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78 ASCP Skin Deep Spring 2022 decreases in skin pigment. On the other hand, there have been reports of melanocyte growth inhibition in response to increased vitamin D activity, and research has shown that the sunshine vitamin's anti-proliferative effect may be beneficial for melanoma patients. DHEA Another important over-the-counter hormone is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), prized by weightlifters and body builders for its muscle-building and performance- enhancing properties. DHEA is also known for its immune- system–boosting benefits. DHEA has significant cutaneous health properties and, like all hormones, its levels naturally decrease as we get older. Both oral supplementation and topical application can improve the appearance and health of the skin and help reverse the skin atrophy associated with aging skin. DHEA's body-building benefits extend cutaneously, and it can be effectively used for stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which can thicken crepey skin and improve elasticity. DHEA also has brightening effects and helps improve dermal blood supply. Don't use too much, as excesses of this hormone can lead to oiliness, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. Testosterone Testosterone, the most important member of the family of male hormones known as androgens, is a powerful skin hormone for women as well as for men. Testosterone contributes benefits to skin moisture, thickness, and elasticity, and a decrease in all these parameters can be at least partially attributed to its decline. Hormone replacement therapy with testosterone and its derivatives can have profound effects on improving all the markers of skin aging. As with other hormones, you can have too much of a good thing: Excess testosterone, as well as increases in a powerful testosterone derivative called DHT, can lead to sebum overproduction, pore clogging, and acne breakouts. Cortisol Although cortisol is colloquially referred to as a stress hormone, this important biochemical is involved in much more than the stress response. While it's largely produced in the adrenal glands, the skin is also a source of cortisol production as well as its target. Consequently, all the skin's activities and functions are affected by this hormone, and