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Review
. 2021 Dec;60(12):1481-1487.
doi: 10.1111/ijd.15541. Epub 2021 Mar 19.

Management of skin thinning and aging: review of therapies for neocollagenesis; hormones and energy devices

Mandy Majidian  1   2 , Hiren Kolli  2   3 , Ronald L Moy  2
Affiliations
Review

Management of skin thinning and aging: review of therapies for neocollagenesis; hormones and energy devices

Mandy Majidian et al. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Hormone replacement therapy and various devices exist to treat signs of aging, such as skin thinning, yet there are no reviews summarizing or evaluating their role in neocollagenesis and the associated increase in skin thickness.

Objective: To review the literature regarding stimulation and generation of new collagen in the dermis in two parts. Part 2 reviews oral and topical hormone replacement therapy as well as energy-based devices.

Methods: The PubMed database was searched for related literature. Studies involving the use of hormone supplements and energy devices with a resultant change in collagen production or skin thickness were obtained and reviewed for evidence.

Results: Hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone, and human growth hormone have been reported with substantiating evidence for neocollagenesis and dermal thickening. Energy devices, including radiofrequency, ultrasound, and laser therapy, have also been reported to stimulate neocollagenesis.

Limitations: The results presented in certain literature are not based on randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion: Hormone deficient individuals can regain skin thickness with hormone replacement therapy. Dermal heating can provide a substantial amount of neocollagenesis; however, laser technology, specifically CO2 , appears to be the most effective at increasing skin collagen and tightening.

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References

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    1. Varila E, Rantala I, Oikarinen A, et␣al. The effect of topical estradiol on skin collagen of postmenopausal women. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1995; 102: 985-989.
    1. Brincat M, Moniz CF, Studd JW, Darby AJ, Magos A, Cooper D. Sex hormones and skin collagen content in postmenopausal women. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1983; 287: 1337-1338.
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