What hormone is primarily responsible for male skin characteristics?

The hormone primarily responsible for male skin characteristics is androgen hormone. Androgens, which include testosterone, are a class of hormones that play a crucial role in the development of male physical traits, particularly during puberty. These hormones influence the growth of facial and body hair, skin thickness, and the secretion of sebum, which can lead to oilier skin and a higher likelihood of acne.

The action of androgens on skin follicles and sebaceous glands contributes to the overall texture and appearance of male skin, differentiating it from female skin, which is more influenced by estrogen. Understanding the role of androgens is essential in medical aesthetics as it helps practitioners tailor treatments for various skin types and concerns, particularly when addressing issues related to acne, hair growth, or aging in male patients. Other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol do have significant roles in the endocrine system, but they do not have the same primary influence on male skin characteristics as androgens do.