Estrogen creams and serums are being marketed to women going through menopause as a way to address skin aging concerns. However, the effectiveness and safety of these products are still unclear.
When estrogen levels drop during menopause, skin can become thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles. Estrogen creams aim to counteract this by providing topical estrogen to the skin. But do they really work?
Some studies suggest that estrogen may help minimize wrinkles and improve skin dryness, but the evidence is limited and often plagued by conflicts of interest. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of using estrogen-based skincare products.
Using prescription vaginal estrogen cream on your face is not recommended by dermatologists due to the potential for irritation, allergic reactions, and worsening dark patches or discoloration. The amount of hormone absorbed into the bloodstream when applied topically is also unknown.
Instead of relying on estrogen creams, there are other, well-researched options available to address menopause-related skin concerns. Topical retinoids, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and in-office treatments like laser resurfacing and dermal fillers can help boost collagen production, reduce dryness, and improve skin texture.
Dermatologists recommend seeing a professional for personalized skin care advice and addressing other menopausal symptoms with an OB-GYN. Applying sunscreen daily and staying up-to-date on the latest skincare research are also crucial steps in maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin during menopause.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/well/estrogen-cream-for-menopause.html