Peat Archive

Ray Peat's approach to skin health centered on metabolic and hormonal factors rather than topical treatments. He argued that skin problems — acne, eczema, premature aging, skin cancer susceptibility — primarily reflect internal metabolic imbalances: hypothyroidism, estrogen dominance, PUFA accumulation in skin tissue, and vitamin deficiencies. He noted that PUFAs stored in skin increase UV sensitivity and promote photoaging.

Peat recommended reducing PUFAs (to reduce UV sensitivity and inflammation), supporting thyroid function (the skin is very sensitive to thyroid status), using progesterone topically (which has anti-inflammatory and tissue-remodeling effects), and ensuring adequate vitamins A, D, and E for skin health.