Hormones and the Skin
Young Adulthood
Acne
- Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms.
- Acne affects most teenagers and adults in their 20s and beyond
- Adult female acne can be triggered by changes in hormones, ovarian cysts or pregnancy
- Treatment includes oral contraceptives alone or in conjunction with other therapies, and oral medications or topical creams, gels, or lotions with vitamin A derivatives, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics to help unblock the pores and reduce bacteria
Hirsutism
- Characterized by excessive growth of hair on the female face and body
- One in 20 U.S. women are affected
- May be caused by genetics or abnormally high levels of the male hormone androgen in the blood
- Treatment includes oral anti-androgens or topical creams to slow down hair growth, particularly on the face
- Polycystic ovary syndrome also can trigger the condition
Polycystic ovary syndrome
- An estimated 5 to 10 percent of women of childbearing age are affected
- Occurs in women with high levels of the male hormone androgen, with irregular or no menstrual cycle, and who may have had small cysts in their ovaries
- Treatment includes oral contraceptives, diabetes medications and fertility medications
Adrenal hyperplasia
- Condition where there is a lack of an enzyme needed by the adrenal gland to make the hormones cortisol and aldosterone, which causes the body to produce more androgen, a type of male hormone
- Can cause early appearance of male characteristics in either males or females
- Treatment includes the use of oral steroids
Pregnancy
Melasma
- Also known as the "mask of pregnancy"
- Caused by an overproduction of melanin, a natural substance in the body that gives color to the hair, skin, and eyes, leading to dark patches on the face
- Makeup and concealers with white and yellow undertones can be used to cover up the darkness
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to prevent the further darkening of the skin
- Treatment with topical prescription or over-the-counter products containing hydroquinone, or prescription products containing retinoids, azeleic acid or hydroxyacids.
Hair Care Concerns During and After Pregnancy
Excessive hair growth during pregnancy
- Hair can grow thick on the face and chest
- Caused by the overproduction of hormones during pregnancy
- Tweezing, waxing, threading or shaving can remove excess hair
- Treatment also includes laser hair removal by a dermatologist
Temporary shedding of hair after pregnancy
- Called telogen effluvium
- Caused by drop in hormones following pregnancy
- Excess hair that grew during pregnancy is lost
- No treatments available; Hair is returning to its normal growth cycle
Menopause
Skin care changes
- Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity and increased sensitivity due to lower levels of estrogen
- Treatment options include prescription retinoids or over-the-counter products such as retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants or peptides
Androgenetic alopecia
- Hair loss in which hair thins on the vertex or top of the head and hair becomes finer in texture
- Primarily genetic condition
- Treatment options include topical minoxidil and other therapies, including oral medications which can block the effect of androgens, such as hormone replacement therapy and spironolactone
See your dermatologist for successful diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions affected by hormones.