Essential Skin Care Tips for Menopausal Women

Menopause marks a significant phase in your life, bringing with it numerous changes, both emotional and physical. One of the most noticeable changes is how your skin responds, requiring a slight shift in your skincare routine.

Why is menopause a turning point for your skin health?

Menopause is more than just a biological transition. It’s a journey punctuated with physical and emotional changes and introducing new challenges and triumphs. One of the most notable changes is the transformation of your skin.

Your skin is a canvas, reflecting your age, environment and habits. As you approach menopause, it doesn’t just signal the end of the reproductive cycle; it beckons a new era in how you care for your skin.

The science behind your skin changes

The role of hormones in skin health is paramount and hormonal fluctuations are a hallmark of menopause. During this phase of your life, your oestrogen levels will drop, and testosterone becomes more dominant.

• Oestrogen: This primary female hormone is vital for maintaining skin moisture, elasticity, and collagen production. As it wanes, you might notice your skin becoming drier and less plump.
• Testosterone: Though present in smaller quantities than oestrogen, testosterone can manifest as excess hair growth or acne when it becomes more dominant relative to declining oestrogen levels.

This hormonal seesaw can result in several visible skin changes.

Understanding these shifts is crucial, as it forms the foundation for all your skincare decisions moving forward.

How does the decrease in oestrogen affect your skin’s health?

Just as oestrogen has been a pivotal hormone in your reproductive life, it’s equally significant in maintaining your skin’s vitality. With menopause, the decline in oestrogen levels has a direct impact on your skin.

• Elasticity: With a decrease in oestrogen, skin can lose its bounce, leading to sagging and the appearance of fine lines, particularly around areas like the jawline, neck and cheeks.
• Barrier function weakens: Your skin’s ability to act as a barrier, protecting against environmental pollutants and retaining moisture, becomes less efficient, making it more susceptible to environmental damage. Pollutants, UV rays, and even products that once suited you might now irritate you.
• Reduced hydration: Reduced oestrogen can affect your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and a compromised skin barrier.
• Texture: Reduced collagen can cause your skin to become thinner, affecting its smoothness and youthful texture.
• Alteration in skin pH: Healthy skin usually has a slightly acidic pH. With menopause, this balance can shift, making your skin more alkaline and thus more prone to bacterial growth and infections.
• Pigmentation issues: A decrease in melanin production may cause changes in your skin pigmentation, leading to uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation or conditions like melasma or age spots.
• Decreased wound healing: You might find that cuts and bruises take longer to heal. That’s because oestrogen aids your inflammatory response and promotes wound healing.
• Increased sensitivity: Your skin might react adversely to products or conditions that were previously harmless. Switching to hypoallergenic or sensitive skin ranges can make a difference.
• Acne: You may experience a resurgence of acne during menopause. Often affecting the jawline area, this is due to the shifting balance between oestrogen and testosterone.
• Rosacea: This skin condition, characterised by redness, can be triggered or exacerbated by menopause.

How does menopause fundamentally change your skin’s needs?

Here’s the reality: as your body undergoes hormonal shifts during menopause, your skincare routine will need some recalibration. It’s a time to embrace change, both inside and out.

So, what does your skin truly need during this phase?

• Deep hydration: As your skin becomes drier, it craves more moisture. Investing in hydrating serums and thicker moisturisers can make all the difference.
• Enhanced protection: Your skin becomes more vulnerable during this phase, making sun protection even more essential.
• Nutrient boost: Your skin needs an extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants to combat the effects of decreased collagen production.

Transitioning through menopause is a unique journey for every woman, with your skin reflecting its own story. As your body adapts to the transformations, understanding them can empower you to make the best skincare choices. Remember, it’s all about listening to your skin and responding with love, care and the right products. After all, every phase of life brings its own kind of beauty. It’s up to you to embrace it.

Our Essential Skin Care Tips for Menopausal Women Revealed

1. Hydrate Inside and Out

Embrace the power of hydration. Your body is composed mostly of water, and it plays a variety of essential functions in your body.

• Supporting cellular functions: Every cell in your body needs water to function effectively. When you’re hydrated, your skin cells can regenerate more efficiently, leading to a brighter, healthier complexion.
• Flushing out toxins: Drinking enough water helps the body expel waste products, which can help prevent breakouts and other skin issues.
• Maintaining skin elasticity: Hydrated skin is plump and has a certain bounce. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can appear dull and more prone to wrinkles.

Drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin cells hydrated from the inside. If you struggle to drink enough water, try setting reminders or jazzing it up with a slice of lemon or cucumber for a refreshing twist. Invest in a reusable water bottle to keep with you throughout the day.

