How are Your Hormones Affecting Your Skin?

With the summer coming to a close, many women are across the state of New York are readying themselves for all that comes with the fall and winter seasons. From more layers and warmer coats, to prepping their homes for the leaves and snow to come. More than just the changes to your wardrobe and home prep however comes the need for an entirely different skincare regimen. And while you might think those recent breakouts are simply a factor of the humidity and constant sun exposure associated with the summer, the changing weather may not help as much as you might think. According to Dr. Eric Treiber MD, one of the most forgotten factors regarding skincare amongst women is the effect of hormones and hormonal changes. As women move in and out of their menstrual cycles, according to Dr. Eric Treiber MD and his team at Treiber Dermatology, hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate drastically, and can drastically alter the way in which you look and feel – especially when it comes to your skin.

During a woman’s cycle, the days 1 through 7 can be thought of as a reset point, as the hormonal effects last throughout the rest of the month, more so than they do simply through the time of their actual menstruation period. During the 3^rd day, estrogen and testosterone begin to solely rise. Generally, these hormones are known to support things like the mood, metabolism and have an impact upon the health and wellness of your skin. Estrogen dips to a low point during the first 3 days of the cycle, which leads to a drastic decrease in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels – which is made even worse as women leave their 20’s and enter their 30’s, considering that they begin to dip naturally as we age. This can leave women without their natural glowing skin, as well as other issues including:

· Dry Skin

· Poor Skin Texture

· Enlarged Pores

· Susceptibility for Wrinkles

· Lost Elasticity

This is a main reason why many women can have issues with skin year round, and are far more susceptible to the impact of the environment – as they are without as much natural defenses. According to Dr. Eric Treiber MD the most important thing to do in this case is to adjust your skincare regimen to attempt to fight off the natural affects of such hormonal issues. some of the most important things to do include:

· Changing Your Moisturizer

Try to find a moisturizer that’s rich in phytoestrogens – these are plant-based estrogens that are found in nuts, seeds, and the bark of certain healthy plant life. These ingredients are known to safely mimic estrogen’s effect on the skin, by improving elasticity, skin clarity, and overall brightness or Lumosity.

· Always Exfoliate

This is simply a good tip for everyone to follow, however especially important for those in the midst of hormonal changes. Daily exfoliation and proper cleansing is one of the most important things an individual can do for their skin. Just be sure to moisturize after.

· Drink & Eat Better

Add more daily water consumption, try plant-based proteins, especially during the early hours of the day. Avoid caffeine, and simple carbs like sugar as they make the skin more likely to suffer from acne and wrinkle issues.

For more information on improving your skincare regimen, be sure to contact Dr. Eric Treiber MD today.