The Beauty & Health Connection ③: Hormonal Balance, Skin Health, and the Role of Nutrition

Introduction: Unveiling the "Invisible Conductor" of Your Skin

In our previous articles, we learned how beauty is cultivated from the body's core—the gut. This time, we will delve deeper into another key player that, at times, has an even more dramatic impact on our skin's condition: hormones.

"Why do I always get breakouts before my period?"
"As I've gotten older, I've suddenly noticed more dryness and sagging..."

All of these changes are the result of the constantly fluctuating balance of hormones within your body. Like the conductor of an orchestra, hormones control every aspect of your skin's performance—its moisture levels, oil production, firmness, and even its turnover rate.

This article will provide a thorough explanation of the key hormones that govern skin health, the skin changes that occur at different life stages, and the "nutritional" approach to gracefully manage these fluctuations. By understanding the rhythm of this invisible conductor, you will be able to nurture your own beauty more wisely and effectively.

The Four Key Hormones That Govern Beautiful Skin

Four main types of hormones have a particularly significant impact on our skin. Let's look at the role of each and how their balance affects our complexion.

① Estrogen: The Guardian of Beautiful Skin

Often called the "beauty hormone," estrogen is responsible for creating feminine characteristics. It has several wonderful effects on the skin:
・It promotes the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity.
・It enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, giving it hydration and a healthy glow.
・It regulates the turnover cycle, supporting healthy skin renewal.

The period before ovulation, when estrogen levels peak, is when the skin is typically at its most stable and radiant.

② Progesterone: The Protective yet Unsettling Hormone

Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and before menstruation. Its primary role is to prepare the body for pregnancy, putting it in a "protective" state. For the skin, however, it can be a bit troublesome:
・It stimulates sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores and acne.
・It can cause the body to retain water, leading to puffiness.
・It can stimulate melanin production, making dark spots more likely to form.

The skin issues and mood swings many experience before their period are largely due to the influence of progesterone.

③ Androgens (e.g., Testosterone): The Accelerator of Oil Production

While androgens are dominant in men, they are also produced in women's bodies. These hormones have a powerful effect, directly stimulating the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

Acne during puberty, as well as adult acne triggered by stress, is often linked to the strong influence of these hormones.

④ Cortisol: The Enemy of Beautiful Skin

Cortisol, released in response to stress, is necessary in appropriate amounts to protect the body. However, when it becomes excessive due to chronic stress, it has numerous negative effects on the skin:
・Like androgens, it increases sebum production.
・It suppresses the immune system, making the skin more prone to inflammation.
・It weakens the skin's barrier function, leading to dryness and irritation.

The reason stress is so bad for the skin is that cortisol sabotages the functions of beautiful skin from every angle.

Life Stages and Hormones: Why Does Our Skin Keep Changing?

This hormonal balance shifts dynamically throughout our lives, and these changes manifest as the unique skin concerns of each life stage.

• Puberty: Sex hormone production becomes active, and the influence of androgens, in particular, leads to excess sebum and a high likelihood of acne.
• Adulthood (20s-30s): Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the ~28-day menstrual cycle. The skin tends to be unstable before menstruation due to progesterone and becomes stable after menstruation as estrogen rises.
• Menopause (late 40s and beyond): Estrogen levels decline sharply. This causes a rapid decrease in the skin's ability to produce collagen and retain moisture, leading to the pronounced appearance of aging signs like wrinkles, sagging, and severe dryness.

The Nutritional Approach: How to Wisely Manage the Fluctuations

We cannot stop the natural rhythm of our hormones. However, to minimize their negative impact on the skin and maintain a healthy state, an "internal approach" through nutrition is critically important.

This is because specific vitamins and minerals are essential "raw materials" and "lubricants" for hormones to be produced and metabolized correctly.

• B Vitamins (especially B6)
  These are deeply involved in hormone metabolism and help balance estrogen levels. They also help regulate sebum production, making them particularly important for managing pre-menstrual acne.


• Zinc
  This mineral helps regulate hormone secretion and can be expected to curb the effects of excess androgens. It is also essential for normalizing the skin's turnover cycle.


• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  These help reduce inflammation in the body and can be beneficial for soothing inflammatory acne and irritation caused by hormonal imbalances.


• Vitamin E
  This vitamin helps balance progesterone and improves blood circulation. Its powerful antioxidant properties protect skin cells from the oxidative stress caused by hormonal fluctuations.

While obtaining these nutrients from a balanced diet is ideal, it can be challenging with modern lifestyles. In such cases, supplementing with high-quality products is a wise and efficient way to practice inner beauty. A foundational supplement like Nutrilite™ Daily or Double X, which contains a balance of these vitamins and minerals, can help support your body's fundamental needs.[1]

Conclusion: Know Your Rhythm, Nurture Beauty from Within

In this article, we've explored the "hormones" that conduct our skin and the importance of "nutrition" in supporting their fluctuations.

• The condition of our skin is constantly controlled by the balance of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
• Skin concerns specific to life stages, such as pre-menstrual acne or menopausal dryness, are primarily caused by hormonal shifts.
• Nutrients like B vitamins and zinc are essential for hormone production and metabolism, making nutritional supplementation a vital approach to supporting hormonal balance.

Understanding the hormonal rhythm behind why your skin is in its current state, and then delivering the nutrients your body needs from the inside to support that rhythm.

This is the key to caring for the fluctuating female body and cultivating an essential beauty that can withstand the changes of age and environment.