ASCP Esty Talk: Episode 313 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Hormonal Influence on the Skin

Host: Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)
Guest: Benjamin Knight Fuchs, Skincare Formulator and Pharmacist
Release Date: March 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 313 of ASCP Esty Talk, titled The Rogue Pharmacist: Hormonal Influence on the Skin, host Maggie Spacek engages in a deep dive with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, a pharmacist and skincare formulator. The episode explores the intricate relationship between hormones and skin health, providing estheticians with valuable insights to enhance their practice and better support their clients.

Understanding Hormones and Their Complexities

Benjamin Fuchs begins by emphasizing the complexity of hormones, likening their interconnectivity to the saying, “if someone sneezes in Brazil and somebody catches a cold in Canada, everything is connected” (02:00). He explains that hormones such as estrogen, thyroid, and insulin are intricately linked, making it challenging to attribute skin conditions to a single hormonal imbalance.

“Hormones are messengers. They tell cells what to do... Nutrients help cells do things, hormones make cells do things.”
— Ben Fuchs (02:45)

Fuchs highlights that hormones are not just limited to the well-known steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone but also include a vast array of other hormones that play crucial roles in cellular functions.

The Nervous System’s Role in Hormonal Regulation

Transitioning to the nervous system, Fuchs elucidates how it governs hormonal activity. He divides the nervous system into two main types:

• Voluntary Nervous System: Controlled by conscious actions such as exercise, posture, and facial expressions.
• Involuntary (Autonomic) Nervous System: Manages automatic functions like heart rate, digestion, and immune responses, further split into:
  • Sympathetic Nervous System: Associated with the body’s stress or “fight-or-flight” response.
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System: Governs relaxation and “rest-and-digest” activities.

“The parasympathetic nervous system is a relaxation nervous system, the calming nervous system.”
— Ben Fuchs (06:30)

Fuchs stresses that by influencing the nervous system, estheticians can indirectly balance hormones, thereby improving skin health. For instance, promoting relaxation can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn helps regulate hormone levels naturally.

Practical Applications for Estheticians

Maggie Spacek prompts Fuchs to discuss practical strategies estheticians can employ to address hormonal imbalances in their clients. Fuchs suggests integrating techniques that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, such as:

• Encouraging Movement: Regular exercise and changing posture to stimulate hormone production.
• Promoting Relaxation: Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive thinking to reduce stress hormones like cortisol.
• Dietary Recommendations: Incorporating quality fats and cholesterol-rich foods to support steroid hormone synthesis.

“Exercise and moving your body and changing your posture... are great ways to rev up your hormone system to make more hormones.”
— Ben Fuchs (04:50)

Steroid Hormones and Dietary Influence

Fuchs delves into the significance of steroid hormones, which are derived from fats, particularly cholesterol. He explains that maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is vital for the synthesis of hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.

“Cholesterol is a stress management molecule. It helps the body deal with life.”
— Ben Fuchs (07:15)

He cautions against the overuse of statin drugs, which can suppress the body’s ability to produce essential hormones, leading to impaired growth, repair, and neural functioning.

Non-Steroid Hormones: Thyroid and Insulin

Expanding beyond steroid hormones, Fuchs addresses the roles of thyroid hormone and insulin in skin health. He points out that hypothyroidism and insulin resistance are prevalent issues that significantly impact cellular function and overall health.

“Thyroid hormone and insulin help the body grow; they make things happen.”
— Ben Fuchs (09:30)

Fuchs advocates for addressing these hormonal imbalances through dietary adjustments, such as adopting ketogenic or paleo diets, and using nutrients that enhance insulin sensitivity and thyroid function. He critiques conventional medical treatments like thyroxine for thyroid disorders, arguing that they fail to address the underlying causes rooted in adrenal health and hormone system balance.

Critique of Hormone Replacement Therapies

A substantial portion of the discussion focuses on the drawbacks of hormone replacement therapies (HRT). Fuchs argues that exogenous hormone supplementation disrupts the body’s natural hormonal responsiveness, maintaining elevated hormone levels rather than allowing them to fluctuate naturally in response to environmental factors.

“Hormones are supposed to be responsive, supposed to go up and down as needed... When you hack into that by taking Synthroid or... hormone medications, you bypass the body's ability to be responsive.”
— Ben Fuchs (12:45)

He recommends a cautious approach to HRT, suggesting it only for severe hormonal deficiencies under professional guidance, while advocating for natural methods to balance hormones through lifestyle and diet.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In closing, Maggie Spacek and Ben Fuchs summarize the critical points discussed:

• Holistic Approach: Understanding the intricate interplay between the nervous system and hormones is essential for effective skin care.
• Lifestyle Integration: Encouraging clients to adopt movement, relaxation techniques, and a balanced diet can naturally regulate hormonal levels.
• Cautious Use of Hormone Therapies: While beneficial in specific cases, hormone replacement therapies should be approached with caution due to their potential to disrupt natural hormonal balance.

“By working one level up at the level of the nervous system... that's really where you want to work with hormones.”
— Ben Fuchs (11:00)

This episode equips estheticians with a comprehensive understanding of hormonal influences on the skin, empowering them to implement strategies that promote holistic skin health and overall well-being for their clients.

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