What Is Estrogen Deficient Skin?

Did you know that a reduction in the production of estrogen might be causing skin issues? As you age, your estrogen levels slowly decline—especially during perimenopause, which may begin several years before you stop having menstrual periods. As you go through perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and become unpredictable before dramatically dropping as you near menopause. 

This reduction in estrogen is associated with changes to your skin’s appearance. If you’re approaching menopause—or are already postmenopausal—and have noticed new skin concerns such as dryness or reduced elasticity, you may be experiencing a condition known as Estrogen Deficient Skin. 

Estrogen and Skin Aging Explained 

It goes without saying that women experience changes to their skin as they age, but many women do not realize that estrogen and skin aging are so closely linked. 

Estrogen plays an important role in the health of your skin. Estrogen binds to receptors in the skin, which has been shown to increase collagen content, improve skin moisture and accelerate wound healing.

As you age, these receptors become less active as estrogen and collagen decline. It is estimated that collagen production drops by about 1-2% each year after you turn 20. However, collagen loss is greatly accelerated during menopause. According to a study published in Dermato Endocrinology, collagen production can decrease by as much as 30% in the first five years after menopause.

How Are Estrogen and Collagen Connected?  

Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissues of your body, and it has a significant effect on your skin. Dermatologists agree that collagen is what gives your skin a youthful and plump appearance. 

The hormone estrogen affects collagen production by activating the receptors that are responsible for producing collagen in the skin. Therefore, when estrogen levels decrease leading up to and during menopause, collagen levels naturally decrease as well. 

Symptoms of Estrogen Deficient Skin 

Lowered estrogen levels in perimenopausal and menopausal women have been linked to a number of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings and fatigue—but the effects of low estrogen on the skin are not as well known. 

Estrogen Deficient Skin has been shown to cause several changes in the skin’s appearance, including but not limited to:

• Dryness 
• Dullness 
• Fine lines and wrinkles 
• Thinner skin 
• Decreased elasticity 

How to Know If You Have Estrogen Deficient Skin

In an interview with Modern Aesthetics, Joel L. Cohen, MD, explains that Estrogen Deficient Skin goes untreated for many women. “Many women in their post-menopausal years don’t realize that some skin changes of dryness and laxity are actually due to estrogen deficiency,” he says. “A paucity of study of EDS led to a lack of awareness, and until recently, a lack of viable treatment options.”

If you are experiencing signs of skin aging, hormonal changes associated with menopause may be to blame. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you’re experiencing Estrogen Deficient Skin:

• Are you menopausal? In other words, has it been at least a year since your last menstrual period? 
• If you’re not menopausal—are you in your 30s or 40s, and have you experienced any other symptoms of perimenopause?
• Have you noticed recent changes in your skin’s appearance, such as dryness, dullness or wrinkles? 
• Have these changes in your skin happened suddenly? 

If you answered yes to these questions, there’s a good chance that estrogen deficiency is playing a role in your skincare concerns. 

Emepelle Can Help

Some women try to address Estrogen Deficient Skin with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but this can cause unwanted side effects. Fortunately, there are professional skincare products available that can help. The development of Emepelle—a non-hormonal skin care regimen for Estrogen Deficient Skin—has led to incredible results for women looking to improve their skin without the use of hormones. Unlike other skincare solutions, Emepelle is specifically designed to help women who are experiencing the negative skin side effects of lowered levels of estrogen that come with menopause. 

Dr. Cohen explains, “Emepelle is a new category of skincare. This type of topical for EDS hasn’t existed until now. The hero ingredient, Methyl Estradiolpropanoate (MEP), is a non-hormonal way to activate specific skin estrogen receptors.”

With Empelle’s patented MEP Technology, you can help restore your skin’s youthful appearance. MEP is clinically proven to safely and effectively address symptoms of Estrogen Deficient Skin. In a clinical study, women saw results after 14 weeks of using Empelle products. The trial revealed a 54% improvement in dryness, 39% improvement in dullness and a 19% improvement in laxity.

Ready to get smoother, more youthful skin? Explore Emepelle’s line of products, or visit our blog for more information on how to address common skincare concerns.