A lot of us use the word ‘hormonal Imbalance’.

While it’s true that hormonal Imbalance causes a lot of skin issues, if we can go down a bit and understand how and what kind of hormonal imbalances causes what type of skin problem, we can definitely choose the right products to counter this issue.

Let's discuss major hormones that affect our hair & skin and later discuss the tricks to counter the negative effect of these hormones

MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormones) is secreted from the pituitary gland, residing underneath our brain. It regulates the production and release of melanin which is responsible for our skin colour. Europeans have a low level of MSH, Asians have a mid-level and Africans have a high level of melanin in their skin, so their skin colour also varies accordingly. Our skin colour is defined at the time of our birth. But, some activities like extreme sun exposure, injury, inflammation or any other skin irritants can trigger the overproduction of MSH, leading to hyperpigmentation or tanning.

We cannot control MSH production to fight hyperpigmentation or tanning, since it’s owned by the brain and not by the skin itself. But yes, we can definitely prevent the formation of melanin from MSH.

How?

We need to use antioxidants that can break the chain of MSH to Melanin, and by reducing the number of melanin cells in our skin, we can reduce hyperpigmentation or reverse the tanning.

Actives that work on Hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Mulberry, Liquorice, Caviar Lime, Amla, Turmeric & many other plant extracts that are rich in antioxidant properties.

Using Steriods, Hydroquinone, or Bleaching Agents is not a good way to control hyperpigmentation. Once we stop the usage of these ingredients, the pigmentation will come back again more aggressively and cause skin sensitivity.

Melanin is the skin’s defence molecule, so a lower level of melanin causes skin sensitivity & premature greying is also caused by lack of melanin in hair roots.

Actives that work on Hypopigmentation

Melanin Itself works as an active ingredient & other plan actives with melanocyte boosting properties.

It’s a myth that testosterone is found only in males. Females do have testosterone but in less quantity than males.

Testosterone affects our hair & skin both in a big way. It is responsible for producing the body’s natural oil called “sebum” through the sebaceous gland found across our scalp, face & the body skin.

Along with dirt, sweat, pollution & synthetic chemicals in cosmetics, overproduction of sebum is the major reason behind Alopecia (Hair Loss), Dandruff, Acne & Larger Skin Pores.

If sebum production is less, it causes dryness & ageing, and if it’s more, it causes oily skin with the above concerns.

So how to tackle the impact of this hormone?

While we cannot reduce the production of testosterone hormone through any topical/personal care product, the impact of testosterone on the skin can be controlled.

How?

We need to use sebum controlling or, in a more common language, oil controlling actives that go deep inside our skin and reduce the oil production than just stay on the skin and keep absorbing the excess oil. If we can not control oil production from the inside of the skin, removing the oil from the outside surface requires only a little help.

Actives that work on Acne

Zinc, Vitamin B5 & B6. Vitamin A Derivatives

Actives that work on Alopecia

Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

There are plenty of plant extracts like basil, ginger, red clover, pistachio, amaranth, lilac etc., that are known to have anti sebum properties. If they are blended in the right concentration, they can counter the negative effect of overactive testosterone on our skin.

Contrary to popular belief, estrogen isn't a solely female hormone as it is also found in males. In females, estrogen comes from the ovaries and is wonderful for the skin. It builds collagen, decreases pore size, and maintains moisture levels to smoothen and nourish the skin. Near the ’40s, estrogen dips in females and leaves the skin thinner and less elastic. That's why many faces wrinkles, crow's feet and sagging skin at this stage.

The reduction in oestrogen level is the primary reason behind post-pregnancy hair fall. During pregnancy, the oestrogen level in the body is high, so in most cases, females observe minimal hair fall during pregnancy. But post-pregnancy, the oestrogen level drops significantly, causing hair roots to go into the resting phase, triggering hair fall. But we can counter the negative effect of this hormone as well.

How?

For skin, focus on collagen-boosting actives, and for Hair fall, focus on scalp blood circulation enhancing actives.

Actives that work on post-pregnancy Hair fall

Aminexil, Capsaicin, Hexapeptide 11 & any other plan actives that increase blood supply to hair roots.

Actives that work on skin thinning, sagging & Ageing

Vitamin A (Retinol), Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide & other collagen-boosting actives

Cortisol is called the anti-stress hormone. The body produces cortisol to help itself relax in highly stressful conditions. Still, a higher cortisol level for a longer duration causes the skin to go out of balance and makes it look dull. It also triggers breakouts. But, we can counter the negative effect of this hormone as well.

How?

By using skin energising & pore purifying actives.

Actives that work on Dull skin

Minerals, Cocoa, Coffee

Actives that work on Breakouts

Mild AHA, BHA, Tea Tree, Natural Clays, Vitamin A (Retinol)

It is called the sleep hormone. The more rest and peaceful sleep you take, the more of this hormone is produced. Melatonin is the only hormone where the more, the better is true. Recently, we have seen some melatonin containing beauty nutrition and personal care products in the market. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, and it can reverse the signs of ageing while making skin more resilient.

Summary

In total, five hormones have a significant impact on skin, and their optimum level is essential to preserve our #OriginalBeauty.