How Hormones Can Play Havoc With Your Skin by Solvaderm?

From pregnancy and childbirth to medical disorders, fluctuating hormone levels in the body can spell disaster for your skin. The decline in the production of certain hormones contributes to the ageing process and, while some are a requirement to aid cell renewal, others in excess can cause damage. The Endocrine system is the body's collection of glands that secrete hormones, regulates our metabolisms and facilitates tissue growth and development. As such it is responsible for, amongst other things, the quality of our skin. Here's Solvaderm's guide to the Endocrine system, how it works and its role in your skin's health.

Slow to Change

Some systems in the body, such as the circulatory system, have an immediate effect on the organs they reach. For example, increased blood flow to the skin causes redness and perspiration which clears out toxins making skin look fresher. Hormones, on the other hand, work at a cellular level, therefore, changes take longer to appear. This slow action is one of the reasons why effective regulation is so important. When everything is functioning correctly, the Endocrine system works to produce and convert hormones so that each organ of the body receives the amount it requires at any given time. When changes occur which are caused by the natural life cycle or by part of the body's system malfunctioning this process is disrupted. This is why if we are under stress it is only weeks or months later that it becomes apparent in our skin.

Natural Processes

While women are subject to hormonal changes that affect their skin throughout their life, there are three instances that cause dramatic fluctuations in the hormone estrogen starting with puberty where the increase in production can lead to oily skin and acne. During pregnancy, the increase in estrogen results in glowing skin and hair, however the dramatic decline postpartum can result in hair loss and a dry and tired skin. As the presence of estrogen increases the production of hyaluronic acid, the substance that gives skin its plump, youthfulness, it is only natural that its decline towards and during menopause will result in dry skin and a loss of elasticity. This is why richer moisturizers are required as we age.

Systemic Upsets

Besides the natural hormonal fluctuations that accompany the reproductive cycle, there are other changes that can occur as a result of things going awry with glands in the body that can affect the skin. One of the most common, particularly after the age of 40, is a malfunctioning thyroid gland. While there are a number of thyroid conditions and they can affect both sexes, the majority of cases of autoimmune thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s disease, occur in women. Caused when the thyroid malfunctions and attacks itself, the result is a reduction in the gland’s output of thyroxine. This hormone is crucial for the body’s metabolism to function effectively and reduced levels can cause severe skin dryness.

While hormonal changes are a part and parcel of our body’s mechanisms, Solvaderm recommend that any changes in skin care that cause concern are seen by a healthcare professional.

References:

http://www.webhealthmagazine.com/easy-habits-for-healthy-skin.html 

http://www.healthwikinews.com/precaution-for-oily-skin/