Skin Changes to Expect during the Menopause and How to Treat these.
- infoalcomms
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Women going through menopause often experience skin changes, with some studies indicating that up to 80% of females can be affected. When we enter the menopause years, our estrogen levels begin to decline. These changes mean that our collagen and elastin production reduce, both of which are crucial for skin structure and firmness. Skin changes can include dryness, wrinkles and sensitivity as well as making women more prone to existing skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.
However, it is important to remember that whilst this can be a very difficult and uncertain time, there are various treatments and solutions to combat menopausal skin as recommended by Dr Christine Or in this article.
Skin Changes to Expect during the Menopause
The below skin changes are what you can expect during the menopause:
Dryness and Itchiness - Estrogen plays a vital role in the maintenance of skin, hydrating as it stimulates the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and sebum. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, this can result in more dry and itchy skin.
Wrinkles and Loss of Elasticity - As well as skin hydration, estrogen also supports elastin production which is vital for skin's firmness and elasticity. The decline in estrogen contributes to wrinkles and a sagging complexion.
Sensitivity and Irritation - with significant changes happening during menopause, the skin's barrier can often be compromised which makes it more vulnerable to irritation from products and other environmental stressors.
Acne and other skin conditions - during menopause hormones fluctuate, particularly an increase in androgens. This can trigger or worsen acne breakouts, particularly for those who experienced acne in their teenage years. Some women may also develop or experience a flare-up of rosacea.
Dull Skin Tone and Texture - during menopause the rate of our skin cell turnover slows down. Skin cell turnover is responsible for shedding old cells and replacing them with new ones, so when this slows down, a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface can contribute to a dull appearance of our complexion.
How to Treat Skin Changes during Menopause
There are many ways to effectively treat menopausal skin. A consistent skincare regime which focuses on boosting hydration, using gentle skincare products, incorporating retinoids and maintaining overall skin health though a nutritional and balanced diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can all significantly improve the appearance of skin during the menopause.
Dr Christine recommends the following skincare regime:
Cleanse - using a gentle and hydrating cleanser avoids stripping the skin of its natural oils, helping to combat the signs of dry skin.
Hydrate - look for products that hydrate the skin, particularly moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin. Don't forget to drink plenty of water when you first wake up and throughout the day to maintain hydration levels.
Moisturise - a rich, emollient moisturiser will help combat dryness and lock in hydration, especially in areas prone to dryness.
Sun protection - even on cloudy days, and especially after you have used a retinoid serum, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect from sun damage and exacerbate issues like pigmentation and skin dryness.
Retinoids - gradually introduce retinol serums into your skincare regimen as they encourage cell turnover and address the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Exfoliation - use gentle exfoliating acids such as lactic acid to improve skin texture and radiance and combat the signs of menopausal skin.
Manage stress - relaxing and mindful activities like meditation, yoga and gentle exercise can help to reduce stress, a contributing factor to menopausal skin concerns.
Healthy diet - foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, as well as health fats are ideal to help combat the signs of menopausal skin and support the overall health of our complexion and body.
In-clinic treatments - professional treatments in-clinic such as facials, RF Microneedling or dermal fillers can address specific areas of concern such as loss of volume or uneven skin tone. Consult your aesthetic practitioner for a treatment plan to help combat the symptoms of menopause.
Why Choose Dr. Christine Medical Aesthetics?
Dr Christine's patients often see her at a time in their lives when they need a boost of self-confidence, and her passion is very much about giving her patients the self-esteem they deserve through tailored skin treatments and advice.
Book your consultation today with Dr Christine Or to discuss how she can help you combat the signs of menopausal skin and give you the beautiful complexion that you deserve.
