After researching for many many weeks in regards to the pro's and con's of using
estriol/estradiol creams topically and being satisfied that it is safe to do so (in my opinion) I thought I would give it a try and give my thoughts on this somewhat controversial subject.
First, let's talk about the three major naturally occurring estrogens in women which are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3)
Topical Estrogen Creams are available in two formulations, Estradiol and Estriol. It is claimed that applications of both will show visibly dramatic results; however, Estriol is the ‘good’ estrogen, and will have no undesirable side effects.Estradiol and estriol are typically used in gels to treat vaginal dryness in post menopausal women.
Estriol has been widely used in Europe for many decades but is not used much in the US mainly due to pharmaceutical companies in the US not having any interest in a medicine that cannot be patented, no matter how safe and effective it is.
As far as their success with dry, wrinkled skin is concerned there is one much-quoted study from the University of Vienna Medical School, Austria. The trial was conducted with 0.01% estradiol or 0.3% estriol on 59 postmenopausal women.
ResultsAfter treatment for 6 months, elasticity and firmness of the skin had markedly improved and the wrinkle depth and pore sizes had decreased by 61 to 100% in both groups with the best and most noticeable results being under the eye area. Furthermore, skin moisture had increased and the measurement of wrinkles using skin profilometry, revealed significant, or even highly significant, decreases of wrinkle depth in the estradiol and the estriol groups, respectively. Estradiol 0.01% did appear to work faster than the Estriol 0.03% and had more positive result with scaring caused by acne etc. However the overall results after 6 months trial in regards to wrinkles was identical.
As to hormone levels no systemic hormonal side effects were noted and the tiny amount used daily (or every other day) will not raise your blood estriol levels.
I started using the Estriol 0.01% (as this is what I happened to have at hand), and even though this is 0.02% lower than the estriol used in the studies I am pleasantly surprised. I found it be non irritating (unlike Retin A) with fairly quick results. It does not leave my skin with a greasy residue and has not caused any breakouts or dry patches. After using it for as little as one week I noticed an improvement in the clarity of my skin. My skin appears slightly 'plumper' and the fine lines underneath my eyes are less pronounced. I use a very small amount and apply to the areas I specifically want to improve and/or want to keep smooth and wrinkle free.
I will continue to include this as a part of my nightly skincare routine and alternate its use every other night with Retin A and will introduce the 0.03% (which apparently is the best for optimum results) and will update the results on this page.
I want to state that this is just my opinion and I would advise anyone considering using it topically to read the many available articles on line.
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