There are 3 types of skin aging:

Chronologic Aging - As we get older, so does our skin. We do not have
control over this type of skin aging.

Environmental Aging - Pollutants and UV radiation (sun and tanning
booths) accelerate skin aging. We DO have control over this type of
skin aging.

Hormonal Imbalances - Our bodies peak in all aspects (physically,
hormonally, etc) in our late 20’s and early 30’s. Although we cannot
stop hormonal imbalances, there are treatments which can help slow this
type of progressive aging.

We have always understood how time and sun age our skin. However, skin
aging due to hormonal imbalances is an exciting new concept in
understanding how our skin ages. Our body’s hormones are responsible
for coordinating and regulating millions of complex process that keep
our body, including our skin, functioning optimally.

For both men and women, the hormone estrogen is responsible for
maintaining and regulating 3 key skin components: Collagen, Elastin,
and Hyaluronic Acid. Collagen gives our skin its strength and
structure. Elastin makes our skin elastic, flexible, and bounce back.
Hyaluronic acid gives our skin plumpness, water retention and
hydration, These three skin components are what keep our skin plump
and youthful.

As we age, the gradual decrease of estrogen also decreases the
production of these 3 key skin components. A decrease in elastic
fibers causes our skin to loss elasticity and firmness. As hyaluronic
acid decreases, the epidermis and dermis thins, loses hydration and
plumpness, and becomes translucent. Thin skin means blood vessels are
more obvious, making flushing and redness more apparent. Also, less
hyaluronic acid means decreased water retention, which causes dry,
flaky, dehydrated skin. Decreased collagen also causes our skin to
become thinner, fragile, and more sensitive. These factors combine
together and cause wrinkling and fine lines to worsen over time.

In future blog entries, I will discuss the 12 skin symptoms associated
with hormonal imblances, as well as treatment options for all 3 types
of skin aging.

For more information about Dr. Stuart Kaplan and kaplanMD Skincare, please visit kaplanMD.com.