Hormones control almost every aspect of our bodies. As we get older, we start to lose hormones and our ability to reproduce them, this can cause hormonal imbalances and a whole string of weird and unexpected symptoms.
Our skin is particularly sensitive to fluctuations in hormones – with three hormones causing most issues. Depending on the hormone at fault and the symptoms, there are a variety of different treatments to investigate.
Estrogen
Sagging skin and poor hydration is usually caused by this hormone. Elastin and collagen production decreases when there is an estrogen dip – resulting in fines lines, drooping around the eyes and mouth and a general loss of firmness. Low-estrogen often occurs in post-menopausal women, among other causes.
- Treatment:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is always an option to discuss with Dr. Melamed. However not all women are ready or are good candidates for HRT.
An alternative option is to address the symptoms by using fillers to add back volume and to stimulate elasticity. Fillers such as Versa, Restylane, Belotero, and Juvederm are highly effective collagen-like products that rejuvenate the skin, restore elasticity and deliver a plump and glowing complexion. These safe and natural fillers take just 30 minutes to deliver and can last 8-24 months (depending on the area treated and product used). Results are immediately apparent.
Botox can also lift and rectify dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles caused by movement) such as crow’s feet, worry lines, and frown lines. Microneedling with PRP is also a great option for the long-term stimulation of your body’s own collagen and elastic tissue.
Testosterone
Responsible for sebum production (your skin’s natural oil) – too much testosterone can cause adult acne, pimples and scarring. This is caused by the excess oils blocking pores and becoming infected. Scarring, caused by adult acne, can cause appearance tough skin with poor elasticity. Fortunately, there are treatments for both acne and scarring.
- Acne Treatment:
Laser treatments, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and various medical remedies are extremely popular for treating adult acne. PDT uses blue and red light treatments in combination with alpha levulenic acid (ALA) to reduce excess oiliness and bacterial growth. Depending on your skin type and the severity of the acne, Dr. Melamed will guide you with an appropriate course of treatment.
DermaSurfacing is a treatment commonly used to diminish acne scarring and signs of aging. Using a beam of laser light, deep wrinkles and scars are vaporized and discoloration is eradicated. DermaSurfacing is combined with PRP and microneedling in order to speed-up the recovery process, and to stimulate new collagen and elastic tissue.
Thyroid
If your thyroid gland is under or over active, you will notice changes in your skin and hair texture. Dry, rough, and pale skin are often signs of an under active thyroid. As the skin dries, it becomes more prone to wrinkling, sagging and general aging.
- Treatment:
After a complete hormone assessment, and appropriate supplementation, Dr. Melamed can recommend additional skin treatments. For dry and lacklustre skin, peels and exfoliation are very effective. A microdermabrasion will exfoliate the top layer of the skin using tiny aluminium oxide crystals or special wands coated with fine diamond crystals. These treatment takes less than 30 minutes and does not have any downtime. A microdermabrasion can be immediately followed up with chemical peel (during the same visit).
Peels also offer options to exfoliate, hydrate, and/or stimulate skin growth. Exfoliating acids, such as Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) will exfoliate a deeper top layer of the skin to reveal the plumper and younger looking skin beneath.
If you have any questions about various treatments or would like to make an appointment, please schedule an Online Appointment or call toll free 1-88-88-West LA (310-473-1734).