Are Topical Estrogens Effective for Skin Aging?

Only where the sun doesn’t shine

Aging of the skin is caused by a combination of genetic factors (natural aging) and excessive sun exposure (photoaging). Natural aging appears as fine wrinkles, skin laxity, and sagging; photoaging produces coarse wrinkles. Both processes result, at least in part, from declines in types I and III collagen in the dermis. Topical medications that could restore the youthful appearance of skin are of great interest, and estrogen-containing creams have been suggested as potential candidates in this role. To test this theory, investigators examined the efficacy of topical estradiol on collagen production in 40 postmenopausal women (mean age, 75; range, 65–94).

After 1 week of therapy with topical estradiol, procollagen I and III synthesis and prot…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)