What Happens to Your Skin During Perimenopause and Menopause
As women approach perimenopause and menopause, changes in hormone levels—especially the drop in estrogen—affect the skin in various ways. Estrogen plays a key role in keeping the skin youthful, plump, and hydrated, so when it declines, the skin undergoes several changes. These changes can be different for everyone and may impact some women more than others at different stages:
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Dryness and Sensitivity: Estrogen helps skin retain moisture by boosting the production of natural oils and hyaluronic acid. As estrogen levels decrease, the skin can become drier, thinner, and more prone to irritation. This often results in skin that feels tight or itchy, requiring extra hydration and moisture.
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Loss of Elasticity: Collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and bouncy, start to break down faster during menopause. This leads to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth.
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Thinning Skin: A reduction in estrogen also slows down the skin’s ability to renew itself. The top layer (epidermis) becomes thinner, which can make the skin more fragile and increase the appearance of blood vessels and bruising.
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Breakouts and Acne: While many think acne is just a teenage problem, some women experience menopausal acne. This is because testosterone, a male hormone that women also have, becomes more prominent when estrogen drops, leading to oilier skin and clogged pores.
- Pigmentation: Hormonal changes can trigger increased melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation or "age spots" (also called liver spots). These dark spots often appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and chest, becoming more prominent during perimenopause and menopause. Taking care of your skin with hydration, sun protection, and gentle skincare products is crucial during this phase to manage these changes.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin During Perimenopause and Menopause:
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Hydration is Key: Use a rich hydrating moisturiser to lock mouisture into the skin. Our Rewind10 moisturiser is specifically formulated for menopausal skin. Supercharged with powerful, clinical level, high-grade active ingredients to target the effects of ageing, this luxurious, intensive moisturiser works tirelessly to leave you with amazing, younger looking, brighter and firmer looking skin.
Some key ingredients include Phycojuvenine which encourages skin cells to bounce back and behave like they are young again. Pheohydrane a powerful ingredient that locks moisture into the skin for several days and acts like a second skin. All the while, wonderful Wild Yam helps to calm skin flushes and provides an excellent anti-inflammatory action.
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Gentle Cleansing: Opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils. Harsh soaps or exfoliants can exacerbate dryness and irritation. Wipe Away The Years is a milky cleanser and is perfectly hydrating and gentle on the skin. It helps to increase hydration with every cleanse.
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SPF Every Day: Sun protection is essential at any age, but during menopause, the skin becomes more susceptible to UV damage. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent further damage. Sunscreen should be worn daily! Try our Protect & Repair Moisturiser its a mineral based sunscreen and offers both UVA 20 & UVB 40 SPF.
- Diet and Hydration: A diet rich in antioxidants (like vitamins C and E) and omega-3 fatty acids can support skin health from the inside out. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and your skin will benefit.
Love Sharon