Menopause is often a time of significant hormonal and bodily change, including experiencing new skin irregularities. During this shift, people experiencing menopause can notice various skin changes, anywhere from new breakouts of acne to increased dryness. If you’re experiencing new challenges with your skin, it could be time to modify your skincare regimen to fit the changes that come with menopausal hormonal fluctuations.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is commonly defined as the period when menstruation stops, officially one year after a person’s last period and typically between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, estrogen and progesterone decrease, causing symptoms that vary from person to person. These symptoms can include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes and slowed metabolism, to name a few. Amongst these symptoms is skin dryness, which may require a more hydrating and nourishing skin regime.
What changes to the skin are typical during menopause?
Variations in hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause can regularly lead to alterations in our skin.
Because the body is producing less collagen, and due to the decline in estrogen levels, individuals may notice new breakouts of acne, dryness, or a decrease in the elasticity and thickness of their skin.
Among its many effects, estrogen is a hormone that promotes blood flow through skin capillaries. Estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause. As a result, less blood flows through the skin’s dermal capillaries, resulting in fewer nutrients getting to the skin’s surface. This causes the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, to thin and slows down the pace of cell turnover.
Skin elastin also declines, and the epidermis and dermis layers can thin, leading to a less plump appearance and potential skin sensitivities.
Some of the most typical changes in skin during menopause include:
- Dryness and wrinkling
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne and breakouts
Let’s go into more detail on these three common skin conditions.
Dryness and wrinkling
When estrogen levels decline, the skin is more likely to become drier, less resilient, and more susceptible to eczema. Skin can appear flaky, scaly or tight, which requires a nourishing moisturiser to restore suppleness.
Another skin change caused by menopause is wrinkles. There are two types of wrinkle formation: dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles.
Dynamic wrinkles result from repeated muscular actions, such as squinting or smiling. These wrinkles are caused by these movements over a prolonged period of time.
Conversely, static wrinkles appear even while the skin is at rest due to the loss of collagen, elastin, and fat.
Hyperpigmentation
Menopause-related hormonal fluctuations can lead to the development of hyperpigmentation, which appears as dark spots or uneven skin tone. Increased melanin synthesis, caused by hormone abnormalities, can create patches of pigmentation called Melasma.
Acne and breakouts
Contrary to common opinion, acne isn’t just for teenagers; many women endure a return of pimples and various types of acne throughout menopause. Hormonal variations, particularly elevated testosterone levels, can increase sebum production and clog pores, resulting in breakouts.
Skincare Tips To Protect and Maintain Your Skin During Menopause
Although some may experience increased oiliness, the most prevalent menopausal skin alteration is dryness. Maintaining appropriate skin cleanliness and hydration can dramatically improve skin health by reducing dryness, sensitivity, and itching throughout menopause.
If you’ve noticed your skin becoming dryer, sensitive, or thinner after age 50, we recommend five essential tips that can help you maintain healthy skin during perimenopause and menopause:
- Start with SPF: The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to wear an SPF sunscreen daily.
- End the day with an effective and thorough cleanser: As sunscreens can feel heavy, greasy, or clog pores, particularly on the face, it’s crucial to also clean the skin with an effective cleansing wash. To combat the sensitivities of ageing skin, we recommend using Prolox’s Gentle No-Rinse Soap-Free Cleanser and Oat Moisturising Body Wash.
- Use a nutrient-rich moisturiser: A moisturiser packed with healthy lipids, such as oat lipids, helps seal moisture into your skin. After cleansing, it is crucial to use a nourishing body moisturiser to restore a layer of hydrating protection and avoid scaling. Prolox’s Advanced Moisturising Lotion is a great example of a nourishing moisturiser and you will see how your skin responds to a bit of self-love every day.
- Soothe your skin: Ensure your skin is cared for with ingredients, including shea butter, squalene, vitamin E, and aloe vera, which help calm and relieve dry, stressed skin and strengthen your moisture barrier.
- Drink plenty of water: This is a quick yet efficient way to treat dry skin caused by menopause (or any other condition, for that matter). It may also help to consider your environment, including using a humidifier, avoiding too-hot showers, and keeping protected from the sun and wind.
Maintaining a nourishing skincare regimen doesn’t need to be a complex routine. Instead, it needs to utilise a few specifically engineered products for ageing skin concerns. Protect your skin barrier from menopausal skin changes by thoroughly cleansing and restoring your skin’s natural oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does menopause suddenly make my skin seem so dry?
The menopausal drop in estrogen levels reduces the skin’s natural oil production, causing dryness.
2. How can I treat dry skin that comes with menopause?
To keep skin hydrated, use a nourishing moisturiser daily. It can also help to use a humidifier, stay away from hot showers and drink lots of water.
3. Why does going through menopause make my skin more sensitive?
Your skin may become more sensitive to irritants due to thinner skin and decreased oil production.
4. What components should I seek out in menopausal skincare products?
Look out for antioxidants like squalene and vitamin E for skin protection, as well as moisturising properties found in oat lipids and shea butter. Soothing effects can be found in components such as aloe vera and glycerine.
5. Is acne caused by menopause and how may it be treated?
Indeed, hormonal fluctuations can cause acne. Make use of gentle skin cleansers to keep your skin clean while avoiding stripping the skin of helpful oils. If acne persists, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
6. In general, how should menopausal skin changes be managed?
Develop a thorough skincare regimen that takes protection and hydration into account. Consistency is key in skin maintenance, so ensure you’re practising skincare daily.