How Hormones Influence Oil Glands
Your skin has tiny oil glands called sebaceous glands. These glands make sebum, an oily substance that keeps your skin and hair moisturized. Hormones act like messengers in your body that tell these glands how much sebum to produce.
Androgens are a group of hormones, like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, that have a big effect on oil glands. They directly boost sebum production. When androgen levels rise, the glands work harder and make more oil. This happens during puberty, stress, or certain parts of the menstrual cycle in women.[1][5]
Stress triggers cortisol, another hormone. While cortisol mainly affects other skin processes, it can indirectly influence oil levels by working with androgens.[2]
Estrogen helps regulate sebum too. It keeps oil production balanced and supports skin hydration and strength. When estrogen drops, like during menopause, skin can become drier, but hormone therapy with estrogen maintains this balance.[3]
Progesterone interacts with receptors in the sebaceous glands. It can subtly increase oil production and help with skin barrier health, texture, and strength. Some people notice this as slightly oilier skin.[3]
Testosterone ramps up oil gland activity. This leads to more sebum, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. The effect might show up early in hormone changes and then stabilize.[3][5]
Hormonal shifts affect everyone, but some skin types, like melanin-rich skin, may react more strongly to these changes, leading to extra oil.[4]
Small daily hormone fluctuations can make a difference. For example, even minor rises in androgens speed up oil output in both skin and scalp.[5]
Sources
https://consciouschemist.com/blogs/good-skin-blog/why-you-keep-getting-pimples-in-the-same-spot-and-how-to-stop-it
https://www.atikawellness.com/blogs/atika-journal/collagen-and-hormones
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a69690102/hrt-skin-effects-menopause/
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/skin-types/7-reasons-melanin-rich-skin-gets-extra-oily
https://www.alibaba.com/product-insights/why-does-my-hair-get-greasy-so-fast-science-behind-rapid-oil-production.html
