The effects of estrogens and phytoestrogens on human skin and its topical use for prevention of skin aging - Literature Review

Skin quality and function drastically reduces with age due to chronological aging, photoaging, environmental factors and hormonal deficiencies. Decreased menopausal estrogen levels play a role in cutaneous atrophy, collagen and water content, loss of elasticity, skin wrinkling and deficiency of wound healing. Much research has been done to elucidate the beneficial effects of topical estrogen, which would have a more localized action on the skin without systemic side effects. The objective of this study was to review the relevant literature, demonstrating that this may be a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of women's skin in perimenopause.

Keywords: Estrogens; Phytoestrogens; Skin aging; Collagen; Antioxidants