Hey all,

Since a lot of you seem much more scientifically inclined than me, I wondered if any of you know anything about/have opinions about estriol or epidermal growth factor efficacy and safety for the skin.

I've read that 1% estriol is safe and effective even for women in their 30's in helping with skin firmness and fine lines, and that it does not absorb into the bloodstream at this concentration. I've read to apply it under the eyes especially. It makes me nervous though that it is a hormone. Any thoughts?

Also, I ordered some epidermal growth factor (efg), mixed it in a base cream, and have been using it a few weeks. I feel like my skin is looking very clear and a little firmer; am not sure how much of this is because of the lactic and glycolic peels I've been doing, but think possibly the efg is helping too. I know it is a key ingredient in the Revive skin care line. Anyhow, I read one place that it has been linked to cancer, but everything else I've read says it is totally safe. Does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks so much ladies and gents!

I don't have any answers, but you've got me researching the estriol.

I have read about it on other boards here...I think DCNGA has used topical estrogen cream if I am not mistaken...maybe she'll chime in.

Next time I see my OB/GYN I'm going to ask her opinion on this for skin.

Applying estriol topically should present no problem. It is the one of the three estrogens that is considered the weaker and is thought by many to be the most beneficial estrogen. It is the one responsible for hydrating the tissues, and the small amount you would apply to the face is not likely to be absorbed systemically.

As an FYI, even my GYN suggested that I might wish to apply my estrogen cream topically. I probably wouldn't suggest that, however, if you're in your 30's. But, again, I see no problem with using estriol.

Best.......

Here's a link to a product and info:

http://www.lifeextensionvitamins.com/newfasoliex.html

Please let me know if anyone finds anything more out about it. Thanks!

Keep us informed...I am really interested in your results with the estriol.

Hi Mary,

Have you received your lovely cream yet?

Hey Terri and all,

I just received it recently. It seems to have a pretty good texture. I've used it cautiously a couple of times and don't know that I see a difference yet -- I might not be using enough. I still feel a little apprehensive because it contains estriol, although everything I've read is that estriol at that concentration in a cream is totally safe. I'll keep you posted.

Terri -- you haven't had a chance to ask your OB-GYN about it have you?

Mary.....I will repeat that estriol is a weak estrogen to start with, and since you bought your product over-the-counter, the concentration is not likely to be sufficient to have any systemic effect. I wouldn't expect you to see much difference right away.....perhaps after a month?

Trust me on this one......a large portion of my practice used to be women's health and natural hormone supplementation. And as I posted earlier, my GYN who is a specialist in women's hormones even suggested that I use my estradiol cream on my skin. I would NOT, however, suggest that anyone under 45 use estradiol cream unless she has had a hysterectomy. It is better left to those of us who are peri and post-menopausal.

Keep us posted!

No I haven't talked with her, but I agree with Spy9doc. I have read a lot of research papers in the last couple of days and all of the studies I've seen show estriol doesn't get absorbed systemically in any significant amount from the face. You have to decide what is right for you...I want to use it too, but trying to conceive I'm not taking chances with hormones...even though I don't think they get absorbed.

Thanks ladies -- I'll keep you posted on the results.

One more question -- I am thinking of putting together a birthday basket of beauty products for my mom, who is will be 68 in October. Would the estriol face cream work for someone that age? Does anyone know?

ouch! wrote:Spy9doc -- do you mind me asking what sort of healthcare you provide? One more question -- I am thinking of putting together a birthday basket of beauty products for my mom, who is will be 68 in October. Would the estriol face cream work for someone that age?

Mary......I'm going to plead "the Fifth" on that question. I prefer not to elaborate.

I think the face cream would be terrific to add to the birthday basket for your mom.

I have been giving estriol cream a go for the last two weeks. I think my skin looks better...but it is too soon to tell. I am using it every other night over my retin a. The amount to be used for hormone replacement is a 1/4 tsp per day and I am using about half that every other day.

I asked my gyn about using estrace on my face and she was dead-set against it.I know Estriol is weaker though.I wonder if any studies have been done?

Here is an abstract of one study I could find quickly.

http://pt.wkhealth.com/pt/re/ijdm/abstr ... 29!8091!-1

Thanks!
I wonder why there hasn't been more testing and or usage in this form?I might send this link to my gyn.I think she said something about it may work in the short term but would be bad in the long-term.I didn't get any specifics from her.