How To Keep Your Skin Healthy During Menopause

What happens to our skin through menopause?

During menopause, women experience a number of physical symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and insomnia. Most of these are quite common and irritating side effects of a female’s natural ageing process.

But, did you know that the changes to your hormones can also impact your skin?

One major, common symptom of perimenopausal and menopausal skin problems is dryness. During this stage of life, many women notice that their skin becomes drier, less elastic and thinner. Dry skin can lead to itching and irritation – it can also become flaky and scaly, causing unsightly and uncomfortable bumps and rashes.

Other issues with your skin that you might face include; Acne and pimples, worsening skin conditions that you already have such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, and the appearance of sun damage or dark spots.

So, what can you do to combat the effects of menopause on your skin?

How should I look after menopausal skin?

Skin care is important for everyone, especially women who are going through the menopause. During this time, many women experience dryness, flaking, and other issues related to hormonal fluctuations. 

If you’re experiencing extreme discomfort, consider seeing a dermatologist. Dermatologists are experts at treating skin conditions and can prescribe topical medications that will help alleviate adverse symptoms.

Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process. However, it doesn’t mean you should stop caring about your skin. There are several things you can do to improve your skin health during and after menopause, such as investing in products with certain ingredients or making small yet important changes to your lifestyle.

Take a look at some of our suggestions below;

What are the best products and lifestyle changes for menopausal skin?

Product Ingredients

These are the top three ingredients that might help if you are suffering with skin symptoms during menopause;

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serum helps to protect against wrinkles and fine lines. This vitamin has been proven to help prevent premature ageing. It is recommended to apply vitamin C serum daily, so add a serum or moisturiser to your routine that has vitamin C in it. You could also think about taking a vitamin C supplement. These from Advanced Nutrition are great for the skin as well as supporting your immune system and helping with tiredness and fatigue.

Retinol Cream

Retinol cream is another popular treatment for menopausal skin. It contains retinol, an active form of vitamin A. There are different kinds of retinoids and different strength levels. This ingredient works to restore the skin’s elasticity and firmness, but it can also help people that are prone to acne, and it can even out your skin tone. It is worth speaking to the Beauty Experts for suggestions on products with retinol as an active ingredient. Avoid going straight onto retinol as your skin can react if it has not been accustomed to vitamin A. Your beauty expert will be able to advise you on which product to start with.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Alpha hydroxy acid is another effective treatment for menopausal skin care. It helps to exfoliate dead cells and unclog pores. Alpha hydroxy acids are often used in anti-aging products as they also add to the deeper layers of your skin which helps it become firmer. The Youth + range from Environ contains concentrated levels of alpha hydroxy.

Skin Care Routine

You might already have a well planned skin care regimen that you follow to the letter, if so you just need to be aware of the changing texture and tone of your skin. For those who don’t often take the time for a skincare routine, here are some of the important highlights that you might want to consider;

Sunscreen

Wearing sun protection won’t help any previous sun damage to your face or the skin across your body, but it can help prevent any further damage. If you don’t already wear UV radiation protection as a habit, try fitting this into your morning routine.

Moisturiser

Moisturisers are vital for maintaining healthy skin. Use moisturisers daily to prevent dry patches and flaky skin. Dry skin is a common side effect for ladies going through the menopause, it’s worth investing in a hydrating moisturiser to keep the water levels in your skin high.

Eye Cream

Eye creams are a good way to treat eye bags and dark circles under the eyes. Our eyes are one of the places that dry skin and fine lines can really become apparent – this is because of the lower levels of fat and collagen around our eyes and the thin skin that surrounds the eyes. Eye products can work well to hydrate the under-eye area and put a dampener on the drying, there are plenty of fantastic products with skin plumping ingredients that you can use around your eyes. 

Changes To Your Habits

Changing habits is never easy, but sometimes a change in our bodies makes way for new habits and routines. Try to make sure you are doing all the things listed below to give your skin the best chance to feel its best;

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is one of the most important ways to stay healthy. Drinking enough water helps flush toxins from your system and keeps your skin hydrated, which is what you need for that fresh glow.

Eat Healthy Foods

Eating healthy foods is another key to helping the symptoms of menopause, including keeping your skin looking it’s best. Eating well-balanced meals and snacks will give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy. If you know you aren’t hitting the vitamin and nutrient levels that you need then supplements are a great option.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is very important for your overall health. Getting adequate sleep each night helps to rejuvenate your mind and body. Sleeping can be an issue in the menopause years, if this is something you’re struggling with it might be worth popping by your doctors to ask how to help. One great tip is to avoid all blue light for an hour or two before you sleep, it can interrupt our internal circadian rhythm meaning you can’t sleep at the normal time.

If the menopause is causing havoc with your skin, we’d be happy to chat through the options for any skin related issues in a calming and supportive environment, visit us at our salon on Cookham Road in Maidenhead or give the team a ring on 01628 298 040.