Topical Estrogen Face Cream

You’ve likely seen the recent buzz about the use of Estrogen cream on our faces as a strategy to fight the signs of aging in our skin. The mindset behind this trend is the belief that estrogen cream used on the face will have similar benefits to vaginal creams – moisturizing and thickening of tissues. What began with women applying their vaginal estrogen creams to their faces has led to a new line of products in the perimenopause/menopause space.

A Google search on Estrogen Face Creams brings up a myriad of companies selling monthly subscriptions ranging in price from $35 – $75 per month for the product. Because these are products contain estrogen, they must be prescribed, so these platforms require an online consultation with a healthcare provider at a fee ranging from $20 to $45 per session. In reading about these creams, I found they typically contain 0.3 mg of Estriol.

If you’re not familiar with Estriol, it is a weaker form of Estrogen than Estradiol, which is the most widely used form for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Estriol is about 10 times weaker than Estradiol, and where Estradiol is absorbed systemically and can affect estrogen receptors throughout our body, Estriol works on a more localized level, predominantly affecting estrogen receptors specific to the area where it is applied. Estriol is the form of Estrogen used in most (but not all) topical creams to treat vaginal atrophy (drying, thinning, and loss of elasticity of labial and vaginal tissues) and genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause (causing bladder issues and increased risk of UTI’s).

As you can imagine, I was very curious about this idea, so I began to research and found several studies about the use of estrogen face creams. My primary concern was safety, followed by a curiosity about the efficacy of using these products.

Safety First

The first aspect that I researched was the bioavailability / absorption rate of face creams containing Estriol. Remember – our skin is an organ, and although its primary function is to act as a barrier, it does absorb everything from pollutants in the air to medications that are applied directly to the skin. My concern was if the absorption of Estriol through my skin would have a systemic effect in my body.

One study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology (link) noted the methods of confirming the lack of systemic impact from topical estrogen. Bloodwork was performed before and after treatment to measure serum levels of hormones that would indicate systemic estrogen impact (specifically, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, and estradiol). The results of the blood work indicated no signficant changes in the levels of these hormones, indicating minimal impact from systemic absorption.

For women with a history of breast cancer, the studies I read showed mixed results and conclusions regarding the safety of using topical estrogen creams.

The takeaway from researching the safety of these products is highly determined by your personal medical history. I wish I could give you a more concrete answer here, but because we are all so different, we should consult our healthcare providers before beginning any form of treatment with estrogen.

Efficacy

I was able to find multiple studies indicating a favorable result with the use of topical estrogen face cream. In some cases, the products tested contained Estriol and others tested products with Estradiol.

This article in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology noted there are two estrogen receptors predominantly associated with the skin and the rapid changes that occur with the onset of menopause. I appreciated that this piece compiled the data from 27 different studies involving the use of estrogen creams on menopausal patients. The time spans of the studies ranged from 3 weeks to 58 months. Every single study noted improvement in thickening of the dermal layer and moisture level of the skin. Most of the studies noted visible improvement of fine lines and skin elasticity.

The takeaway from my research on efficacy is that topical estrogen creams do appear to improve the thickness and collagen production in the skin. The studies I read noted that patients who were also using systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had better results.

My Personal Experience

After conducting my research, I decided to give this a try. So I consulted my OBGYN, who told me she has been prescribing estrogen face cream through a compounding pharmacy, and that her patients have been giving her favorable feedback. She was also able to take into account the medications (including HRT) that I’m currently taking, along with my personal and family medical histories. Given all of these factors, she was comfortable with me using this product.

On November 5th, I began using a 0.5% Estriol Facial Cream (verses the 0.3% Estriol available from online vendors). I apply a “black bean size” amount to my face and neck in the morning after I’ve washed my face. I mix it with a couple of drops of my hyaluronic acid serum and a drop of my Vitamin C serum. On days I’m wearing makeup (rarely!! 😂), I try to wait 10-15 minutes to let things “marinate” before I apply it. On days I’m not wearing makeup (mostly!!), I add a squirt of my favorite facial oil to seal everything in with some added moisture. (Because the limit on moisturizer does not exist at my 9300 ft. elevation, super DRY Colorado climate). I always, everyday, no matter what . . . finish with applying my favorite SPF 50.

Side note – I run around “sans makeup” 90% of the time and have no problem with it whatsoever! BUT . . . taking a close-up photo of my skin with my sun damage, crinkles (’cause they’re cuter than wrinkles 🤗), and hyper and hypopigmentation . . . and then posting it online . . . leaves me feeling a tad vulnerable and extra naked!

Here are my “au natural” close-ups from the morning of November 5th, 2024:

And here are photos from yesterday morning (January 8, 2025):

Now that I’ve been using this for two months, I have some feedback to share with you:

• I don’t see any visible improvement . . . yet. However, in the studies that I read, the average time span ranged from 3 weeks to 56 months! I will continue using this prescription and take photos every couple of months to monitor my progress.
• I’ve experienced no side effects, no breakouts, no skin irritation.
• I like the moisture that the compounded Estriol cream provides. The pharmacist told me she blends the estriol with a really nice face cream, though my Rx label doesn’t give me the ingredients for that cream. Mine has a bit of a lavender scent. Typically, I’m not a fan of using scented products, but this one is very mild and “natural” smelling and has not irritated my skin in any way.
• Estrogen-deficient skin is primarily described as lacking moisture. I do feel that my skin is retaining moisture well, so I’ll take that as a good sign.

Although I am very much in favor of online medical care, on principle, I don’t love the idea of online medical care for the purpose of selling a specific product. That’s just my opinion, as a nurse. In my case, I prefer the route I took. I’ve written before about how much I love my new-“ish” OBGYN. Because she is actively treating me as a Perimenopausal patient, I was able to just email her, and she put the prescription right in for me. (Hi there, no co-pay!)

I paid for this prescription. I’ve been using it once a day for two months, and I still have at least one month’s supply remaining. Relative to a lot of face creams out there, I think it’s a decent deal! It’s much more affordable than ordering the estrogen face creams available online, and I feel better about getting it through my physician and local compounding pharmacy.

Final Thoughts

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women lose about 30% of their skin’s collagen in the first five years after menopause. (link). The journal articles and studies that I read indicate Topical Estrogen Face Cream is a valid tool in supporting the thickness and structure of skin as our estrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause and diminish in menopause.

I’ve seen beauty articles that recommend women in perimenopause (or in their Forties) start using topical estrogen face cream. I wish I had started then! At the age of 56, I don’t know if I’ll actually end up seeing a reversal of skin aging, but maybe using this face cream will slow things down a bit. Fingers crossed and I’ll update you in a couple of months!

Thank you so much for being here today! I’ll see you again tomorrow!!

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