INTRODUCTION
Aging is a complex process due to the interplay of in- trinsic factors (such as genetics and hormones) and extrinsic factors (including ultraviolet radiation and pollution). A significant cause of intrinsic skin aging in women is loss of estrogen as a result of the onset of the menopause, with this change being referred to as Estrogen Deficient Skin (EDS). Women in menopause manifest characteristics of EDS with documented significant decrease in Collagen I and III and type 1 procollagen, decrease in glycosaminoglycan content, decrease inTGF-β1 expression, reduced expression of IGF-1 re- ceptors and production of IGF-1, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) defense activity, resulting in skin dryness, pruritis, increased wrinkles, thinning, atrophy, and impaired wound healing.1 One of the ways to treat EDS in women is through oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While this therapy has many potential benefits, HRT was not specifically developed or recommended for cutaneous benefits and can possibly precipi- tate in some cases significant adverse events, including breast cancer or stroke.
Studies of postmenopausal women indicate that estrogen at- tenuation is associated with hot flashes as well as cutaneous dryness, atrophy, fine wrinkling, and poor healing. Epidermal thinning, declining dermal collagen content, diminished skin
Studies of postmenopausal women indicate that estrogen at- tenuation is associated with hot flashes as well as cutaneous dryness, atrophy, fine wrinkling, and poor healing. Epidermal thinning, declining dermal collagen content, diminished skin