We are in the midst of a radical change in how our society views aging. People are living longer, and want to look as young as they feel. Hit reality TV shows like Extreme Makeover and Dr 90210 have shown us that cosmetic surgery, once only for the rich and famous, is now much more acceptable and accessible for today’s men and women. 

 

But while plastic surgery can help us look younger, there is still one area it cannot correct - the quality of our skin.

Facelifts can remove excess sagging skin, but cannot improve the texture, plumpness, or elasticity of the skin itself.

To understand how we can keep these youthful skin qualities, you need to first understand a little biology. 

 

Our skin is composed of 3 basic materials that keep it youthful: 

1.  Collagen, which acts like rope to give our skin strength and prevent sagging. 

2.  Elastic Tissue acts like rubber bands, and gives our skin elasticity and “bounce back.” 

3.  Hyaluronic Acid keeps our skin plump and hydrated.

 

Our body’s natural hormones are directly responsible for the production and maintenance of these three key ingredients in our skin. 

 

Yet, most women are unaware that new studies show estrogen levels start declining in women in their late 20’s, not in their 40’s.   This gradual estrogen loss causes skin changes which are entirely separate and different from the two forms of aging the skincare industry has always focused on: 

1. Chronologic Aging– our skin continues to age, directly as we get older
2. Environmental Aging – due to sun damage, tanning and pollution

 

But I have identified a new category of aging.  I named this 3rd type of aging, “Hormonal Aging,” where decreasing estrogen causes less Collagen, Elastic tissue, and Hyaluronic Acid to be made.  This type of aging, unique to women, is separate and cumulative to the other forms of aging.

 

My research reveals that Hormonal Aging causes 12 distinct skin symptoms such as thinning skin; dehydrated dry sensitive skin; acceleration of fine lines and wrinkles; decreased elasticity and firmness; flushing and uneven skin pigmentation; occasional itchiness or breakouts; photosensitivity; and unwanted facial hair growth.  It is my belief that if women address Hormonal Aging early, these symptoms could be reduced or delayed, preventing early severe damage. 

 

For example, just as heart disease used to be considered an old man’s disease, we now know that poor diet and lack of exercise can cause cardiovascular changes in men as early as their mid 20’s.  Prevention was found to be the key.

 

It is the same thing with your skin.  If a woman waits until she is in her 30’s or 40’s to address hormonal aging, by the time she notices these symptoms, most of the damage will have already occurred. It is much easier to hold on to what you already have, than try to fix it once it is altered.

 
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) used to mask the skin symptoms of hormonal aging, but HRT is no longer routinely prescribed since it was found to have dangerous side affects. 

 

So what can a woman do to get an early start on treating the symptoms of hormonal aging?  Research has shown that specific botanicals, such as soy and black cohosh, when applied topically, mimic the effects of estrogen on your skin, and can actually treat the skin symptoms of hormonal aging.  These phyto-estrogens are being incorporated in new innovative products that combat hormonal aging, yet still contain all the essential ingredients to treat all 3 types of skin aging. 

 

Now that you understand the 3 types of aging, you can now make better choices and take preventative measures to keep your skin looking as young as you feel.