Like hot flashes, ferocious mood swings and insomnia weren’t enough to remind us that we’re getting older - menopause also wreaks havoc on our skin.
When we go through menopause, the balance of hormones in our body is disrupted by oestrogen levels plummeting. And since oestrogen receptors play a role in keeping skin lubricated and promoting collagen production, this constant oestrogen deficit leads to an increase in skin laxity and irritation and accelerates signs of ageing (time machine, anyone?).
But it's not all bad news. By following a few simple rules, you can manage how your skin reacts to hormone fluctuations and cycle changes.
DO - Start Early
For all of us who house a uterus, menopause, like taxes and the occasional bad hair day, is inevitable. The average age of menopause is 51, however, there’s a pre-menopause period termed perimenopause, where a woman's cycle begins to change and hormones begin to fluctuate. Taking the time to create a unique skincare routine in your twenties or thirties is a great way to ensure optimal skin health prior to embarking on the menopause rollercoaster. Understanding your skin type will allow you to track how your skin changes over time and adapt your routine accordingly.
DO - Hydrate
Dryness is one of the most prevalent menopausal symptoms, so it’s important to up the ante on the nourishment front. Swap your gel cleanser for a creamy cleanser, your standard moisturiser for a thick night cream and incorporate hyaluronic acid into your daily skincare routine - both morning and night.
DO - Use Targeted Treatments
Everyone’s journey into menopause is going to look different, and the way hormonal changes play out on your face will differ from one person to the next. That’s why targeting your skincare routine is imperative to treat your unique concerns. For example, perhaps you’ve never bought into the hype of eye creams and suddenly, almost overnight you’ve noticed a dramatic change in the delicate skin around your eyes. If dark circles, bags and noticeably saggy skin have taken up shop, incorporate a targeted eye treatment into your daily routine.
DON'T - Over Exfoliate
Your skin is likely already dry or irritated and sadly, you can’t exfoliate your way to younger-looking skin. Using a physical exfoliant likely won’t yield the positive results you're after. Instead, incorporate anti-ageing powerhouse ingredients like retinol and peptides into your everyday skincare routine. Retinol promotes cell turnover and proliferation for plump, thick skin while peptides stimulate collagen production for firm, buoyant skin.
DON'T - Skip Sunscreen
Menopause increases your skin’s sensitivity to harmful UV rays (great). As such, it is as important as ever to use SPF to keep your skin protected and healthy. Look for a broad spectrum SPF50 and wear it every day (yes, every day).
