Usually occurring between 45-55 years of age, the period of menopause succeeds perimenopause and officially begins one year after a woman’s last period. It often comes with changes, related to hormone fluctuations. When it comes to our skin, many women feel unsure about how to manage changes like dryness and breakouts. This post is here to guide you through the menopause and the skin shift that can occur, so that you feel more confident in your skin and the products you use.
Make sense of menopause
Menopause is a natural stage in the life of every woman, when the ovaries complete their role of producing eggs, periods stop, and oestrogen levels usually fall. However, despite this, it is important to note that no two women will experience it in exactly the same way. For example, for some women, skin changes will focus on acne-like breakouts, while for others it will be general dryness. That’s where collective support and conversation can play a strong role providing women with the information and guidance they need to adapt their skincare routine in a way that works for them.
How menopause can impact your skin
In general, the skin changes that occur for women during perimenopause tend to follow through into menopause and can have a greater impact on the skin, as oestrogen levels fall further. Changes may include:
- A shift in skin elasticity – studies show that women lose around 30% of collagen in their skin, during the first 5 years of menopause. This impacts the firmness of skin.
- Skin sensitivity – as capillaries become more delicate, skin pH levels alter and many women experience hot flushes, the skin can become more sensitive to products you might have commonly used in the past.
- Dryness/ breakouts – depending on your experience of perimenopause, a further drop in hormone levels can emphasise these changes.
Get under the skin of a good routine
A good skincare routine begins with you. Just as every experience of perimenopause and menopause is different, so is the skincare routine that will help you to make the best decisions for your skin health. The demands of our skin change throughout our lives – menopause is just another stage of life that often requires a review of our current routine.
In order to support your skin with the changes listed above, we recommend:
- Taking 5-minutes out of each day to carry out a mindful facial massage, using some face oil and a Gua sha tool or your fingers. This will not only boost blood circulation in your face and neck, but also encourage product absorption and firm and tone the skin as collagen levels fall.
- Using skin-sensitive products and mild cleansers rather than soap to support the skin during hot flushes. Avoid ingredients, such as silicon and dimethicone, which can block pores and worsen breakouts. Consider trying products with vitamin A and hyaluronic acid that promote healthy skin function.
- Wearing at least SPF 30 every day to protect sensitive skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
- Considering taking collagen and vitamin C supplements to support capillary strength and the growth of healthy skin.
Make the most of a new life stage
For women between the ages of 45-55, the life experience and confidence gained can mean that this stage of life offers exciting opportunities to try new things and discover new and enjoyable ways of spending time and celebrating life achievements. Menopause is a healthy and natural part of this stage of life too and while it comes with challenges, it’s important to know that there are options to support your skin so that it feels its best. That’s why we’re here – to guide you and carry on the conversation about menopause and women’s health, so all of us can enter this life stage with the knowledge and confidence we deserve.
You may also like to read:
A Guide To Your Skin During Perimenopause
Are Hormones To Blame For Post 40s Breakouts?
What changes have you experienced in your skin during menopause?
We’d love for you to tell us in a comment below!
