The Takeaway:
There isn’t enough high-quality evidence to recommend applying vaginal estrogen cream to the face for wrinkles or other signs of skin aging. While estrogen affects collagen, skin thickness and moisture, researchers do not yet know how much estrogen is absorbed when these products are applied to facial skin or what the long-term risks may be.
Is applying vaginal estrogen to your face a viable midlife hack for younger looking skin? Social media Influencers say the prescription product can boost collagen, hydrate skin, improve elasticity and smooth the fine lines and wrinkles that emerge when estrogen levels decline. But what does the science say?
We asked Genevieve Hofmann, DNP, WHNP, Colorado board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner and associate professor of clinical practice, obstetrics and gynecology, to weigh in. While she understands the frustration women feel about the lack of data in support of women’s health, she doesn’t want women to serve as "guinea pigs” for using products that lack data.