Women Are Using Vaginal Estrogen Cream on Their Face To Reverse Aging—Does It Work?
Turns out the viral skincare hack really does have some merit
When it comes to skincare, many opt for tried-and-true facial cleansers, moisturizers and masks. But others are always hunting for the next unconventional hack, like pumpkin facials or apple cider vinegar clay masks. One skincare method that’s been making waves online lately is vaginal estrogen cream. Yes, you read that right. Some women are using vaginal estrogen cream on their face to help with certain skin concerns. But does it actually work, and is it safe to try? We spoke to doctors to find out.
What is vaginal estrogen cream?
“Vaginal estrogen is one of the most well-studied, low-risk treatments in women’s health, yet most women have never heard of it,” says Christine Maren, DO, IFMCP, MSCP, a board-certified physician specializing in comprehensive, root-cause care for women. “Vaginal estrogen is a low-dose, localized form of estrogen therapy applied directly to the vulva or vaginal tissue. It works by restoring tissue health right where it’s needed most, improving blood flow, collagen production, elasticity and natural lubrication while also helping the vaginal microbiome and pH.” It’s typically prescribed to ease localized symptoms of menopause.
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Dr. Maren says vaginal estrogen cream also works in a targeted way. “Unlike systemic hormone therapy, it doesn’t circulate widely through the body, so it delivers benefits to the genitourinary system without significantly impacting overall hormone levels,” says Dr. Maren.
Dr. Maren wants women to know four key points about vaginal estrogen:
- Vaginal estrogen is safe, effective and under-prescribed
- It does not carry the same small, potential risks as systemic estrogen does for some women
- Vaginal dryness, pain with sex and UTIs are not “just part of aging”—they are treatable with vaginal estrogen
- Even women on systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may need vaginal estrogen for full relief
“Vaginal estrogen is one of the most well-studied, low-risk treatments in women’s health.” —Christine Maren, DO
Can you use vaginal estrogen cream on your face?
In short, yes. If you’ve been considering using your vaginal estrogen cream on your face, it can be helpful, though Dr. Maren recommends looking for topical estrogen creams formulated specifically for facial use when possible.
“Skin becomes more estrogen-deficient with age, and topical estrogen can improve collagen, elasticity and moisture,” says Dr. Maren. Here’s how estrogen may improve your skin health:
It fades fine lines
“Topical estrogens are great for anti-aging and production of collagen and elastin,” says Dr. Maren. “Both estriol (E3) and estradiol (E2) [two common types of creams] can help improve firmness, elasticity, moisture and wrinkle depth.”
The benefits of E2, also known as estradiol cream, have been particularly explored in research. “E2 has been shown to improve aging skin by improving the connective tissue and increasing epidermal thickness,” says Dr. Maren, citing Journal of Investigative Dermatology research on estradiol.
It clears up acne
Although acne is usually associated with younger years, it can become a problem at any age. Fortunately, estradiol cream may be able to help with pesky blemishes.
“Another recent study suggests benefit for adult female acne with a topical estradiol mask,” says Dr. Maren, citing Clinical and Experimental Dermatology research. “I’ve been recommending and using facial estrogen in my practice for years to help perimenopausal women with androgenic acne.”
How to safely use vaginal estrogen cream on your face
As noted above, there are two common forms of topical vaginal estrogen: estradiol and estriol. “I prefer estriol (E3) to estradiol (E2) for cosmetic use, but both can be used safely,” says Dr. Maren.
“Estriol is the best form of estrogen [cream] for the face,” agrees Janette Gray, MD, internal medicine physician and founder of Perfect Balance Health. “Women can lose up to 30 percent of collagen in the first five years of menopause. Even though estriol can restore both collagen and elastin, the sooner estriol face creams are started, the better the results and the slower the aging process of the skin will be.”
While you can use vaginal estrogen creams designed for vaginal application, Dr. Maren suggests seeking out skincare products that contain estradiol or estriol but are made specifically for the face. “I recommend women apply nightly or every other night, ideally using a cream that is designed for facial use versus vaginal use,” says Dr. Maren.
And if you see options for topical estrogen creams that contain alcohol and some that don’t, alcohol-free formulas are a better bet. “Alcohol-free is preferred because alcohol can be drying and irritating,” says Dr. Maren. “Alcohol can also weaken the skin’s protective barrier and disrupt the skin microbiome. For those with sensitive skin, alcohol-free is the safer bet.”
Who should avoid topical estrogen creams?
With any product, not everyone will be a good fit. Dr. Maren says women should avoid topical estrogen creams if they:
- Have skin pigment disorders: “I don’t recommend using it with melasma or pigment disorders because estradiol has some risk of hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Maren.
- Have wounds: “If you have lesions or non-healing wounds, see your doctor or dermatologist before applying any topical hormone,” says Dr. Maren.
- Are allergic: “The safety profile of vaginal estrogen is very good overall, but should be avoided by women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic,” says Dr. Maren.
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