Today's episode discusses the changes that occur in the skin after menopause. While aging is a factor, the main cause of these changes is the decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining skin health, including collagen production. The loss of estrogen leads to a decline in collagen, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Additionally, estrogen increases skin moisture and improves the skin's barrier function. Sun exposure is another major factor in skin damage, so wearing sunscreen daily is crucial. Good sleep is essential for skin repair and hormone production. Smoking has various negative effects on the skin, including collagen and elastin damage. Medical grade products and procedures can help treat skin damage, but it's important to consult with a skin specialist for the most effective options.

Key moments in this episode are:

00:28 Estrogen for skin health

00:49 Estrogen's effect on collagen

02:13 Timing of estrogen for skin effect

02:43 Estrogen for skin moisture

04:29 How wrinkles are formed

05:42 Estrogen improves skin blood flow

06:49 Sun exposure to skin

07:56 Sleep for better skin

09:40 Smoking's effects on skin

11:18 Products beneficial to skin

Read Dr J's blog about medical grade skin care here: https://www.foundationsfl.com/post/what-is-medical-grade-skincare

Read more about the science of estrogen in the skin here: Shah MG, Maibach HI. Estrogen and skin. An overview. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2001;2(3):143-50. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200102030-00003. PMID: 11705091.

Learn more on how sleep affects our skin here: Michels KA, Mendola P, Schliep KC, Yeung EH, Ye A, Dunietz GL, Wactawski-Wende J, Kim K, Freeman JR, Schisterman EF, Mumford SL. The influences of sleep duration, chronotype, and nightwork on the ovarian cycle. Chronobiol Int. 2020;37:260–271.

See the benefits of stopping smoking here: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Smoking Cessation: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2020.