Are you wondering if menopause is affecting your skin? Here’s how your skin changes during menopause.
Menopause is a crucial stage in a woman’s life as it marks the end of menstrual periods and the onset of a variety of physiological changes. While you must be aware of the not-so-fun hot flashes and mood swings that accompany menopause, did you know that this turbulent phase can also impact your skin? Menopause-induced hormonal changes can cause a variety of skin concerns, including dryness, sagging, wrinkles, increased sensitivity, and constant breakouts. I have put together an in-depth guide on menopause’s effect on the skin to help you understand these changes and manage them effectively.
How does your skin change during menopause?
Have you noticed that your skin has suddenly become lifeless and less plump? This is because as oestrogen and progesterone production quickly decline during menopause, the majority of women notice a significant change in their skin health. Here are some common menopause-induced changes in skin that you need to keep an eye out for:
- Excessive dryness
During menopause, a lot of women battle with excessively dry and itchy skin. The production of ceramides, natural hyaluronic acid, and sebum—the skin’s natural hydration mechanisms—are all stimulated by oestrogen. Therefore, during menopause, your skin becomes dry and rough as it finds it challenging to retain moisture in the absence of these compounds.
- Sagging
Since your collagen and elastin levels deplete during menopause, your skin loses its elasticity and firmness. As a result, your skin begins to sag and you notice the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to volume loss.
- Increased facial hair growth
Have you noticed an increased facial hair growth during the menopause? Your hormones are the culprit. The development of thick hair on the upper lip, chin, cheeks, and jawline can be influenced by a shift in the oestrogen-to-testosterone ratio in your body.
- Constant breakouts
Are you struggling with a lot of angry breakouts during menopause? Hormonal fluctuations are the major cause of acne. And, menopause is the most significant phase of hormonal changes in a person’s life. Therefore, it comes as a little surprise that you have to deal with pesky breakouts during this period.
- Skin discolouration
During menopause, your skin becomes more susceptible to sun damage. This can result in pigmentation issues and lead to skin discolouration, melasma, sun spots, and an uneven skin tone.
How to keep your skin healthy and happy during menopause?
While menopause can be a trying time, you can keep your skin in check with the help of the right knowledge and an effective treatment plan. Here’s what you need to do:
- Keep your skin hydrated
Since dryness is a common skin concern faced by menopausal women, you must prioritise skin hydration for a healthy and plump complexion. I recommend adding nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to your skincare arsenal.
- Add an acne-fighting product
If you are dealing with frustrating hormonal acne during menopause, adding a potent acne-banishing product to your skincare routine can help. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can work wonders in fighting menopausal acne. However, since they can dry out your skin, layer them with a deeply hydrating product.
- Try retinol
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, one of our body’s most vital nutrients for increasing cell turnover. I strongly recommend adding this powerhouse ingredient to your skincare regimen if you are going through menopause. Retinol stimulates collagen and elastin production by penetrating the deeper layers of the skin and activating cellular receptors, thus giving you a radiant and youthful complexion.
If you are dealing with menopause-induced skin issues, schedule a consultation with me here.