Dr. Garrett Garner, M.D. on Topical Estrogen's Benefits for Skin Health

Dr. Garrett Garner, M.D. at SimpleFixRx and OB/GYN, has been seen in Yahoo! Life, Your Health Magazine, and Hollywood Life. He is a native of Dallas and received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1992 and his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas in 1996. He remained in Dallas to complete his residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Garner joined Northlake OB/GYN in 2000 and is a partner of the group.Dr. Garner is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a member of the Texas Medical Association, and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Garner explains that topical estrogen increases collagen and hyaluronic acid, improving skin thickness and moisture, especially in postmenopausal women. It can have side effects like melasma and is more effective for vaginal issues than other treatments like retinoids. Future developments in hormone-based skincare may enhance wrinkle reduction and scar prevention.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How does topical estrogen work on skin?

Dr. Garrett Garner, M.D.: Topical estrogen works by increasing collagen production. Collagen helps skin thickness. Estrogen also increases hyaluronic acid which increases skin moisture.

Jacobsen: How has experience with women’s health shaped understanding of topical estrogen’s benefits for skin health?

Garner: Women’s health providers have long known the benefits of topical estrogen therapy, especially in postmenopausal women. Topical estrogen has been used for decades to treat thinning skin and other vaginal issues that are related to changing estrogen levels after menopause. These benefits have then migrated to other skin areas.

Jacobsen: How does topical estrogen increase collagen production and the thickness of skin?

Garner: Estrogen stimulates collagen production, helps decrease collagen breakdown, improves the elasticity of the skin, increases hyaluronic acid and sebum production which helps with moisture, and increase skin cell viability.

Jacobsen: How is topical estrogen’s effectiveness and safety compared to other treatments like retinoids or hyaluronic acid?

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Garner: Topical estrogen is more effective at treating vaginal issues but I find it can have some side effects like melasma when used on the skin. Retinoids are more effective for wrinkles and hyaluronic acid works well on skin as well.

Jacobsen: How does menopause contribute to skin aging?

Garner: Menopause results in lower levels of estrogen which effects skinby making it more prone to wrinkling, thinning and sagging.

Jacobsen: What side effects or risks come with topical estrogen for skincare?

Garner: The main side effect can be the darkening of the skin, especially on the face. Some patients report swelling, burning, and vaginal irritation when it is used vaginally.

Jacobsen: How does SimpleFixRx promote accessible skincare and anti-aging solutions?

Garner: SimplefixRx.com has topical products that help increase salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid in a patient’s skin which helps thicken skin and decrease wrinkle formation. They also have products with beeswax to help lock in the skin’s moisture.

Jacobsen: What have been statistically significant results in topical estrogen for skin improvement?

Garner: Some studies have shown a decrease in dryness by 20-30% in patients’ skin when compared to no treatment—also, a decrease in skin looseness and wrinkles by about 20% compared to non-treated areas.

Jacobsen: How does Dr. Garner see the future of hormone-based treatments?

Garner: I feel there will be many new developments in the treatment of skin with hormones. Hopefully, there will be the development of hormone-based creams to help with decreasing scar formation, aid in hair growth in men, and also better products to decrease wrinkle production and improve skin moisture retention.

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