Use a hydrating serum or moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can hold many times its weight in water.

Sukin’s Hydration Range contains hyaluronic acid and instantly boosts moisture to deeply hydrate your skin. Dr Hauschka’s Intensive Treatment for Menopausal Skin is a 28-day treatment that balances hormonal skin changes and supports your skin’s natural renewal processes.

2. Embrace Gentle Cleansers

As your skin becomes drier during menopause, you should avoid harsh or overly drying cleansers. Gentleness is key. The face wash you’ve sworn by for years might suddenly feel too harsh. Consider switching to a milder, creamy, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Cream-based cleansers typically offer a boost of hydration, which can be particularly beneficial during menopause.

Green People Organic Age Defy+ Purify and Hydrate Cream Cleanser is an extra-gentle and light cream cleanser which provides intense skin hydration.

Avoid long, hot showers. Although tempting, hot water can strip your skin of essential oils, causing increased dryness.

3. Exfoliate with Caution

Exfoliation can be a double-edged sword during menopause. On the one hand, it’s essential for getting rid of dead skin cells, which can accumulate faster due to slower cellular turnover. Removing these cells can give your skin a brighter appearance and improve the efficacy of other products in your regime. However, caution is needed.

Benefits of exfoliation during menopause:

• Boosts cell turnover: As cell turnover naturally slows down during menopause, exfoliation can help your skin regenerate.
• Enhances absorption: Exfoliation allows better penetration of serums and moisturisers, maximising their benefits.
• Improves skin texture: Exfoliation helps maintain a smooth skin texture by eliminating rough patches.

Precautions to keep in mind

• Choose gentle exfoliants: Look for products specifically for sensitive skin.
• Don’t overdo it: Start by exfoliating once a week, and adjust based on how your skin responds.
• Follow up with hydration: After exfoliating, replenish your skin’s moisture with a good quality, hydrating moisturiser.
• Stay away from harsh granules: Avoid exfoliants with sharp, gritty particles. These can cause microtears in the skin, leading to further irritation.

While exfoliating removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, menopausal skin can become more sensitive. Stick to gentle exfoliators and reduce frequency if you notice any irritation.

Try Green People’s Organic Age Defy+ Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator or Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator to exfoliate, revitalise, and refresh dull skin.

4. Boost Collagen Production

With age and hormonal changes, collagen production decreases. Look for products with peptides, retinoids, or vitamin C that promote collagen production.

Trilogy, Antipodes, Evolve, Avalon Organics, Andalou, lavera, Green People and Sukin all offer a range of products with added vitamin C.

Consider a collagen supplement such as Bare Biology Skinful or Skinful + Vitamin C. The tiny peptides in marine collagen powder are easier for your body to use and dissolve quickly in drinks.

5. Stay Sun Safe

Sun protection is essential at any age, but it gains newfound importance during and after menopause as your skin becomes even more susceptible to sun damage.

• Decreased skin thickness: As collagen diminishes, your skin loses its shield, making it easier for UV rays to penetrate.
• Reduced natural protection: Melanocyte activity decreases during menopause, reducing your natural protection against UV rays.
• Higher risk of pigmentation: Your skin might develop sunspots more quickly and may face an increased risk of skin cancers.

Green People Age Defy+ Daily Moisturiser or Evolve Organic Beauty Climate Defence Facial Cream with SPF30 make a great addition to your daily skin care routine.

However, adjusting your sun protection routine during menopause doesn’t have to be complicated.

• Look for broad-spectrum: Always choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Many natural beauty brands provide sunscreens infused with plant-based ingredients to nourish your skin while protecting it such as Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen with Aloe Vera.
• Regular reapplication is key: If you’re outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours. And if you’ve been swimming or sweating, reapply immediately.
• Don’t rely solely on SPF in make-up: While make-up with SPF offers welcome extra protection, it shouldn’t replace your regular sunscreen. Often, the protection is not enough, especially with the light application of some cosmetics.
• Remember forgotten areas: The neck, décolletage, and hands are often overlooked. These areas also experience thinning skin and show visible signs of ageing, increasing the need for protection.
• Wear protective clothing: Broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothing with built-in SPF can be your best allies in sun protection.
• Seek shade: Between 10am and 4pm, the sun’s rays are at their strongest. If possible, stay in shaded areas during these times.
• Embrace natural products: With an emphasis on natural beauty brands, you can find sunscreens that protect and nourish your skin. Ingredients like green tea extract and zinc oxide offer protection and skincare benefits.

