Progesterone Cream Helps Skin

      Topical progesterone has been prescribed as an anti-aging and skin-firming treatment for years. A double-blind, randomized study evaluated the effects of 2% progesterone cream on function and texture of the skin in peri- and postmenopausal women. Skin elasticity, epidermal hydration, and blood hormone levels (LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone) were used to determine effects and side-effects of this treatment at four visits over a 16-week period. The 2% progesterone cream showed consistent superiority over placebo in counteracting signs of aging in the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women. Clinical monitoring showed a greater reduction in wrinkle count and depth and a significantly higher increase in skin firmness in women who used progesterone cream. Progesterone was well absorbed in the systemic circulation, but this concentration only minimally increased mean blood levels of progesterone. No serious side effects of the treatment were observed. These effects in combination with good tolerability make progesterone a possible treatment agent for slowing down the aging process of female skin after the onset of menopause.