Several hormones can influence how young you look, but estrogen is often cited for its role in maintaining youthful appearance. Estrogen helps your skin look younger by producing hyaluronic acid, which keeps it hydrated and plump. Additionally, estrogen contributes to maintaining your body mass, energy, and metabolism levels, all of which can affect your overall appearance.
Other hormones that can affect your appearance include:
- Progesterone: This hormone balances estrogen levels and decreases your body's reliance on cortisol, a hormone that contributes to skin aging.
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH): While it can't make you younger, HGH can contribute to a youthful appearance by maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and skin thickness.
- Testosterone: Both estrogen and testosterone influence skin thickness by stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin.
- Thyroid hormone: It contributes directly to your appearance as you age. Thinning hair, dry skin, brittle nails, fatigue, and a puffy appearance can all result from low thyroid hormone levels.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is sometimes used to address symptoms of hormonal decline and can potentially contribute to a younger appearance by improving skin health, hair, nails, and overall vitality. However, HRT is a complex topic with potential risks and benefits, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about hormone therapy.
