Glow Up from the Toe Up: How Hormones Play a HUGE Part in Beauty
When it comes to beauty, you probably think of external solutions. Although beauty products work great, something is happening inside your body that is responsible for how beautiful and healthy you appear. It is your hormones!
Hormones play a major role in our physiology. They are the chemical messengers that keep our systems working well and our bodies feeling good. Ensuring you have a proper hormonal balance is an essential step for your self-care.
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is a clear representation of how your body’s internal condition. Hormones play a vital role in various skin issues including elasticity, moisture, collagen production, levels of skin lipids, acne, facial hair, wound healing, and others.
Let’s dive right in and find out how hormones play a huge part in beauty!
What Happens During a Hormonal Imbalance?
It is normal for our hormones to fluctuate during our lives. At puberty and middle-age is when we see major shifts. As we get older, hormone levels deplete and produce an array of symptoms such as wrinkles, dry skin, lack of elasticity, and dullness.
Many of us see those signs as normal aging, however, we must check our hormonal levels to ensure that we are in balance. Other symptoms can indicate a hormonal issue.
For instance, people who suffer from thyroid depletion may start losing hair. Those who have high levels of progesterone and estrogen can experience dark blotchy patches on the skin. People with excessive testosterone can start having acne or unwanted hair growth.
Uncovering a Hormonal Imbalance
The first step is to request lab work that shows your hormone levels. Having a clear analysis of what your body is experiencing internally will provide health professionals the necessary information to customize a treatment plan.
There are safe and effective therapies that help people regain their hormonal balance and experience their best state. Uncovering your deficiencies or dysfunction and following proper treatment to correct them, will give you the best chance at having beautiful skin and being at overall optimal health.
All it takes for you to stay current about your hormone levels is to connect with an anti-aging physician that specializes in the endocrine system, the part of the body responsible for regulating hormones.
What Hormones Play an Important Role in Beauty?
The following hormones play an important role in the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. They influence how beautiful you look and ultimately how you feel.
#1: Estrogen
We must understand that estrogen is not only a female hormone, men also need it in their bodies. Estrogen is responsible for producing and maintaining collagen levels, keeping the skin moist, decreasing pore size, and keeping skin elastic.
Women see a big decline in estrogen as they hit menopause. There are hormone replacement therapies that have proven to help women deal with the uncomfortable and unattractive symptoms of menopause.
To maintain proper estrogen levels, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water.
#2: Cortisol
Stress plays a huge role in the condition of our skin. Cortisol is called the “stress hormone” present in high levels during stressful situations. This hormone helps our bodies and minds overcome stress, but when present for prolonged periods, it creates dullness, acne, and premature aging.
Keeping your cortisol levels in check will not only make you look better but will also allow you to be in your best mental state. In our modern hectic lives, most of us are susceptible to cortisol imbalances. Practicing relaxation techniques will help train your body to stay calm and will help cortisol levels return to normal after a spike.
In addition, limiting the intake of caffeine and alcohol also helps you maintain healthy cortisol levels.
#3: Testosterone
Testosterone is present in women as well as men. It is the hormone that triggers sebum production glands that are responsible for keeping skin moist. However, when in excessive amounts, it can make the skin oily and prone to acne.
Many patients are turning to hormone replacement therapy to correct testosterone deficiencies. You mustn’t treat the imbalance on your own. The market is full of products that promise to balance your hormones, but this option can come with problems.
It is dangerous to self-treat because hormone replacement therapy must be supervised by a physician that consistently monitors your lab values and is highly trained in this particular therapy.
#4: Melatonin
As you sleep, melatonin helps to neutralize the free radical damage that makes you age prematurely. It is no wonder why experts say that getting your beauty sleep must be part of your self-care routine. This hormone is produced at night and declines as the morning arrives. Melatonin is a strong antioxidant that turns back the clock on aging.
Foods such as goji berries, cherries, and nuts help keep healthy melatonin levels. Besides nutrition, there are several factors you can address including receiving enough natural light during the day, having a healthy sleep routine, avoiding smoking, and keeping stress under control.
There are other hormones that play an important role in beauty, but these four are the major ones you should learn about and monitor.
Final Thoughts
Hormones impact just about every system of our physiology. As we experience aging and other major shifts in life, hormones may become imbalanced. It is helpful to become familiar with symptoms that may indicate a hormonal issue and how to reset your hormones naturally. Know your body and learn how to quickly perceive changes.
If you suspect that you are experiencing an internal imbalance, the next step is to speak to a physician that specializes in anti-aging modalities and offers therapies to regain hormonal balance. Lab work is necessary to accurately diagnose and treat the person’s symptoms. Never auto-diagnose and treat yourself with dangerous over-the-counter products.
Once you detect a hormonal imbalance and decide to treat it with hormone replacement therapy, be sure your doctor monitors your progress and adjusts your treatment plan as appropriate.
Examine your lifestyle and ask yourself if there are habits that may be impacting your hormonal imbalance. Getting sufficient sleep, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining good control over stress are all important components for maintaining a healthy hormonal balance.
You are your best doctor, stay in tune with your body and be aware of any changes. Be proactive and don’t wait until the condition gets worse. Start early at the first sign of any changes you feel need attention. With knowledge about your hormones, you can experience vitality and beauty at any point in your life.