Menopausal Skin Care

Menopause is a time of great change in a woman’s body and most noticeably in the skin.  We are used to adjusting our skin care regimes for seasonal, but changing it to suit our hormones is something you probably haven’t considered since your teens? Our skin changes as we age through the decades – all the way from the teens to the eighties.   The significant changes happen during our 30s and 40s, but the biggest changes occur during menopause – usually affecting women in their 50s and 60s. At this time skin regeneration and repair slow down significantly, while ageing processes are accelerated.

At this time we face many challenges - hot flushes, chills and increased sensitivity can be a regular occurrence – skin needs can change from day to day and month to month.  The decrease in estrogen levels result in skin becoming thinner and there is a significant loss of collagen too.  Hyaluronic acid levels diminish (a very important humectant) resulting in a reduction in elasticity and the skin appears sallow.  Ceramides that act as cement in the skin barrier also reduce with time and skin becomes drier and therefore often more irritated, resulting in redness.  All these things are pretty disastrous for the skin but by taking some simple steps you can minimize the impact.

Cleanse with a moisturizing facial wash

With the skin losing some of its capability to retain hydration and moisture, choosing a moisturizing cleanser or getting into oil cleansing will be better in restoring the softness and smoothness of the skin.  Soaps may be too drying, so invest in a product that can deliver the moisture your skin needs.  Look for glycerin in the ingredients list, as this helps in increasing the water retention of the skin.

Switch to a gentle exfoliator

As the skin gets thinner during menopause, its best to avoid abrasive scrubs and chemical-based exfoliants, these may irritate the skin or cause it to tear or bleed. I’d still advocate using an exfoliator but go for one with smaller grains, such as ground pumice, to remove dead skin cells and clear pores.  Exfoliation also stimulates blood circulation in the face, encouraging cell regeneration.

Look for products with hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most effective ingredients to combat the loss of moisture in the skin.  Hyaluronic Acid helps prevents dryness, reduces wrinkle depth and improves skin luminosity.  It’s worth investing in a moisturiser and serum containing HA and incorporating them into your skincare routine.  Apply twice daily, and you’ll notice significant improvements in your skin after regular use.