Caring for Skin Pre and Post Menopause
‘‘After puberty, this is one of the three major hormonal changes that can occur in a woman’s life. From around the age of 40, the hormones your ovaries have been producing since puberty begin to gradually drop off, until they stop altogether’’.
How are my hormones changing?
The ovaries primarily produce estrogen as well as the adrenal glands and fat tissues, both male and females produce this hormone however women produce more estrogen than males.
Estrogen levels decline in an irregular fashion during the peri menopause stage continuing decline until reaching post menopause impacting the skin, bones, and weight.
Estrogen modulates the physiology of the skin as it targets the skin cells of the upper layers and cells of the lower dermal layer including cells that control pigment and the oil producing glands. Estrogen maintains skin moisture levels, maintains the barrier function of the skin and the connective tissues collagen and elastin.
The decline of the reproductive hormone results in skin changes and acceleration of skin ageing. Visible signs of ageing of the skin include dryness, thinning, pigmentation, wrinkles, and laxity of the facial contours. Studies have also shown that the protective function of wound healing is also impaired.
Tips on how to care for your skin post menopause:
Cleansing: As the skin becomes drier using a creamy cleanser can reduce inflammation and itching providing much needed moisture. Cleansers including glycolic acid can help speed up cellular renewal, increase moisture, treat any breakouts, and reduce dark patches on the skin.
SPF: Sun protection factor day creams will help to reduce oxidative stress in the skin helping to prevent further decline in skin cells, pigmentation, and ageing.
Serums: Serums have a higher content of active ingredients which penetrate the skin more easily. Look for ingredients which will target wrinkles, pigmentation and strengthen capillaries.
Moisturisers: Using creams which have a higher oil content can help to reduce dryness however water-based creams can be more beneficial during menopause as they will hydrate reducing itching, preventing spots that can occur during menopausal women, reduce inflammation, and penetrate the skin more easily.
Body moisturisers: The lack of sebaceous gland activity (oil glands) reduces oil not only on the face but all the body. After showering, whilst the skin is still damp apply body oil or rich moisturisers to help maintain the barrier function of the skin and reduce dryness and flaking.
Collagen supplements: Collagen levels begin decline as early as your second decade, early supplementation will promote skin health reducing chronological ageing, strengthen the capillary network, strengthen bones, and help prevent thinning of the hair.
Antioxidant foods: The reduction of estrogen increases levels of oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress impacts the ageing process overproducing free radicals which reduce the defence mechanism of antioxidants. To help maintain the function of skin, the circulatory system and bone density eating foods high in antioxidants can help. Vegetables and fruit are antioxidant rich especially berries, kale, and dark chocolate. Antioxidants such as Vitamins E and C have the greatest benefit to skin.
If the unwelcomed changes of peri menopause and menopause is affecting your skin and confidence try the Art Derma range to improve your skin.