Cancer Patients Skin Aging from Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy for women affects estrogen and/or progesterone by reducing its production or blocking its effects to prevent the growth of hormone sensitive cancers. Since estrogen and progesterone both play significant roles in our skin, visible changes in aging such as skin quality, texture and appearance will be noted when these hormones are reduced.

Skin Thinning and Wrinkles from Less Estrogen

Collagen is an important component that is responsible for the structure and thickness of the skin. As estrogen decreases, collagen production slows down in the dermis.

The dermis is the deeper layer of your skin known as the true skin. It’s the structural layer where wrinkles form, not the upper most layer that you can see and touch (the epidermis). This is why many skincare products can’t actually change your skin to improve wrinkles. Many skincare ingredients cannot reach past the epidermis (a protective barrier) to the dermis to actually create change there.

Breakdown of collagen and elastin in the dermis leads to skin thinning, increased wrinkles and less regulation of enzymes that break down important skin elements like collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Estrogen also maintains elastin fibers, which is responsible for skin firmness and elasticity.

Skin Dryness from Less Progesterone

Progesterone is responsible for signaling the production of skin lipids like ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. With the reduction of these important lipids come increased dryness, propensity for barrier dysfunction, leading to skin dehydration, irritation and itching. Decrease in estrogen also contributes to skin dehydration since the skin cannot properly retain water.

Estrogen and Progesterone Depleted Skin

Estrogen & Progesterone depleted skin may appear:

• Dry and Rough

• Crepey with many fine lines

• Thin, Fragile

• Sagging

• Wrinkled

• Pigmented

• Acneic

• Dehydrated

Skin Rejuventation to Restore Collagen and Elastin

In the sea of so many skincare products and procedures that all claim to reverse time and restore your skin to its youth, how do you know what to choose? Additionally, how do you know what is safe for long term health and appropriate during or after cancer treatment?

Stay tuned for more on how to increase collagen and prevent skin aging for cancer patients.