Hormones: Skin, Body & Soul

The endocrine system is one of the most important factors involved in the initiation of aging.

The endocrine system is extremely important in women, producing and regulating the hormones. The production and regulation will decline and sometimes drastically with age.

Hormones are the chemical messengers that travel, via our blood, to every organ and tissue in our body, including the ovaries, adrenal glands and thyroid glands. Thyroid and growth hormones are involved in many different functions such as growth, immune, reproductive and metabolic functions, and even hunger and stress.

Extrinsic aging, is brought on by external factors such as sun damage, lifestyle and free radicals, these cause deep wrinkles and photo damage, where as intrinsic skin aging impacts our body’s biological clock.

Dryness, fine wrinkling and paleness is all a part of the skins natural aging process.
Our in house Naturopath/Nutritionist shares some additional insights –
“In my practice I have found that most women have similar complaints, and while the symptoms may vary, a common denominator exists: hormone imbalance. 

Hormonal imbalance tends to show up as women age, but factors relating to our modern world — environmental pollution, chemicals in our food, and synthetic estrogens in our products — leave women of all ages vulnerable to hormonal chaos.”

Here are some tell tale signs that your hormones need rebalancing:

1. Feeling tired but jittery at the same time. Fluctuating cortisol levels tax your adrenals and put you on a roller coaster ride of feeling wound up but exhausted at the same time.
2. Your libido has gone missing! For women, not wanting to get frisky is very often more than just a psychological problem; your hormones may be at play.
3. Cravings. If you find yourself ravenous on a consistent basis, your hormones could be to blame.
4. You can’t lose the weight. Your hormones are the girl boss when it comes to your metabolism. Stubborn excess weight that just won’t go away — no matter how many spin classes you’re doing — is often rooted in hormonal imbalance that causes fat storage, especially around the midsection.

While I recommend partnering with a doctor or Naturopath and ordering some basic tests, you can also start balancing your hormones naturally right now. Here are a few tips:

1. Sleep. There’s probably nothing that will help your hormones more than making quality sleep a priority. Bedtime should be a sacred ritual that calms and soothes you: Take a relaxing bath, turn off electronics at least two hours before you go to sleep and perhaps burn some soothing essential oils.
2. Go gluten-free. Gluten intolerance is a very real problem that doesn’t just affect people with celiac disease. It’s been linked to estrogen imbalances, menstrual disorders and diminished ovarian reserve. I tell all of my patients to cut out or minimize gluten and opt for whole grains like brown rice or quinoa instead.

3. Stress less. Stress is like pouring gasoline on an already roaring hormonal fire. It raises cortisol levels, taxes the adrenals and zaps you of energy, joy and a healthy libido. No more excuses — adopt a consistent practice of stress-busting activities: yoga, meditation, massage, walking in nature or whatever other activities mellow your mood.

Yvonne Culhane, Advanced Dermal Therapist shares some tips on caring for hormonal skin –
“Hormonal skin can be challenging to manage. I suggest booking a skin consultation with a skilled dermal therapist to assess your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment time. Treatments may vary as some may require medications in conjunction with professional treatments to control hormonal fluctuations”.
Yvonne’s top tips:

1.  Use a “Clarosonic brush” (Click Here) to ensure skin is being cleansed thoroughly. A double cleanse may be required
2.  Using a light weight oil based moisturiser will ensure the skin doesn’t become more compromised with dehydration over stimulating the sebaceous gland secretions
3.  Use a lactic and salicylic serum; this will assist in controlling the outbreaks and reduce the build up of oil present in the pores.

Product recommendations:

Ultraceuticals: Ultimate Brightening Serum – $155 30ml

Ultra MD: Refining A Serum – $155 30ml

Dr Spiller: Propolis Day Cream (Use this cream day and night) – $80 50ml

To make an appointment with our Wellness Expert:
Bondi Beach: 02 8897 0077
Email: [email protected]
Make an Appointment with an advanced dermal therapist in your area:
Bondi Beach: 02 8897 0077
Bondi Junction: 02 9386 4411
Bankstown: 02 9796 7007