Menopause can bring about a lot of different changes to the body, including changes to the skin. However, there are some things you can do to combat this. Read on to find out some Menopause skin care tips.
What can happen to the body during menopause?
Menopause officially begins one year after your last period. However, there are many symptoms that can occur before the last period, and this is called perimenopause. During menopause, your hormones decrease, and the changes in hormone levels can cause significant changes to the body, including changes to the skin.
There are many side effects as a result of hormonal changes, some of these include:
- Hot flushes
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Vaginal dryness or pain
- Mood swings
What happens to the skin during menopause?
Estrogen and progesterone rapidly drop off during menopause. The reduction of estrogen reduces the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin give skin plumpness, structure and elasticity. The reduction in collagen and elastin may result in skin feeling less firm, and lacking structure and elasticity. As a result, you may notice wrinkles, sagging skin and jowls.
Additionally, a reduction in collagen and elastin can also cause the skin to become much more sensitive to the sun, and this can increase your chances of sunspots and hyperpigmentation.
Skin can also become dry and itchy during menopause, due to less hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, but as we age our body produces less of it. If your skin is drier, then it can become rougher, itchy, and irritated. You may need to change some of the products you are using if you skin is irritated and dry.
Can menopause cause acne and breakouts?
The changes to hormone levels can lead to acne breakouts, however it’s not recommended to treat the acne with what you might use during adolescence, as it can cause the skin to dry out further and become more irritated.
You should contact your GP or visit a pharmacy for advice, and they will be able to inform you of the best products to buy. We have also listed some menopause skin care tips and advice on changes you can make to your skincare routine below.
What changes should you make to your skin care routine after menopause?
There are some products that you should avoid using, such as scrubs, exfoliants, and very hot showers, as these are harsh on the skin and may lead to irritation.
You should use an SPF or sun cream daily, even during the winter, to protect your skin from sun exposure and UV radiation. Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of skin ageing, so it’s important to reapply sun cream throughout the day, especially if you’re outside. Everyone should apply SPF at any age, so this is not just important for women during menopause.
Make sure that you have hyaluronic acid and ceramides in your daily skincare routine, whether that be via moisturizers, serums or cleansers. Hyaluronic acid will boost hydration to combat dryness and keep the skin firm.
Other products which are strongly recommended are retinol and lactic acid. Retinol will help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, and it is advised to start small by using retinol twice a week, for the first few weeks, then gradually increase this to alternate days, and then eventually daily use.
This will help your skin to adjust to any side effects, which can include red and flaky skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Lactic acid is ideal to use as a gentle exfoliant, so you should keep this in mind when looking for a cleanser and/or exfoliant.
Best Selling Menopausal Skin care Products to Consider
Skinboosters:
Many people consider various skin treatments to help keep their skin looking healthy and hydrated. Skin booster treatments are becoming an increasingly popular way to do this. The procedure involves small injections into the face to increase the production of collagen and elastin and increase hyaluronic acid.
The results often last around a year or more depending on your age, metabolism, and skin type. They can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, which can also become more prominent during menopause, so they are great for ageing skin.
Skin boosters like Jalupro HMW encourage the production of collagen, which repairs the skin, adds elasticity, and improves the overall quality and texture of the skin. It will also fade out scars, treat skin depressions and moisturise dry, dehydrated skin.
Serums:
Retinol serums, such as Medik8 retinol vitamin A, are great for adding retinol to your daily skincare routine.
Neofound serum is another product that you could add to your daily skincare routine. It contains hyaluronic acid, which will add moisture back into the skin, and it encourages the production of collagen. It improves the texture, tone and overall quality of the skin, as well as reducing the appearance of imperfections, fine lines and pores.
You can view all of our products at Refine Pharma.
It’s important to note that these changes to your body and skin are completely normal, but if you are experiencing side effects as a result of menopause, you should consult your GP. They will be able to give you advice on the best treatment, too.
