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Menopause and Skincare

Menopause has been a hot topic this year, and in the skincare world, we have seen it all. It comes down to skin science. What we know of hormones, collagen production, aging skin, and environmental factors like sun damage all become relevant when speaking about menopause and the skin. Changes in your body, skin, hair, and overall wellness can be truly disruptive, but steps can be taken to alleviate most of them.

Hormones

We know changes in hormones result in changes to the skin. Hormonal changes actually begin long before Menopause, defined as one year after the last period, during the phase referred to Perimenopause. Some individuals begin the perimenopausal journey as early as mid-late 30’s. Others experience the beginning of perimenouase as late as mid-50’s.

When this occurs, skin can become more dry, “slack,” or thin. Sometimes women increase the amount of hair on the face. In addition, the skin loses some of its ability to retain water, resulting in dryness, itchiness, irritation, more visible wrinkles, and more.

“Although fluctuating hormones during menopause can result in a number of skin changes, these don’t need to be disruptive to daily life,” says board-certified dermatologist Diane S. Berson, MD, FAAD. “With the right care, women can continue to have healthy, blemish-free skin during midlife and beyond.” 2

Dryness

The skin can become quite “dry” feeling during menopause, so ingesting water and using products with certain hydrating elements can help. Also, pay attention to how dry the air is in your climate and adjust moisturizer frequency.

Solution:

–Hydration via moisturizers throughout the day. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, as well as peptides and Vitamins A, C, E, will work in synergy with the skin to maintain a youthful appearance.

Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules

Vita-Complex Super Moisturizer

–A mild cream-based cleanser will remove daily grime without stripping away natural hydration.

Youth EssentiA Hydra-Intense Cleansing Lotion

–Gentle Exfoliation can assist with removing dry skin to reveal smoother-looking skin.

Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream

Hydrating Clay Masque

–Talk to your dermatologist for other solutions like exfoliation or microdermabrasion. Consult with a professional first.

Thinning and Wrinkles

Skin can quickly lose collagen during menopause, typically around 30% during the first five years of menopause, and then gradually after that (~2% every year for the next 20 years). The skin may appear to lose a firm appearance, and lines may appear more prominently, like lip lines or fine lines around the eyes. Large pores may become more visible.

Solutions:

Sun protection is more important than ever, as we know sun damage is a prominent contributor to the look of aging skin.

–Skincare containing retinol, peptides, and powerful ingredients to increase collagen production are critical during this time. They also contribute to decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Concentrated Retinol Serum 1, 2 or 3 paired with your daily Environ moisturizer

–Using targeted topical products with the use of a derma roller, or the Environ CIT® Roller will allow the serum to deeper into the skin.

Sun damage, Bruising, and Slower Healing

As estrogen levels fall, skin can become thinner resulting in an increased risk for bruising. It may also make sunspots more visible. Be gentle with your skin. It may take more time to heal than in the past.

Solution:

–Sunscreen with SPF 30+ should be used every day regardless. Don’t forget to apply to your face, hands, neck, and any area of skin clothing is not covering, especially if you live in warm climates. Heat waves are more common than ever.

–Vitamin A is at the heart of skin care for aging skin. Consult with your skin care professional to see which treatment line and combinations are right for you. A retinol serum plus a powerful moisturizer might be a possible daily regimen.

–Topical products specifically formulated to improve skin tone to address sun damage

Mela-Prep Lotion and Cream

Facial Hair

Decreasing hormone levels cause unwanted hair on the chin along the jawline or above the upper lip. If the skin is also too thin for waxing, the skin can tear and bleed; caution must be used when addressing if this is a concern.

Solution:

–A skin care professional can assist with safe hair removal options such as treatments or professional-grade products.

Rashes, Irritated, or Itchy Skin

As the skin has more difficulty retaining water, it may feel itchy to you. It goes without saying, refrain from itching or picking at the skin, which can cause additional inflammation and irritation to the skin. Instead, care for your skin with hydrating-based exfoliators and tend to areas of the body that are most prone to dryness like the chest, neck, elbows, knees, and legs.

After age 50, the pH level of the skin changes; sometimes this results in more sensitive skin than you’ve experienced in the past. Sometimes it can mean developing rashes or other odd symptoms.

–Opt for fragrance-free moisturizers and detergents to avoid irritation. Consult a dermatologist if a rash becomes more irritated, more dry, or if it worsens over time.

–Skin-soothing products can help reduce stress on the skin.

Vita-Enriched Colostrum Gel

–Cool compresses may assist with areas of the skin that have become itchy, possibly from decreased water-retention levels.

–Body Care focusing on exfoliation and moisturization can help maintain the look of youthful, glowing skin. Use of Environ’s exfoliating Body Oil and Lotions are the perfect choice for skin of any age, but especially for women experiencing menopause.

Acne

Hormones dropping can cause some women to develop teenage-like acne as if there weren’t enough to be concerned about. Luckily, there are well-researched products to target problematic skin including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers containing salicylic acid. Avoid products that can dry your skin.

Solution:

–Avoid picking

–Avoid products that may be drying. Environ products are specifically formulated in conjunction with gentle skin care elements so as to not dry out the skin.

Clarity+ Kit

–Communicate with your skin care professional if you continue to have difficulty getting problematic skin under control. Possible hormone treatment may be recommended but must be discussed with your physician and other professionals. This blog is not a replacement for medical advice.

You’re Not Alone

Menopause has become a huge topic of conversation this year for good reason; you are far from alone! Many women experience multiple symptoms noted in this article. If it is overwhelming for you, contact us so we can help partner with you to make a plan that is simple yet effective. You’re not alone in tackling these skin care issues. It’s our job to help you manage them too.

More Tips and Information

These tips are demonstrated in “How to Care for Your Skin During Menopause,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails.

References
1 Caring for your skin in menopause. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/skin-care-during-menopause

2 How to care for your skin during menopause. (2020, February 11). https://www.aad.org/news/2020-02-11-how-to-care-for-your-skin-during-menopause

Let’s get in touch and discuss how we can best serve you on your journey to caring for your best skin ever.

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