What role does DHT play in keeping men’s skin looking nice?

Question

I started propecia about a year ago, and a makeup artist I work with noticed that my skin had gone gray. I actually went shades lighter. I also noticed facial bloat and that the texture of my skin was less robust. Does reduced DHT age skin? When I went off propecia, two weeks later my skin looked about 5-10 years younger. I’m 28 and a Norwood 2. I started propecia early to hold on to my hair. I’ve always looked young for my age. But on propecia I looked older. Did reduced DHT contribute to this?

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, there is well documented evidence that lowering of DHT will decrease the amount of sebum produced in the skin. There is a more complicated interaction between DHT and testosterone and degrading via aromatase to estrogens. Estrogens are known to build up the skin and cause a increase in skin circulation. In conclusion, there may be some effect on the skin  sebum via a decrease DHT as well as the breakdown of testosterone leading to a decrease in estrogen.

Robert Nettles, MD · Answer

DHT is known to increase sebum to the skin and for many people this increase is over exaggerated causing acne which at times can be severe.  
As mentioned in another answer estrogen also improves skin texture, making it smoother, for men who are aromatizers taking a DHT blocker and increase estrogen conversion.  This causes problems for some people in the form of sexual side effects, while for others it may make you a little "prettier" ie: softer skin, longer lashes, etc.
I would recommend seeing a hair loss who understands the delicate hormonal balance that drives hair loss to make sure you are being treated in line with your personal biochemistry and hormone balance.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Time ages skin as well as sun exposure. I am not familiar with the impact of DHT on skin, but as DHT is a strong angdrogen, we know that men's skin is generally not as soft as a woman's skin and women don't have high androgen blood levels.

What role does DHT play in keeping men’s skin looking nice?

Answers (3)