As a woman matures into the menopausal stage of life, her skin can sometimes feel the effects of changing hormones. While it can be frustrating and difficult to adjust, there are simple steps you can take to understand how hormones affect your skin – and how to take care of yourself in the best possible way. From understanding the science behind menopausal skin changes to finding the right skincare routine, this article will provide you with all the tips you need to care for your skin during menopause.
1. A Fresh Take on Skincare for Menopausal Skin
The right skincare regimen is key to keeping menopausal skin looking youthful and radiant – and it starts with understanding what your skin needs.
- It’s important to be mindful of the hormonal changes that occur during menopause, and match your skincare routine to those changes.
- Stay consistent in your skincare routine by using products twice daily to keep skin supple and hydrated.
- Look for moisturizers and serums that are specifically designed for menopausal skin to help fight signs of aging.
- Try balancing your complexion with a natural cleanser and toner, followed up with a natural exfoliant to promote healing and renewal.
When it comes to menopausal skin, incorporating natural and calming ingredients like aloe vera and olive oil into your skincare routine is a must. Aloe vera can help to soothe red and irritated skin, while olive oil can help to reduce inflammation and hydrate dry skin.
In addition to the right ingredients, it is also important to ensure that you are taking care of your overall health. Getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and eating healthy can help to promote a glowing, youthful complexion.
2. Understanding Menopausal Skin Changes
Dry Skin
Menopause often results in skin that is noticeably drier and less supple. A decrease in collagen production can also make the skin appear thinner than before. Skin that is chronically dry may appear cracked or itchy. To keep your skin from drying out, make sure to use gentle soaps that are appropriate for your skin type. Moisturizing daily with lotion or cream, especially after showering, can help to combat dryness. You may also consider adding a humidifier to your home to help keep the air from becoming too dry.
Oily Skin
Unfortunately, menopause can also make your skin become more oily. With the hormonal changes, the skin’s sebaceous glands tend to produce more oil, resulting in a more shiny or greasy complexion. To reduce oily skin, it’s important to wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove surface oil. Avoid lotions or moisturizers that are oil-based; opt instead for water- or gel-based products that won’t clog the pores. Over-the-counter masks that you can apply once or twice a week can be helpful in controlling excessive oil.
Wrinkles
Menopause often comes with the onset of wrinkles and fine lines. Lower levels of estrogen initiate an decrease in collagen production and skin elasticity, making wrinkles and fine lines more apparent. To reduce wrinkles, start by taking good care of your skin, including eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Investing in quality skin care products designed specifically for mature skin can also help to combat this common problem. Additionally, you can consult with your dermatologist for advice about skin treatments such as dermal fillers, Retin-A, and microdermabrasion.
3. Simple Solutions for Hormonal Hurdles
From weight gain to fatigue, to headaches and more, hormonal issues can impact our lives in very significant ways. And while many of us have been conditioned to think that organic, synthtic, surgical, or pharmaceutical resolutions are the only solution for hormonal issues, this doesn’t have to be the case. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that can help you tackle your hormonal hurdles:
- Take Time to Relax: Stress hormones like cortisol increase when we’re feeling overwhelmed and this can throw off our other hormones. Make sure that you’re setting aside time each day to relax and take a break from life’s hustle and bustle. Whether that be through meditation, gentle yoga, reading, or another calming activity of your choice, building moments of restfulness into your regular practice can make a big difference.
- Maintain a Healthy Routine: Healthy habits such as getting enough sleep (7-8 hours per night is optimal), eating nourishing foods consistently, and moving your body regularly, can help to regulate hormones and keep them in balance.
- Seek Natural Treatments: Sometimes, natural treatments can help to reduce the severity of hormonal symptoms. These can include using adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola, or essential oils like clary sage, ylang-ylang, and rosemary.
Hormonal questions can be a tricky thing to navigate. But with a combination of lifestyle changes, nutrition, and natural treatments, you can get your hormones back on track, helping you to restore balance and feel better.
4. Top Skincare Tips to Combat Menopausal Skin
Menopause brings changes to your skin that need to be addressed through special skincare. Since hormones are at the root of much of this, all skincare should focus on replenishing lost hormones, and restoring a youthful balance to the skin.
Here are some of the top tips to ensure you keep your skin looking its best during and after menopause:
- Hydrate! Skin that’s losing moisture due to hormonal changes can dry out quickly. Use a rich moisturiser morning and night, and look for one that also contains antioxidants to protect the skin.
- Treat wrinkles Early on before wrinkles are too deep-set, and use retinols or alpha hydroxy acids to reduce signs of aging in the skin.
- Protect and treat the neck Neck skin is particularly delicate – use a gentle exfoliant and massage to keep it firm and toned, and look for products specifically designed for neck skin.
- Nourish with essential fatty acids EFA’s are particularly helpful for maintaining moisture levels – look for skincare products that contain these beneficial oils.
With the right combination of care and attention, menopausal skin can look and feel beautiful. Show your skin some extra love, and it will thank you for it!
5. Shine Brightly Through Menopause and Beyond
No matter what stage of life you live in, your confidence should be resilient. For the mid-life stage of menopause that can be a daunting task. Let the following strategies be your guide for owning your beauty and shine with pride.
- Stay true to yourself: Find a style that is reflective of who you are and fits the body you have. Don’t shy away from colors and clothing that make you feel amazing.
- Surround yourself with good vibes: Spend time with people that make you feel good about you. When you feel good about yourself, your radiance is almost tangible.
- Take care of your skin: Preventative action is always better than reactive, so during menopause take extra steps to moisturize your skin and keep it looking vibrant.
As you go through this transformative period of life, remember you still have lots to offer. Exuding positive energy and allowing your beauty to shine through your changes is a true testament to your character!
Menopause can be a difficult time, but a good skincare routine can provide relief and help manage hormonal changes. Know that, with the right products, advice, and patience, you’re on the road to achieving beautiful, healthy menopausal skin.
