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Topical Estrogen on Your Face: What a Dermatologist Actually Thinks

THE SKIN REAL with Dr. Mary Alice Mina

147,860 views

Not all topical estrogen creams are created equal — and if you're thinking about putting one on your face, there's a lot you need to know first.
In this episode, I break down the science of topical estrogen and what it actually means for your skin in midlife.

You'll learn:
What estrogen loss does to your skin during perimenopause and menopause
The difference between estriol and estradiol — and which one is more appropriate for facial use
Why vaginal estrogen should be your first priority (and why it can literally be life-saving)
Who should be cautious about using topical estrogen on their face
How topical estrogen fits — or doesn't fit — into a smart, evidence-based skincare routine

This isn't about fear or hype. It's about giving you real, science-backed information so you can make the best decision for your skin and your health.

In This Episode:
0:00 — Is Topical Estrogen Right for Your Skin?
0:29 — Why So Many Women Are Asking About This
1:15 — What This Episode Will Cover
2:01 — Why Menopause Changes Your Skin So Dramatically
4:21 — What Is Actually Happening Inside Your Skin
5:00 — Collagen Loss and the 30% Drop
7:35 — Estrogen Is Finally Having Its Moment
9:00 — What the Research Does and Doesn't Tell Us
9:16 — Benefits of Topical Estrogen
10:08 — 5-Day Perimenopause Challenge
11:03 — Estriol vs. Estradiol: Knowing the Difference
13:18 — Why Vaginal Estrogen Comes First
15:00 — Vaginal Estrogen Can Be Life-Saving
16:14 — Caveats and Who Should Be Cautious
16:29 — Topical Estrogen and Melasma
17:31 — What About Breast Cancer Risk?
19:23 — Dr. Mina's Real Thoughts on Topical Estrogen
20:08 — Sun Protection Still Comes First
21:17 — Is Topical Estrogen Right for You?
21:40 — What's Coming Next + How to Stay Connected

🔗 Join the 5-Day Perimenopause Challenge: https://hi.theskinreal.com/5-day-peri...

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🔗 More skin health resources: https://www.theskinreal.com

Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!

Follow Dr. Mina here:
Instagram: Instagram: drminaskin
Facebook: Facebook: drminaskin
YouTube: @drminaskin
LinkedIn: LinkedIn: drminaskin
Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/

Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

#TopicalEstrogen #MenopauseSkin #PerimenopauseSkinCare #EstriolVsEstradiol #HormoneHealth #CollagenLoss #MenopauseAwareness #EstrogenCream #WomensHealth

20 Comments

@LingLo888 3 weeks ago

A quick answer from the video: estriol is better for face, while estradiol is better for vaginal application.

@tinalarson8444 1 month ago

I’ve been using Estradiol from my gyno everyday on my face for a year. I noticed smaller pores and better texture within a few weeks. I then started using it on the top of my hands and crepey forearms . I’m very pleased with the results. It costs $20 with my insurance. Will we ever get over the fear of estrogen. Shame on everyone that stopped prescribing it and the people that “decided “ it was harmful! Women need it for so many health issues!!!

@lidoibenfuchenoff7632 4 months ago

I’m almost 60. I went on the pellet at 50. I was receiving a little bit of testosterone and estrogen and prescribed progesterone. I breezed through menopause. I felt great! About two years ago I requested to switch over to creams. The “Dr. “did not want to prescribe the creams. She reduced the estrogen to almost nothing. It has affected everything in my body negatively. I had no idea how important estrogen was to my body. Ladies, this is very important! It’s not just your skin, it’s your mood, your hair, your bones and most importantly your heart! And it’s almost impossible to find a practitioner. Most of them are afraid of it or they’ve had no education. I believe the reason is because big Pharma. They lose a lot of money when they give us this simple hormone. We won’t need their heart medicine, their anxiety medicine, less likely to break bones. Women deserve better than what we are receiving! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.🙏

@CK-lv2rd 3 months ago

My female doctor made a note in my file 5years ago " vaginal atrophy". She never mentioned vaginal estrogen or hormones of any kind. Shame on her. I have a new doctor and he is fantastic a real advocate for women's health.

