Steroidogenic Skin

The Skin's Role in Your Hormones

When the topic of steroids or hormones come to mind few people think of the skin as being important. The gonads and adrenals usually steal the limelight as they soak up most of the attention of health professionals and internet autists alike. This is justified as these two organs are responsible for the majority of systemic production in the body.

However, they are not alone and cannot produce steroids for the entire body without help. Unbeknownst to many, the skin is classified as an entirely independent steroid producing organ in itself. It contains both the precursors (cholesterol) as well as the enzymes needed to synthesize stress and sex hormones alike. This means that the skin produces hormones like cortisol in times of need along with testosterone and progesterone when able.

Cholesterol: The building block for ALL steroid hormones

Enzymes: Act as the spark to take cholesterol and its derivatives and turn them into more potent downstream hormones.

The highlighted things are enzymes. Not which ones are used to make steroids and where they’re found in the skin/hair.