The endocrine system is a group of glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood stream of the body to be used by specific organs or for very specific functions; they regulate growth, metabolism, and sexual function, but overall they maintain the body’s homeostasis. The major endocrine glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pineal gland, and the male and female reproductive glands.

1. The pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the back of the brain, is the major player in the endocrine system; it secretes growth hormone and regulates the growth of bone and body tissues  including the skin! Growth hormone is synthetically being used in a bountiful amount of skin care products.

2. The pituitary gland also releases a diuretic hormone and controls the balance of water throughout the body. A dehydrated body results in a lack of energy, headaches, and dehydrated/sallow skin.

3. The thyroid gland, located in the front of the lower neck, controls metabolism and the rate at which cells burn fuel from the food we consume and produce energy. Increased energy means increased circulation, which results in a healthy glow to the skin.

4. When the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormone, hypothyroidism, it can result in very dry, sensitive skin, a sallow yellowing of the skin, and brittle fingernails.

5. When the thyroid gland over produces hormone, hyperthryoidism, it can result in excessive sweating, clammy skin, itching, and hair loss.

6. The pineal gland, located in the middle of the brain, secretes melatonin and regulates our sleep patterns. Eight to 10 hours of sleep per night is critical for overall health, but also for the health and repair of the skin.

7. The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. A drop in estrogen levels can lead to a loss of collagen and elastin, as well as an increase in acne.

8. The parathyroid glands, four tiny glands attached to the thyroid, regulate calcium levels in the bloodstream. This is all influenced by the skin’s exposure to ultraviolet light that is necessary to produce vitamin D!

9. The adrenal gland, located at the top of each kidney, stimulates the “flight or flight” response in the body. It also regulates the body’s physiological stress response inclusive of our anti-inflammatory pathways. The strength of our stress and condition of our anti-inflammatory pathways will dictate the skin’s response to products, treatments, and the environment.

10. The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland increases pigmentation in the skin.

As skin care professionals, we are not doctors, and by absolutely no means is this information provided for you to diagnose clients with endocrine system disorders. It is, however, provided for you as a tool, in conjunction with a thorough analysis, to help improve the health and condition of client’s skin. If you can link a major skin concern with a possible systemic condition with which a client has been diagnosed, it will give you a starting point in properly choosing professional treatment and home care.

Michelle D’Allaird is a New York State licensed aesthetician and International CIDESCO Diplomat. She is the owner of the Aesthetic Science Institute aesthetic schools in Syracuse and Latham, NY. She is a consultant and educator for international cosmetic companies around the world. D’Allaird is a contributing author to major industry trade magazines, as well as a host and speaker for International Congress of Aesthetics and Spa conferences in Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Long Beach. She is also a co-author of Salon Fundamentals, an aesthetic textbook. Her expertise lies in education and curriculum development for aesthetic, medical, and laser courses.