How Hormones Effect Our Skin

Teens: The Oily Years
 

Girls start puberty around ages 12 or 13, sometimes this number differs based on genetics and environmental factors. During puberty, the female body starts producing sex hormones, namely estrogens and androgens, in higher quantities than before as it gears up towards adulthood.


When it comes to popular hormones, estrogen takes the prize for most widely known and discussed. However, there are many misconceptions about this elusive and incredibly important substance. First of all, it is not purely a female hormone. True, it is primarily made in the ovaries and is abundant in females, but it is also found in males and made in different tissues outside of the ovaries. Secondly, the word estrogen actually encompasses a group of chemically similar hormones, so it is not a single substance. Estrogens include estradiol, the most abundant form in adult females, estriol, the primary estrogen during pregnancy and estrone, which is produced during menopause. During puberty, estrogen also communicates to other parts of the body through specialized receptors, causing breasts to develop, for example, or giving a new curve to hips and thighs. In the skin, estrogen decreases pore size, creating a smooth surface. It also helps build collagen and elastin, proteins that give the skin its springiness and elasticity, respectively. And, it helps the skin heal and maintain moisture.


Androgens include testosterone, which is generally thought of as the male hormone, but, as with estrogen and males, testosterone and other androgens are also present in females. During puberty, a boost in androgens stimulates coarser, thicker hair growth, particularly pubic and underarm hair. In the skin, the hormones enlarge pores and boost the production of sebum, an oily substance produced in the skin.What you get is the telltale sign of teenage skin: acne.


20s to Mid-30s: The Best of Times

Estrogen peaks during your 20s, giving most women their best-ever complexion: luminous, taut, and even-toned. The shift in hormone levels around your period, however, can lead to acne.


If the cycle remains on schedule, estrogen peaks right before ovulation, which can make the skin appear to glow (this is the same hormonal boost that gives pregnant women their shining skin). Testosterone also peaks, which drastically increases the likelihood of blemishes and breakouts. The hormone also increases the libido.After ovulation, both estrogen and testosterone drop.


Late 30s and 40s: Getting Drier
                                                                                                                                  

Your 30’s are when estrogen levels start to dip, heralding sinking levels of skin-tightening collagen and elastin and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.


As the overall level of estrogen decreases, the skin does not bounce back the same way. Instead, collagen and elastin production decreases, which causes the skin to get drier and lose its elasticity. Estrogen loss impacts aging skin far more quickly than sun damage.


By their mid-to-late 40s, most women are in perimenopause, the transition between regular ovulation and menopause, which is when ovulation stops completely. As the hormone cycles change to accommodate this new stage, you may experience adult acne, increased facial hair and a thinning head of hair.


50s and Up: Menopause Realities

Menopause has usually started once a woman is in her 50’s. The ovaries still produce hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, but the levels are very low. The main hormone that affects the skin during menopause is estrogen and, as it fades, the skin produces less collagen and elastin. During this time, the skin gets thinner, drier and more wrinkled. Menopause may cause other skin problems, including acne or rosacea.


Drops in estrogen can also cause hot flashes. These flashes can cause a sudden sensation of warmth in the face and chest, making your skin appear very red.


Every human being experiences the changing of our skin as we age, the best way to keep your skin at it’s healthiest is to have a proper skin care routine that will need to change as we age. Make sure you check in with your skin care professional to make sure you’re using the right products for your age and skin type.

The Benefits of Vitamin C for your Skin

When you think of Vitamin C, you tend to think about immune defense and beating those pesky colds and flu. Yet, Vitamin C is an essential beauty nutrient too!

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage -- free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.  It also has a profound effect on Collagen.  Vitamin C is a required component for the production of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, both of which are needed to bind the molecules that produce collagen. This, in turn, firms and tones the skin. Collagen deficiency makes the skin dull and lifeless. Collagen rejuvenates the skin from the roots and reduces wrinkles and symptoms of aging.  Collagen also provides the structure for the blood vessels. The tiny blood vessels under the skin carry oxygen and nutrients that keep the skin healthy. Without enough nutrients, the skin will become rough and dry. Creams containing Vitamin C improve the appearance and texture of the skin.  Vitamin C increases the formation of elastin which thickens, protects and heals the skin cells. The thickening effect helps retain moisture, increases the skin circulation and plumps up the skin surface.

Vitamin C not only helps to prevent UV damage, acting like a mild natural sunscreen, it also helps to fade sides of damage already done by the sun due to it’s powerful free radical fighting properties.  Protecting from UV damage should be done all year round, but, with our now sunny Spring days leading into summer, you can never protect yourself too much.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, so your body does not store it and it needs to be replaced every day.  You can replace it with the foods you eat.  There are plenty of natural sources including Kiwi, Broccoli, Goji berries, Strawberries, Papaya, and of course, Oranges.  

