🎃 October is Menopause Awareness month, and we wanted to shine a light on how you can prepare your skin for the changes it may face during what can be a stressful time for your body, physically and emotionally. Despite being something that happens to all women, it can still feel like a taboo subject, with many women suffering in silence. We are here to provide advice!
How menopause affects the skin
Menopause can last several years, 🕛 during which time the body can be impacted psychologically and physically. Hormonal fluctuations unsettle the body, and changes in the skin can begin in the peri-menopausal (first) stage. With hormones in decline, skin produces less sebum, which means you might notice that you are no longer oily despite years of having oily skin. Increased sensitivity is common, but other issues can include new breakouts, itchy skin (usually from dryness), redness, and general changes in texture and overall appearance. If you already have a skin condition such as acne, you may find that it worsens during this time, as skin gets more sensitive. Increased sensitivity can also provoke allergies and low estrogen levels commonly lead to dry skin.
What you can do about it
It can knock your confidence when your skin suddenly starts reacting to everything, but there are some steps you can take to feel better in your skin and ease any discomfort.
Get into a habit of 🧴 moisturizing 🧴 more often and with thicker, creamier products sooner than later. Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Repair is a great product for the face. Cerave cream or Cetaphil cream or Aveeno eczema therapy are good options for body moisturizing. Reduce triggers that can dry you out more such as hot showers.
If you are starting some breakouts, try an acne spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide such as La Roche Posay 5.5% benzoyl peroxide gel once daily. Keep up good habits including always washing your face at bedtime using a hydrating cleanser, avoiding drying soaps. Use sunscreen regularly to prevent worsening of redness or flushing. Wear moisturizer when you go out in the wintertime to prevent more dryness but also the effects of wind.💨
Lifestyle changes such as reassessing your diet and upping your water intake can make a difference to the condition of your skin. Drinking less alcohol and learning to cope with stress can also help you manage external conditions such as redness and breakouts. A diet rich in nuts 🥜 , seeds and fish will benefit your skin and help to boost your sense of wellbeing. Maintain a regular sleeping pattern and make exercise a habit to keep muscles fit and circulation of oxygenated blood pumping around the body.
Target-specific skincare concerns
Dryness: Avoid long, 🚿 hot showers and remember to regularly apply moisturizer to hydrate dry skin. Keep skin healthy with the use of sunscreen and avoid harsh soaps and detergents that can aggravate dehydrated skin.
Sensitivity: Stay away from scented skincare. Fragrance has no benefit to the skin.
Blemishes: You may find you get spots or pimples on your breasts and other parts of your body because of night sweats and hot flushes. Salicylic acid wash such as Neutrogena acne wash can to help treat body acne and remove dead skin cells.
Sagging: All people will eventually have sagging skin – it’s a natural part of the aging process. Treatments such as Sofwave can have a significant effect to lift!