6. Nourish from Within

Nourishing from within is immensely beneficial for your skin health during menopause and you should try and include these top contenders in your diet. Consider supplementation to support your diet and to ensure you’re getting your daily dose of key nutrients.

• Antioxidants: These fight off free radicals and environmental stressors that can damage skin cells. Berries, nuts, and dark chocolate are all rich in antioxidants.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, these fats help maintain skin moisture and may reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• Vitamin C: Not only great for your immune system, but vitamin C also plays a significant role in collagen production. Think oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
• Probiotics: There’s a fascinating connection between gut health and skin. Foods rich in probiotics, like yoghurt and fermented foods, can promote a healthy gut, which often leads to clearer skin.
• Vitamin D: As bone density can decrease during menopause, vitamin D is vital for bone health. Furthermore, it plays a role in skin cell growth and repair. While sunlight is a primary source, you can also find it in fatty fish, mushrooms, and fortified foods.
• Calcium: Hand in hand with vitamin D, calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength. Additionally, it can help in preventing dry and itchy skin. Dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds are all calcium-rich.
• B vitamins: These are key players in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and eyes. They also help combat the effects of stress, which can exacerbate skin problems. Whole grains, beans, peas, and lentils are excellent sources.

7. Address Hyperpigmentation

Hormonal fluctuations may cause dark spots. Invest in products with brightening ingredients like niacinamide, liquorice root and kojic acid.

UpCircle’s award-winning Night Cream contains niacinamide to even skin tone, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and rosehip oil to promote overnight skin regeneration. Plus, as it’s made with the antioxidant-rich extract of repurposed blueberries, it’s a planet-friendly choice too!

8. Opt for Natural Oils

Menopausal skin may benefit from the added moisture of natural oils. Ingredients like argan and jojoba oil or squalane can be particularly nourishing.

lavera’s Regenerating Body Milk with Cranberry & Argan Oil has a rich and nourishing formula that supports the natural cell renewal process revealing soft, smooth skin.

Fushi’s Organic Jojoba Oil is a multi-purpose oil rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Use as a face moisturiser, make-up remover, hair conditioner and shaving oil.

9. Pay Attention to Your Eyes and Neck

These areas can show ageing more prominently. Use specialised creams for the neck and eye region to address concerns like wrinkles, sagging, and dark circles.

Dr Hauschka Organic Regenerating Neck and Décolleté Cream is perfect for menopausal skin. The regenerating cream is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants and visibly diminishes wrinkles to leave your skin looking and feeling firmer.

10. Prioritise Sleep and Relaxation

Stress is no stranger to many of us. But when you’re navigating the unpredictable territory of menopause, the effects of stress might manifest more prominently on your skin.

When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, often called the ‘stress hormone’. While cortisol is essential in certain doses, an excess can be detrimental. For menopausal women, a surge in cortisol can exacerbate already fluctuating hormones, further disrupting the skin’s natural balance.

Effects of stress on your skin during menopause:

• Increased skin sensitivity: Just as your emotions might be a tad more heightened, so is your skin’s sensitivity. Stress can make it more prone to rashes or allergies.
• Dryness: Elevated cortisol levels can diminish the skin’s natural oil production. For skin already battling with menopausal dryness, stress can be a double whammy.
• Acne breakouts: Think you’re past the age of acne? Think again. Stress might bring back those unwanted teenage memories.
• Wrinkles and fine lines: Chronic stress can speed up the ageing process, making wrinkles and fine lines more pronounced.

Navigating menopause can feel like you’re trying to balance on a seesaw. However, a few lifestyle adjustments can mitigate the skin impacts of menopause-related stress.

• Get enough sleep: Your body repairs itself during sleep. Ensure you’re clocking in those 7-9 hours to help your skin rejuvenate.
• Mindful practices: Yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress levels. Even a mere ten minutes a day can make a difference.
• Regular exercise: Physical activity boosts circulation, which can help keep your skin glowing. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park or a session at the gym, find what works for you.
• Stay connected: Emotional wellbeing plays a pivotal role. Keep in touch with your loved ones and consider joining support groups or forums where you can share and learn from others’ experiences.

Understanding menopause and its effects on the skin is not just about science or vanity; it’s about self-care. Celebrate the wisdom, strength, and unique beauty that come with experience.

As your skin evolves, so too must your skincare routine. By embracing the right methods and products, you can bring out a natural radiance in your skin that’s unmatched by any youthful glow. Your skin, just like you, deserves to shine at every stage of life.

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