There are also many skin care products that hone the healing and protective powers of vitamin C.  Ask about my LIFTING AND FIRMING TREATMENT WITH VITAMIN C!  This intensive Vitamin C treatment stimulates the skin’s vital functions and repairs cell damage. Excellent for sun damaged skin and skin showing loss of firmness.

Your skin has a lot of big jobs to do for you, do something nice for your skin. 

How to Keep your Skin Hydrated

Your body is 70 % water, so we don’t have to tell you that hydration is important.  Due to normal tasks of living water is depleted through sweat, evaporation and usage.  You have to replace that water for your body to function the way it was designed to and to look and feel it’s best.  This includes your skin.  Even slight dehydration can cause flaky irritable skin, dermatitis, and eczema .  Your body is in need of constant rehydration.

Adequate water intake promotes the body's natural healing process.  It flushes out toxins, such as chemicals and free radicals, which can be very damaging.  There are also more vanity conscious reasons to keep your skin hydrated.  Properly hydrated skin becomes more plump, diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and supplying a radiant glow.  Not to mention it will feel better on the inside and out.  

So how much water do we really need to drink in a day?  The Institute of Medicine (IOM) established some general guidelines for water intake in 2004. Healthy adult women need around 91 ounces of total water and healthy adult men need about 125 ounces every day.   However, keep in mind that you don’t have to stand around throwing back cups of water all day.  Some of that tally comes from water that’s in your food or other beverages, even tea or coffee.  Remember that if you’re working out, pregnant or breastfeeding you will require a little extra water.  Also,  keep in mind that if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.  Thirst is a symptom.  Make sure you sip on water slowly throughout the day so it has a chance to get equally distributed throughout your body.  

Another dry skin culprit that people miss is their home.  Due to most of our homes being temperature regulated with filtered air our skin can become dry.  An easy remedy to this is to run a humidifier.  If you don’t wish to run one all day long, placing a small humidifier in your bedroom and run it while you sleep. It will make a world of difference!

Importance of Sleep for Healthy Skin

Getting or not getting enough sleep can affect many aspects of your life.  In your skin’s case, it’s a pretty big effect.  A good night's sleep can mean healthy skin.  If you don’t have good sleep,  your body makes more of the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol can lead to increased stress and inflammation in the body, hurting your skin’s quality.    

Not getting enough sleep can:
 

• Worsen skin conditions-it creates inflammation which can flare up acne, dermatitis, and eczema
• Develop dark circles under your eyes-If you lie on your stomach, liquid can pool in the trough of your under-eye throughout the night and cause puffiness.  It’s always best to sleep on your back or side if possible.  Sleeping on your stomach can also increase the likelihood of stress lines on the face from being pressed into a pillow.
• Drier skin-sleep is nourishment for your entire body, if you’re not getting adequate amounts your body can’t go through it’s normal functions or normal lubrication-resulting in flaky, dry, and non lustrous skin.
• Fast track for aging-Sleep deprived skin is aging skin.  During deep sleep, the rise in growth hormones allows damaged cells to become repaired.  Without REM sleep, this won't happen, so your skin doesn’t get the repair that it needs, resulting in older looking skin.

Basically, sleep is something we all need.  So how can I increase my sleep and the quality of that sleep?

1. Develop a routine and go to bed at the same time every night-if your body gets on a schedule it will normally keep it.  If you get used to going to bed at 10pm every night you should start getting sleepy around that time.  
2. Plan your work-out- early, midday, or dusk. Ideal times. Big cardio after dark revs up the metabolism and makes sleep elusive.
3. Stop caffeine mid-day- and no sugary treats after 7pm.
4. Eat dinner earlier- A light dinner also requires less digestion which helps sleep to arrive earlier.
5. Shut down those electronic devices by your bedside- Turn the computer off and relocate that TV to another room. A dark, quiet,   cool bedroom promotes deep, peaceful sleep.

Not getting enough sleep wreaks havoc on your life and your skin, but all is not lost.  Start trying to implement these tips into your day and you’ll be on your way to healthier skin!

The effects allergies have on skin

 Puffy eyes, a red, runny nose — allergy symptoms aren’t pretty. Seasonal allergies not only affect how you feel, but how you look. And we know you feel your best when you’re looking good, too.  

Congestion, drowsiness, and itchy, watering eyes aside, seasonal allergies don’t only make you feel less than stellar, their symptoms can also manifest on your complexion. If you suffer from allergies during this transition period between seasons, the puffy eyes and dry, red patches you’re experiencing aren't merely a coincidence.   The time change can also wreak havoc with your hormones and increase the likelihood of breakouts.

So how do you combat all of these issues?  Taking an allergy pill is always a good start.  Like any allergy symptoms, avoidance is your best solution for allergy-related skin problems. Staying inside when pollen counts are at their highest, washing outdoor clothes, like jackets, more often, washing your hair before bed, leaving shoes outside the door and even rinsing out your sinuses.   You should also combat your allergies and the skin issues that come along with it by changing your skin routine to one for Spring.  

