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[ATJ]

Hi all,

Is anyone on the group usie an estrogen cream on their face. 
What pros or cons have you noticed? 
Which one do you use?

Have a great day

[CLKD]

Why would any1 put oestrogen on the face 

[AngelaH]

What kind of estrogen cream do you mean? There is specifically designed estrogen + progesterone cream for using only on the face for cosmetic effect. I used it for some period of time and I liked it.

Any other estrogen creams which are designed for HRT are not suitable for using on the face.

[Dierdre]

I put some Ovestin on a wrinkle on my forehead one night expecting it to be plumped up and gone the next day 
Made no difference at all.

[joziel]

I use estrogen daily on my face. I use a full pump of Oestrogel, because I always seem to have some left over in my HRT bottles.

I do think it is making a difference but it takes a few months to notice. Plus the alcohol in the gel can be quite drying so 2 hours after putting the gel on, I wash it off and follow up with a thick moisturiser.

You can also use estriol (Ovestin) which would be less drying obviously as it's designed for vaginal use. If you are worried about absorbing systemically, Ovestin would be the better choice because research shows it's not absorbed systemically.

There is quite a lot of research out now on the use of estrogen for skin and already some products on the market. I just refuse to pay more and buy into meno marketing and already spend enough on tretinoin and other skincare.

[Chunkola]

I use ovestin - every other night about a pea size for both face and neck. I thought well if it plumps up down there it'll plump up my face as well! I have noticed a difference in moisture levels but it's only been a few weeks so we will see.

Yes there's a lot of hype around this at the moment and as pp said lots of companies jumping on the bandwagon.

[CLKD]

Girls!  the skin in our vaginas is totally different to that of anywhere else.  Absorption of estriol is unlikely to be of any benefit ...... it amazes me that many are concerned about using  any. HRT but then stick products on the face which are designed for elsewhere. 

I find that the yellow 'vaseline' hand cream is good all over and nivea for the face or a good sun screen, again nivea. 

[CLKD]

I think that this is a question for Dr Currie.  MayB to be discussed in the MM Magazine, mayB e-mail Emma?

[rferdi]

There is specifically designed estrogen + progesterone cream for using only on the face for cosmetic effect. I used it for some period of time and I liked it.

I'd like to know the name of this cream Angela H. I've been using an estradiol+estriol cream just twice a week for the past few months, even before I started HRT, called Life-Flo BiEstro care. My first HRT gynaecologist approved of it and said twice a week for now during peri would be enough. She said to use it on face, neck and hands (just 1 dollop of a specific size).

To be honest so far I can't say I've noticed much improvement, maybe it'll take much longer to see results, or maybe daily use, I don't know.

Recently I watched a video from this American HRT specialist doctor called Dr, Felice Gersh talking about the use of estradiol, estriol and progesterone cream for the face. It's on her youtube channel, one of her latest videos, in case someone's interested.

[joziel]

rferdi I think a lot of the stuff you can get over the counter just isn't strong enough to be effective and definitely not twice a week plus over the counter. If you're not seeing improvements that's probably why.

CLKD there actually isn't much difference between the skin in the vagina and the skin on our face in terms of the estrogen receptors and the effect on elastic production, collagen and a decline of estrogen. In the same way that many women need local estrogen in the vagina even if they are on systemic HRT, so systemic HRT may not be enough to affect facial skin and help prevent aging there.

There is actually a good amount of research into this:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772914/#:~:text=A%20randomized%2C%20double%2Dblind%2C,increases%20skin%20collagen%20by%206.49%25.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2685269/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647519300012

https://www.dovepress.com/factors-influencing-skin-aging-and-the-important-role-of-estrogens-and-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028205010277

I am definitely not concerned about using HRT liberally, anywhere.

[AngelaH]

I'd like to know the name of this cream Angela H.

I used Wellsprings face serum, it did its job very well. I had to stop using it because my body is too sensitive and everything I apply on my skin or into my vagina or even into my uterus immediately goes systemically, making changes to my whole body. I am currently trying different type of HRT and can’t mix them together.

 Life-Flo is body care, I have checked it doesn’t say that is suitable for the face.

[bombsh3ll]

I wouldn't put anything on my face that wasn't intended for facial use.

Vaginal products contain alcohol which is drying on facial skin.

I use sunscreen most days, a good moisturizer and plan to maintain physiological levels of estrogen and testosterone systemically. That's all.

Androgens are also important in helping the skin produce its natural oils.

[rferdi]

Life-Flo is body care, I have checked it doesn’t say that is suitable for the face.

Thanks for the Wellspring info, I didn't know about this product.
Yes the Life-Flo creams are for the body, but they can be used on the face, like many other creams and lotions. I read the full ingredient list first, and that's all that matters to me to really know if I can use any product on my face. I know what ingredients my skin doesn't do well with, and also if the cream's too thick or occlusive then I won't use it on my face either, as my skin's not dry.

[rferdi]

rferdi I think a lot of the stuff you can get over the counter just isn't strong enough to be effective and definitely not twice a week plus over the counter. If you're not seeing improvements that's probably why.

You're likely right, however for now I've no access to an effective prescription cream. I wouldn't have any problems using the vaginal estriol/estradiol gel on my face if it wasn't for the alcohol in the formula, as well as some other ingredients I know my skin wouldn't tolerate.

[joziel]

Well... you gotta balance up the fact it contains alcohol with the fact that it's estrogen. And (if you use leftovers!) free.

I haven't had any probs with the alcohol in it, and I also use a lot of other actives - tretinoin, vitamin C, niacinamide and lactic acid. And my skin barrier is handling the alcohol fine. But I do use a lot of moisturising Korean toners and thick barrier creams immediately after the Oestrogel.

Each to their own though.