*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Chapman

Estrogen Face Cream – Does it Work?

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, but it often comes with unwelcome changes to your skin. Estrogen plays an important role in keeping our skin healthy and cells plump. The significant drop in estrogen levels associated with menopause, results in changes to the overall texture and appearance of the skin. Thinning, sagging, and drying out – sound familiar? HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Chapman explains how topical estrogen, specifically estriol, can help rejuvenate aging skin.

What is Estriol and Why Does It Help Protect Your Skin From Aging?

Studies have shown that topical estrogen can improve skin hydration and firmness, and reduce the depth of wrinkles and the size of pores.

There are three main types of estrogen: Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3). Estradiol is the common form of estrogen that is used in prescription pills, patches and vaginal creams. Estriol is the gentlest form of estrogen and plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin health without the level of risk associated with other hormones. It’s a superhero for your skin, particularly during menopause.

Potential Benefits of Estriol Face Cream

• Hydration: Menopausal skin often struggles with dryness. Estriol cream steps in to increase the production of hyaluronic acid, which draws and retains moisture in the skin. This isn’t just superficial; it’s deep, lasting hydration that makes your skin feel supple and revitalized.
• Firmness and Elasticity: Remember the firm skin of your youth? Estriol helps bring some of that back by enhancing skin elasticity and firmness through collagen and elastin production, visibly reducing sagging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Targeting Wrinkles: Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin. Estriol cream works by replenishing the collagen that menopause depletes, significantly minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, offering a smoother and more youthful facial contour.

How To Get Estriol Face Cream

There are no FDA-approved topical estriol products currently available in the United States. Compounding pharmacies are able to make products that contain estriol, and there are a number of different compounding pharmacies that healthcare providers can use to obtain estriol facial cream. Telehealth platforms also offer virtual consultations and prescriptions, if you are unable to see a provider in person.

Safety & Efficacy of Estriol Face Cream

One of the biggest wins for estriol face cream is its safety profile. Because it works locally and doesn’t alter hormone levels throughout the body, it’s generally considered a safe option for most women undergoing menopause who want to rejuvenate their skin without systemic effects. However, if you are already taking systemic estrogen therapy, you do not need to duplicate the effect by adding topical estrogen to your regimen. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.