Exfoliate

As skin dries more during the winter it builds up more dead cells on the surface.  So first thing’s first, we need to help our skin to get rid of those dead cells. As skin underneath is still more sensitive it is recommended to use a gentle exfoliator 1 to 2 times per week.

Moisturize

During the seasonal transition periods the moisture levels in our skin always change.   Thus, with added moisture in the air, skin tends to become oilier during the transition period as the weather gets warmer. To help balance skin’s naturally changing moisture level, choose a lighter lotion instead of a cream, and go for an oil-free formulation if you already have oily or combination skin.

Sunscreen

Although you should be wearing an SPF for every season,  Spring presents more challenges as the sun gets more active and we like to hang out to enjoy the beautiful weather.  So, the skin is exposed for longer times and gets more sensitive to the sun.

Use products that address your specific skin type

It is very important to use products formulated for your skin type to avoid irritation and other related problems. Abstain from products formulated with chemicals, parabens or fragrances. Do not use products based on mineral oils as they contain allergens that could further irritate skin and clog pores.

Healthy Living, Healthy Skin

Healthy living should be easy.  But it’s not.  If it were, we all would be doing it.  Life gets in the way, between work, kids, spouses, fast food, and quick solutions, it’s no wonder our health and our skin suffer.  I can’t help you with work or the kids, but below is a list to start helping you have healthier skin today.

Hydrate!!-If you do nothing else for your skin, this is one of the main ones.  Start drinking more water.  Current science recommends at least 8 glasses of water a day.  Drink more if you can.  If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling.

You Are What You Eat-Foods have been used for centuries as beauty treatments.  But, it’s not just about spreading them on your face, the foods you eat also affect your skin. Try to have a diet high in Vitamins E & C (vegetable oils, margarine, eggs, fish, whole-grain cereals and dried beans for vitamin E; citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers and leafy green vegetables for vitamin C.). Essential Fatty Acids (cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. For healthy mono fats, stick with olive oil and nuts.)  Vitamin A (orange, red and yellow fruits; vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and cantaloupe; and green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.)  As with anything, moderation is key.  Eating too much of any one thing can be dangerous

Get Moving- Exercise causes us to sweat-which clears skin of impurities, automatically making us glow.  It also promotes production of sebum, or oil, your skin's natural moisturizer, and enhances blood flow to the skin. That's important because blood carries oxygen and valuable nutrients that help maintain skin health.  Physical activity also helps us manage stress, which can cause breakouts and wrinkles.

It’s in the Air- Smoking is not good for your entire body-it’s especially not good for the skin.  Smoking constricts your capillaries restricting blood flow and oxygen to your skin.  Making your skin look older and wrinkle prematurely.  Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity.  

• Use Sunscreen-Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.  Try not to be in the sun for long periods of time as it can dry out skin and attribute to sun damage.  When you do have to be out be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
  
  

Don’t Stress- Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.  Regular facials from your esthetician can help alleviate stress as well as promote healthy skin.

This is a good, basic list of things you can start doing for your skin.  Remember, the changes won’t happen all at once and no one is perfect, just start doing every little bit you can to help your skin keep you happy and healthy.

Why you should get a monthly Facial

Facials always seem like a luxury or something you get on special occasions.  However, a professional facial should be something you work into your monthly routine.  You will reap the benefits right now and later in life.  

Facials increase circulation of the blood under the skin allowing the skin optimal health to facilitate the renewal of skin cells.  Heightened circulation helps skin heal itself, as well as keep skin taut and an outward glow close at hand. It also promotes collagen production(Which starts slowing down as we age), which smoothes out fine lines and decreases the likelihood of sagging. By also promoting lymphatic drainage your skin will retain fluid less often, also aiding in detoxification.

A facial will cleanse the pores on a much deeper level.  Even skin not prone to acne can use a good deep cleanse. Extractions/cleaning out the pores can help to maintain clear skin, stop acne formation, as well as can help to change the pore’s size. Often times left unchecked, pores can start to stretch and widen with the accumulation of oil and debris. (Please do not attempt to extract or pick at your own skin unless you are a professional and know how to do it properly- you could be at risk of scarring and infection).

Spa facials include a much more effective exfoliation process–it rids of everything your daily face wash can’t. It also banishes bad skin and allows your beautifully clean face to shine.  These processes lead to new skin cell growth and allow products to penetrate skin, improving hydration retention.

Facials slow the aging process(Which we can all appreciate). They allow your skin to feel healthier, smoother, and look more vibrant. They reduce fine lines, age spots, and relieve dehydrated skin. Thanks to these benefits, facials make us feel better about our skin. With the use of exfoliation, massage, and the penetration of nutrients and antioxidants, facials also fight to reverse aging. We all age, but we all want to look our best at our age.

 
The final and most enjoyable reason, is that they feel like heaven.  In the world today where everything is go, go, go, a facial is a time for you to relax and enjoy letting someone else take care of you. The power of touch, massage, proper technique, and professional products can heal.