Taneesa Williamson Hormones are now in the spotlight for ageing, enabling researchers to deep-dive into the accessible tools for the improvement of longevity and wellbeing.
A recent comprehensive review published in Endocrine Reviews is shining a spotlight on hormones as a promising tool in the fight against visible signs of ageing. Led by Dr Markus Böhm from the University of Münster, the study explores how hormones influence the ageing of skin and hair, offering new directions for therapeutic intervention.
Traditionally, skin and hair have been seen primarily as external indicators of age. However, researchers are now redefining them as hormonally active organs. The skin, one of the body’s largest hormone-producing tissues, plays an integral role in endocrine activity alongside more well-known hormone glands. According to the review, this opens the door to a variety of new treatments that go beyond cosmetic fixes, offering molecular-level support to slow, stop, or even reverse signs of ageing.
The key hormones in focus
Several key hormones are highlighted in the study. Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which is produced by dermal fibroblasts, helps preserve cellular youth and prevent the senescence of skin and follicle stem cells. Growth hormone and estrogens also have a positive impact on skin thickness, elasticity, and collagen content, reducing wrinkles and improving the appearance of ageing skin. Retinoids, such as retinol and tretinoin, already have a strong clinical track record for refining skin texture and minimising fine lines.
Melatonin, a hormone typically associated with sleep, has emerged as an especially promising candidate. The review highlights its antioxidant properties and ability to regulate mitochondrial function, protecting skin cells from DNA damage, inflammation, and programmed cell death. Its affordability and high tolerance make it an appealing option for both clinical and consumer applications.
The review also introduces several lesser-known hormonal pathways. These include α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which supports pigmentation and protects against UV-induced DNA damage, and others such as thyroid hormones, oxytocin, endocannabinoids, and PPAR modulators. Each of these shows potential in boosting pigment synthesis, enhancing skin resilience, and protecting against environmental and genotoxic stressors.
Other hormones being reviewed
Many of the hormones examined in the review are already in clinical use, including estrogens, retinoids, and melatonin. Others, such as oxytocin, α-MSH, and endocannabinoids, have not yet been widely adopted in dermatology or aesthetics, but the review suggests these agents deserve greater attention for their therapeutic potential. For example, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and topical progesterone have demonstrated measurable benefits in improving postmenopausal skin condition, including increased thickness and elasticity and reduced wrinkle formation.
The authors argue that by targeting hormone pathways, future skincare and haircare treatments could address the root causes of ageing, rather than merely treating its symptoms. This approach would move the industry toward true anti-ageing interventions, potentially revolutionising the way we care for skin and hair.
Dr Böhm and his team conclude by calling for more research to develop therapies based on these hormonal insights. With further exploration, they believe these strategies could be harnessed to not only slow ageing but to meaningfully restore skin and hair vitality.
This body of work positions hormones such as IGF‑1, melatonin, α‑MSH, and oxytocin at the centre of emerging anti-ageing research. While established agents like topical retinoids and estrogens remain clinical mainstays, these findings open the door to a broader hormonal toolkit that may redefine how we approach ageing from the inside out.
Read our latest issue below:
There are 5 ways you can catch up with SPA+CLINIC
- Our quarterly print magazine, delivered to your door. Subscribe here.
- Our website, which is updated daily with its own completely unique content and breaking news.
- Our weekly newsletter – free to your inbox! Subscribe here.
- Our digital magazine – click here to view previous issues.
- Our social media – see daily updates on our Instagram, Facebook & Linkedin
