Known as the “change of life”, menopause is a natural part of aging and the final goodbye to your period. Most women begin menopause in their 40s and 50s, marked by declining levels of estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal change has been shown to accelerate aging, and got us thinking about skin care products that could support menopause-specific skincare regimens!
It’s true: there are actual Anti-Aging Benefits from Delayed Menopause
How quickly women age appears to depend on when they hit menopause; studies show that women who go through menopause earlier in life are actually biologically older than those who start later on.
After menopause, it appears women’s cells age 6% faster than before, with women losing about 30% of skin collagen in the first 5 years of menopause.
One of the worst offenders of menopause is insomnia (closely followed by forgetfulness, hot flashes, irritability and night sweats) which can also accelerate the aging process.
With estrogen levels dropping off a cliff, the effects on the skin are far ranging-from dryness, sagging, and thinning of the epidermis, to breakouts and of course wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.
In addition, the pH level of skin has been shown to change around age 50, making the skin more sensitive, which accounts for increased skin irritations such as rashes and eczema. To help address menopausal skin concerns,look for collagen-boosting, hydrating ingredients that will help strengthen the skin barrier.
Hydrate, Strengthen and Boost Collagen: Our Top 3 Timeless Products for Menopausal Skin
For Oily Skin, Acne, Skin Irritations, and Uneven Skin Tones
Menopausal skin is drier and thinner than typical teen acne skin, so avoid using harsh treatments. Choose a soap-free gentle cleanser and apply a treatment serum such as Vitamin B5 Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. This non-greasy serum helps calm inflammation, encourages the skin’s natural healing process, and alleviates increased sensitivity and redness.
For Sagging Skin and Jowls, Pronounced Wrinkles, Fine Lines and Age Spots
To help stem the loss of collagen in menopausal skin, try Matrixyl® Synthe'6 serum- a powerful peptide that stimulates the synthesis of six major cell-building components. Matrixyl® Synthe'6 assists in restoring collagen and elastin, increasing firmness, smoothing wrinkles and improving photo damaged skin. "Sun spots", liver spots and solar lentigines are very common in adults older than 50 but younger people exposed to a lot of sun can also experience them too.
For Dry, Thin and Dull Damaged Skin
As we age, our natural production of CoQ10 decreases. As a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 helps combat free radicals and promote healthy cell regeneration, helping to rebuild collagen and elastin. CoEnzyme Q10 Serum also contains Matrixyl® 3000 which maximizes the synthesis of collagen, while Hyaluronic Acid helps the skin retain moisture for plumper, more glowing skin.
Try incorporating these serums into your skincare regime, to help replenish and restore menopausal-prone skin conditions:
- Matrixyl® Synthe'6 is a good PM treatment serum that can work overnight while your skin cells are in restorative mode. Apply on clean skin as the first step of your skin care routine.
- Follow with B5 Hydration Serum to regulate skin’s healthy functions with added hydration to boost moisture.
- Finish with Coenzyme Q10 for increased antioxidant benefits to strengthen and protect the skin. Due to its consistency, this serum is best used following a lightweight serum.
Other Ways to Care for your Skin in Menopause
- Apply sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun.
- Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Use clean, simple formula products, fragrance-free products and with no parabens.
Further Treatments for Menopausal Skin
Whether you entered menopause naturally or medically- such as a hysterectomy to remove the uterus- taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy, such as estrogen and progesterone) has been shown to keep cells younger, and help with hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and vaginal dryness.
HRT has been shown to have some wonderful benefits for menopausal symptoms and also women’s skin, but it’s also been linked with various increased health risks so it’s always best to discuss in detail with your physician and healthcare practitioners.
