What role do androgens play in skin health?

Androgens play a significant role in skin health primarily through their stimulation of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum, which is an oily substance that helps to lubricate and protect the skin. Sebum plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and providing a barrier against external elements. When androgens, such as testosterone, are present, they can increase the size and activity of these glands, leading to increased sebum production. This can be beneficial for maintaining skin integrity but can also lead to issues like acne if there is an overproduction of sebum.

While hydration, skin cell regeneration, and inflammation reduction are important aspects of skin health, androgens are not directly responsible for these functions in the same way they influence sebaceous gland activity. Hydration is primarily managed through moisture retention factors in skin cells, and skin cell regeneration is largely influenced by other hormones and growth factors. Inflammation can be moderated by various factors, but the direct action of androgens is more closely related to sebaceous gland stimulation.