Hormones act as messengers in our body, transmitting precise messages between cells. Produced by the glands of the endocrine system, they coordinate cellular activity and different tissues by binding to receptors present throughout the body.
LThe skin, one of the organs richest in receptors, is strongly influenced by the role of hormones, essential for skin tone, vitality, and elasticity. Any imbalances can have a negative impact on skin firmness and can lead to imperfections.
Some hormones are more important for both men and women, and at certain times in life, they play a particularly significant role. It is during these times that the relationship between the skin and hormones becomes more intense. For example, during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause, the action of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone makes the skin more sensitive and prone to imperfections in the case of hormonal imbalances.
During the delicate phase of adolescence, the body undergoes an increase in the production of both male and female hormones. Women also produce small amounts of male sex hormones such as testosterone. However, as long as this production is balanced, there is no cause for concern.
Problems arise when a hormonal imbalance occurs, meaning that the amount of male hormones exceeds the standard levels for the female body. This imbalance can lead to the appearance of certain imperfections often associated with adolescence, such as increased hair growth, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne. The latter is due to the fact that testosterone acts on the sebaceous glands, stimulating sebum production. Although these consequences are generally associated with puberty, they can also occur in adult women. Hormonal imbalances are not only caused internally but can also be triggered by an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, and lack of sleep.
During pregnancy, the action of hormones can often have a positive effect. Pregnant women seem to have more beautiful and radiant skin or healthier hair. However, sometimes, in addition to influencing mood, an excess of hormones can cause the appearance of unsightly patches on the belly (linea nigra) and face (melasma) in predisposed individuals. These patches are completely normal and not pathological. During pregnancy, an hormone is produced that stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin, causing localized hyperpigmentations in certain areas of the skin considered hormone-sensitive. This type of discoloration can also occur following hormonal therapy, as in the case of birth control pills.
Finally, even during menopause, the role of hormones becomes important. Unlike adolescence and pregnancy, during menopause, the production of hormones decreases to the point of disappearing, compromising the protective activity that female sex hormones had on mature skin.
As a result, the skin becomes drier, less elastic, nails weaken, and hair falls out and thins.
Hormones act as messengers in our body, transmitting precise messages between cells. Produced by the glands of the endocrine system, they coordinate cellular activity and different tissues by binding to receptors present throughout the body.
LThe skin, one of the organs richest in receptors, is strongly influenced by the role of hormones, essential for skin tone, vitality, and elasticity. Any imbalances can have a negative impact on skin firmness and can lead to imperfections.
Some hormones are more important for both men and women, and at certain times in life, they play a particularly significant role. It is during these times that the relationship between the skin and hormones becomes more intense. For example, during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause, the action of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone makes the skin more sensitive and prone to imperfections in the case of hormonal imbalances.
During the delicate phase of adolescence, the body undergoes an increase in the production of both male and female hormones. Women also produce small amounts of male sex hormones such as testosterone. However, as long as this production is balanced, there is no cause for concern.
Problems arise when a hormonal imbalance occurs, meaning that the amount of male hormones exceeds the standard levels for the female body. This imbalance can lead to the appearance of certain imperfections often associated with adolescence, such as increased hair growth, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne. The latter is due to the fact that testosterone acts on the sebaceous glands, stimulating sebum production. Although these consequences are generally associated with puberty, they can also occur in adult women. Hormonal imbalances are not only caused internally but can also be triggered by an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, and lack of sleep.
During pregnancy, the action of hormones can often have a positive effect. Pregnant women seem to have more beautiful and radiant skin or healthier hair. However, sometimes, in addition to influencing mood, an excess of hormones can cause the appearance of unsightly patches on the belly (linea nigra) and face (melasma) in predisposed individuals. These patches are completely normal and not pathological. During pregnancy, an hormone is produced that stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin, causing localized hyperpigmentations in certain areas of the skin considered hormone-sensitive. This type of discoloration can also occur following hormonal therapy, as in the case of birth control pills.
Finally, even during menopause, the role of hormones becomes important. Unlike adolescence and pregnancy, during menopause, the production of hormones decreases to the point of disappearing, compromising the protective activity that female sex hormones had on mature skin.
As a result, the skin becomes drier, less elastic, nails weaken, and hair falls out and thins.
