Announcing the Elle MD Book Club

Struggling with thyroid symptoms and not sure where to turn? Learn what doctor specializes in thyroid care and how to find the right support near you.

Struggling with low energy, brain fog, or weight changes? Discover the best thyroid supplements for women, plus which ones to avoid according to a hormone expert.

Struggling with bloating, fatigue, or mood swings? Discover 15 clear signs of an unhealthy gut and how Elle MD can help restore balance.

Wondering what is the best gut health supplement? Discover doctor-approved vitamins, top supplements, and the real path to healing your gut from the inside out.

As we age, changes in our skin can feel sudden and confusing—thinner texture, more dryness, loss of elasticity, and that “tired” look that shows up even after a good night’s sleep. These are natural changes, but they don’t have to be inevitable. In this post, we’re addressing some of the most common questions we get about aging skin, the role of estrogen, and how we integrate evidence-based solutions—like topical hormones and therapeutic skincare—to help restore skin vitality from the inside out. Why does skin change so much with age? Collagen loss starts in our 30s and accelerates during menopause, driven largely by hormonal shifts—especially the decline in estrogen. Estrogen supports hydration, elasticity, and collagen production, so when it drops, the skin becomes drier, thinner, and more fragile. You may also notice increased sensitivity, slower healing, and a duller appearance. What role does estrogen play in skin health? Estrogen isn’t just a reproductive hormone—it plays a critical role in skin physiology. It improves: Collagen production Skin thickness Moisture retention Wound healing Sebum (natural oil) production For some women, topical estrogen can be a safe, localized way to target skin aging—especially in areas like the face, neck, and even vaginal tissue, where estrogen receptors are abundant. We often use compounded low-dose topical estriol or estradiol as part of a customized plan. It’s not about reversing the clock—it’s about optimizing how your skin functions now. Are topical hormones safe? When prescribed appropriately and monitored, topical estrogen for skin use is generally well-tolerated and low-risk. Unlike systemic hormone therapy, these formulations are localized and often used at low doses. We assess your history and current hormone levels before initiating any protocol and monitor your response over time. What else helps aging skin? This is where skincare gets smarter. We look at: Barrier repair: A compromised skin barrier leads to sensitivity, dryness, and inflammation. Inflammation control: Chronic low-level inflammation accelerates aging. Antioxidant support: To neutralize daily oxidative damage. This is why we’re now offering Epionce® in our practice. It’s a dermatologist-developed line that aligns well with a functional approach—focused on skin barrier health, calming inflammation, and restoring a more resilient skin environment. We love it because it’s evidence-based, botanical-forward, and works beautifully alongside hormonal support or other medical treatments.  Where do I start if I’m noticing aging changes? Start with a comprehensive evaluation: hormones, nutrition, stress, and skin history all matter. For some, that means testing estrogen levels and considering topical support. For others, it means addressing gut health, reducing inflammatory load, or rethinking skincare ingredients. We’re here to help you understand what’s changing—and offer personalized tools to help your skin reflect how good you’re starting to feel inside. Aging skin is not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a reflection of internal changes, especially hormone shifts. With thoughtful, integrative care—including hormone support when appropriate and smart topical therapies like Epionce—we can help restore balance and vitality at the cellular level.

Is hormone therapy safe for weight loss? Learn the risks, benefits, and how functional medicine helps women lose weight safely and naturally.

Struggling with stubborn weight gain? Learn how hormone therapy affects metabolism, when it can help with weight loss, and how functional medicine restores balance naturally.

Looking for the best weight loss supplements for women? Learn which vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements support metabolism, fat loss, and hormone balance.

Wondering who can prescribe weight loss medication? Learn whether you need a primary care doctor, endocrinologist, or weight loss specialist—and what options are available.