Menopause is a significant life transition that brings about hormonal changes affecting various aspects of health—including your skin. Many women notice that their skin becomes drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles and irritation. If you’re experiencing these changes, understanding why they happen and how to care for your skin can help you maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
How Does Menopause Change Your Skin?
1. Loss of Collagen & Elasticity
Estrogen plays a key role in collagen production, which keeps skin firm and plump. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, collagen production drops by as much as 30% in the first five years. This can lead to sagging skin, fine lines, and a loss of elasticity.
2. Increased Dryness & Sensitivity
The skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes due to decreased oil production. This can result in dryness, irritation, and a weakened skin barrier, making your skin more sensitive to environmental factors.
3. Thinner Skin & Bruising
Reduced estrogen also affects skin thickness, leading to thinner, more fragile skin that bruises easily and takes longer to heal. This is due to decreased blood flow and slower cell turnover.
4. More Pronounced Wrinkles & Fine Lines
As collagen levels drop and skin hydration decreases, wrinkles and fine lines become more noticeable. This is particularly evident around the eyes, mouth, and neck.
5. Increased Pigmentation & Age Spots
Hormonal shifts can trigger an increase in pigmentation, leading to age spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone. Sun exposure can exacerbate these changes, making daily SPF protection essential.
6. Adult Acne & Breakouts
Hormonal fluctuations can also cause an imbalance in androgen levels, which may increase oil production and lead to breakouts, even if you never had acne before.
How to Support Your Skin Through Menopause
1. Hydrate & Moisturise
Using a rich, hydrating moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane can help restore moisture levels and support the skin barrier. Drinking plenty of water and consuming hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens can also help.
2. Boost Collagen Production
Incorporate collagen-boosting ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, and peptides into your skincare routine. Consuming collagen-rich foods like bone broth, salmon, and eggs can further support skin elasticity.
3. Use SPF Daily
Protecting your skin from UV damage is more important than ever. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ can prevent further collagen breakdown and reduce pigmentation issues.
4. Balance Hormones Through Nutrition
A diet rich in phytoestrogens (found in flaxseeds, soy, and chickpeas) may help support hormonal balance. Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like salmon and walnuts can also help maintain skin hydration and reduce inflammation.
5. Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Gentle skincare is key—avoid harsh exfoliants and switch to fragrance-free, soothing skin identical ingredients. Strengthening the skin barrier will help reduce sensitivity and irritation.
6. Consider Professional Skin Treatments
LED light therapy, microneedling, and hydrating facials can all support skin rejuvenation during menopause. Treatments that stimulate collagen production can help counteract the effects of declining oestrogen.
Embrace Your Skin’s New Chapter
Menopause brings changes, but with the right skincare, nutrition, and treatments, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin. At Hough Green Clinic, we specialise in holistic skin solutions tailored to your needs. If you’d like expert guidance on caring for your skin during menopause, book a consultation today.
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