Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

An individual with oily skin is likely experiencing the effects of which hormone?

1. Estrogen

2. Thyroid hormone

3. Cortisol

4. Androgen

The correct answer is: Androgen

Individuals with oily skin are likely experiencing the effects of androgens. These hormones, which include testosterone, are responsible for the regulation of sebum production in the skin. When androgen levels are elevated, they can lead to an increase in the activity of sebaceous glands, resulting in an overproduction of oil. This is particularly common during puberty when androgen levels typically rise, causing skin changes that may include excessive oiliness and acne. Other hormones listed, such as estrogen and thyroid hormone, play roles in various bodily functions, but they do not directly influence the production of sebum in the same way that androgens do. Cortisol, which is associated with stress and the body's response to it, could contribute to skin issues like inflammation, but again, it does not have the specific impact on sebum production that androgens do. Thus, androgens are the primary hormonal factor behind the characteristic oiliness in the skin of individuals prone to it.