Skin aging is a complex biological process controlled by chronological aging, genetics and environmental factors. As we age, hormone production decreases, the rate of skin renewal slows causing thinning of the epidermis and reducing the effectiveness of skin barrier function, repair and cell turnover. Gravity and the sun take a toll. Improving the skin’s integrity can help prevent some of the effects of aging. The board-certified and fellowship trained dermatologists at Moy, Fincher, Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology in Beverly Hills are widely respected for their whole person approach to skin health and beauty.
Physician Assistant Jeff So, PA-C and Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Jillian Roy, FNP-C answer frequently asked questions about aging, skin laxity and hormone replacement therapy.
How does aging affect the skin?
Beyond the common wrinkles, other various changes of the skin takes place as we age. The skin becomes rougher, degradation of collagen and elastin cause skin laxity, and the skin can become thinner–causing the skin to be more fragile.
What causes skin laxity?
Skin laxity is the hanging of skin caused by the loss of elastic tissue (elastin and collagen) which hinders the resiliency of skin.
At what age should I be concerned about skin laxity?
People should be concerned with skin laxity as soon as we are born. Avoiding the sun as much as possible, and taking precautionary measures when we are exposed to the sun helps in preventing skin laxity later on.
Does aging affect men’s skin differently than women?
Absolutely. Men and women have different hormones that contribute to the aging process.
How do hormones affect skin aging and laxity?
There are many benefits to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and skin aging and laxity are among them. Skin aging and laxity can be delayed by using hormones. Augmentation of dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands contributes to the positive effects that hormones have on the skin.
Which hormones are beneficial for anti-aging?
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
- Progesterone
- DHEA
- Melatonin
What are the anti-aging effects of bioidentical hormone replacement?
The effects of BHRT include the prevention of diseases and conditions including osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, decreased libido, hair loss, skin laxity and thinning, memory loss, anxiety, insomnia, and more.
What are the risks and potential side effects of bioidentical hormone replacement?
Compared to conventional synthetic hormones, BHRT greatly reduces the risks and side effects of therapy. Although rare, temporary potential side effects include acne, bloating, weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, increased facial hair in women, and localized allergic reactions to topical formulations.
