Skin?

Estrogen plays a significant 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.

Stimulates melanocytes to make pigment

Increasing moisture content : By boosting hyaluronic acid levels, estrogen helps keep the skin hydrated.

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

Loss of estrogen during menopause correlates with reduced collagen types I and IV in the dermis and basement membrane, leading to thinning of the skin, wrinkles, and reduced structural integrity.

Forms of Estrogen in Skincare

Estrogen can be delivered in various forms, each with unique benefits:

Pills : Systemic effects but potential for more side effects.

Patches : Provides a steady release of estrogen through the skin.

Serums and Creams : Direct application to the skin allowing increased estrogen levels in skin

Intravaginal applications : Targeted for vaginal health but can also benefit skin.

Skin Conditions Treated with Estrogen

Estrogen creams can help with various skin conditions, including:

Wrinkles

Dryness

Skin fragility

Sagging skin

Thin skin

Natural Alternatives to Estrogen

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

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

Herbal extracts : Ingredients like saw palmetto and wild yams are commonly used for their estrogenic effects.

Foods High in Estrogen

Soy products

Flaxseeds

Sesame seeds

Garlic

Peaches

Berries

Estrogen creams can be a valuable addition to skincare routines for women experiencing menopause. By understanding the benefits and potential risks, you can make informed decisions about using estrogen in your skincare regimen. Take our skin care routine quiz to see if these products are right for you. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the best approach for your individual needs.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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