The ageing of skin occurs i n a l i individuals at a variable rate that is influenced by genetic, environmental and hormonal factors. The ageing process can be divided into intrinsic ageing (due to genetic factors and alterations of the endocrine environment - hormonal ageing) and extrinsic ageing (mainly attributed to ultraviolet radiation - photoageing or actinic ageing). With increasing age the epidermis, the dermis and skin appendages progressively lose their youthful properties and abilities; the skin gradually loses its structural and functional characteristics. Hormones are decisively involved in intrinsic ageing. Over time important circulating hormones decline due to a reduced secretion of the pituitary, adrenal glands and the gonads or due to an intercurrent disease. The declining estrogen level, that accompaines menopause exacerbates the deleterious effects on both intrinsic and extrinsic skin ageing. Estrogens are C-1 8 steroids synthesized from cholesterol in the ovary add/or in the peripheral tissue. Two estrogen receptors (ERa and ER/3) have been detected in the skin. Estrogens improve skin in many ways (e.g. increase collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans content; increase dermal and epidermal skin thickness; improve skin moisture, enhance epidermal barrier function, decrease alterations in elasticity of the skin). Estrogens regulate skin pigmentation and reduce the production of sebum. Estrogens accelerate wound healing, although their role is complex and not fully understood. The use of hormone replacement therapy (H RT) in the older population leads to a scaring profile similar to young population both macroscopically and microscopically. Although, older women who use HRT may have healthier and younger skin appearance than non-users and may he at lower risk for the development of dermatoses, further work is necessary before valid conclusions can he drawn regarding the risk and benefits of topical, oral estrogens or HRT application in the prevention of the hormonal skin ageing. However, because of the possible serious side effects of HRT (especially the increased risk of thromho-embolic accidents and breast cancer) there is a growing demand for alternative treatments, such as phytoestrogens (isoflavones and lignans). They have positive estrogen-like effect with fewer adverse effects.