Effect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs

Review

(2963) Views  (10029) Full article downloads

Authors: Susan Stevenson, Julie Thornton

Published Date October 2007 Volume 2007:2(3) Pages 283 - 297

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S798

Susan Stevenson¹, Julie Thornton²

¹Burns & Plastic Surgery Research Unit, ²Cutaneous Research, Medical Biosciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK

Abstract: In humans, structural and functional changes attributable to aging are more visibly evident in the skin than in any other organ. Estrogens have significant effects on skin physiology and modulate epidermal keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts and melanocytes, in addition to skin appendages including the hair follicle and the sebaceous gland. Importantly, skin aging can be significantly delayed by the administration of estrogen. This paper reviews the effects of estrogens on skin and the mechanisms by which estrogens can alleviate the changes due to aging that occur in human skin. The relevance of estrogen replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women and the potential value of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) as a therapy for diminishing skin aging are also highlighted.

Keywords: estrogen receptors, skin, menopause, SERMs, HRT