From the Guidelines
Estrogen cream for the face is not recommended due to the potential risks of systemic absorption and hormonal effects, as well as the lack of strong evidence supporting its benefits for facial skin. When considering the use of estrogen cream for the face, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, particularly in the context of menopausal hormone therapy, which has been associated with increased risks of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and gallbladder disease, as reported in a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1.
While estrogen creams may improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce wrinkles, the evidence for their effectiveness is largely anecdotal, and there is a lack of high-quality studies supporting their use for facial skin. Furthermore, the use of estrogen and progestin therapy has been linked to an increased risk of urinary incontinence, as found in the Women's Health Initiative study 1.
In contrast to the potential benefits of topical estrogen therapy for vaginal health, the use of estrogen creams on the face may not provide significant benefits, and the risks of systemic absorption and hormonal effects cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when considering the use of estrogen creams for the face and to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of estrogen creams for the face include:
- The potential risks of systemic absorption and hormonal effects
- The lack of strong evidence supporting the benefits of estrogen creams for facial skin
- The increased risks of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and gallbladder disease associated with menopausal hormone therapy
- The potential link between estrogen and progestin therapy and urinary incontinence
- The importance of consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting treatment.
From the Research
Estrogen Cream for Face
- Estrogen cream has been studied for its effects on facial skin, particularly in postmenopausal women 2, 3
- A study published in 2003 found that a cream containing 0.01% estradiol increased epidermal thickness by 23% after 6 months of treatment 2
- Another study from 1996 found that topical treatment with 0.01% estradiol and 0.3% estriol compounds improved skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration, and reduced wrinkle depth and pore sizes after 6 months of treatment 3
- The combination of estradiol and glycolic acid creams has been shown to have a cumulative effect on reversing markers of skin aging, with a 38% increase in epidermal thickness after 6 months of treatment 2
- Immunohistochemical analysis has also shown significant increases in Type III collagen labeling and collagen fibers after treatment with estrogen creams 3
- These studies suggest that estrogen cream may be beneficial for improving the appearance of facial skin, particularly in postmenopausal women 2, 3