@LisaBafundo 4 months ago

Ive been useing Estradiol on my face for nearly 2 years and use an AHA/BHA toner FIRST FOR BETTER absorbtion and have significant improvement most especially around my eyes. I'll be 62 this year so, even at my age I've had marked improvement in skin density.

@MarieJWhomGodLoves 7 days ago

My urologist prescribed Estrodiol .01% cream when I explained to her of urological issues, when my young GYN doctor would not. She said I was too old. Things are so much better now.

@lm413 4 months ago

My dr gave me estradiol gel (divigel) as hrt and told me to put it on my thigh but I started putting it on my face instead. she said it was ok. Not only do I absorb my hrt systemically through my face skin but my skin looks unbelievable !! Im 59. It did not make malasma worse in fact my facial skin looks clear and bright and poreless. My skin looks better now than even after many years of tretinoin. it is firm and plump and smooth and looks amazing.

@skeanes 3 months ago

I am 62 I just started HRT, all I can say is WHY, WHY, WHY didn't I try this years ago? I have my energy back, I'm sleeping, and my creep skin has improved significantly.

@pkstiever 4 months ago

It's a HUGE deal! I had extreme vaginal pain for 2 years because my young female doctor REFUSED to prescribe me topical vaginal estradiol cream since I was on systemic estradiol! Studies showed clearly there is no danger! I finally found a doctor who would take my insurance (a urogynecologist) and got taken care of. He increased my testosterone cream which blood labs showed was nearly nonexistent and prescribed the cream which made me better than ever within a few months!

@maryalgar8779 2 months ago

Dr. Rachel Rubin would agree. She says vaginal estrogen is sooooo important when it comes to bladder health. She is an Urologist.

@Cosmogirl_3 2 months ago

As much as I love these videos and they're informative, they're so long winded, just get to the point

@jeanv41 4 months ago (edited)

Go to 11:00 to get to the point of the video

@GloriaM65 3 months ago

Loved this video! I use topical estrogen on my face at least 2x per week and my skin is looking great!

@GlobalMenopauseCollective 4 months ago

This is such an important and balanced conversation. So many women notice their skin changing in midlife, but they are rarely told why. Conversations like this are exactly what the Global Menopause Collective wants to bring into more everyday awareness.

@Aliciaskinsecret 1 month ago

When I tried it on my face I actually started to develop brown spots everywhere. Stoped and shortly later they went away. Scary to see that happening after all the time, $ and effort I’ve put into keeping my skin clear.

@lindaczarnota2526 1 month ago

Wow! Some of you people are so rude and angry. If you can't say anything nice just move on ...any information shared is information we didn't have before Do your own research.

@FernFinland 4 months ago

Been using estradiol vaginal cream on saggy neck for 2 years. It tightens it but only for a few hours. I apply it morning and night and right before I go out. Older so no HRT will be prescribed unfortunately (but still looking for a doc to prescribe estrogen patches and testosterone cream due to new research and FDA took warning label off for women). But taking over the counter 10 mg of DHEA daily and eating foods to increase hormones in adrenal glands: chia seeds, ground flax seeds, sesame seeds. And weight-lifting, treadmill, isometric holds.

@BlessedEternally1 4 months ago

I have the Estring and use topical vaginal estradiol and oh, wow! I feel like my vagina is 20 years old again. Both work together so well!

@MermaidMoney 3 months ago

Finally! A lovely doctor who isn't waving around a box wildly so we can't read it, not yelling at us for not knowing what we weren't taught in school. 🙄 Ugh.. some of the menopause doctors on YouTube are completely unhinged and super unhelpful.

Thank you for being SO CLEAR and also SO CALM!!

@allways8782 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing your perspective. Yes, I would like you to talk more about topical estrogen, the various types and how they can be used with other skin care products. I just want to know about it, unbiasedly. There's so much commentary about definitely use it it's worked for me or no don't use it because there's not enough scientific evidence.💓