In this guest blog we are excited to re-collaborate with Simone Thomas of Simone Thomas Wellness. We hope you enjoy hearing an expert point of view between the connection of menopause and skincare.
Too many people don’t start thinking about the health of our skin until we start to see visible signs of ageing damage, but the truth is, the harmful things that can affect our skin, can make a noticeable difference within a matter of a single twenty-four-hour time period. For example, have you ever spent a night out with friends and ended up enjoying yourself a little too much? Drinking a few too many drinks? The first thing you notice when you wake up the next day is, of course, the pounding headache, but the next thing you probably notice, when you look in the mirror, is your puffy face! This is mostly attributed to dehydration and a change in blood circulation when you drink too much alcohol. And what’s worse is that it isn’t just alcohol that can leave your skin dry, lackluster, puffy or discolored. Like our hair, the skin will show signs of poor nutrition and unhealthy habits much faster than anything else in your body (think dark circles when you don’t sleep enough). Eating processed foods filled with sugar and preservatives is ageing you! No number of lotions, creams, serums or tonics are going to save you from what you are putting into your body.
So, what can we do when we know we are going through the peri menopause / menopause and feel like our skin has changed overnight. The most important part is looking after yourself from within not just for skin care but also for hormone regulation which will have a huge impact on your skin its appearance but also how you feel. Clean eating is the number one most important thing you can do for your skin and your hair, tied with drinking enough water. The food we eat of course provides important nutrients, but those nutrients also combat free radicals.
Menopause, being a significant phase in a woman's life, can indeed bring about changes that manifest visibly on our skin. Here are some insights into navigating skincare during perimenopause and menopause:
Which skin care challenges are most common during perimenopause/menopause?
During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to a variety of skin challenges. These may include increased redness and sensitivity, dehydration leading to fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and plumpness, acne and breakouts, as well as exacerbation of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Additionally, issues such as pigmentation, rashes, itchiness, and a dull complexion are commonly reported.
Here are some ways you can care for your skin if you notice any of the common challenges associated with perimenopause and menopause:
Increased Redness and Sensitivity:
Dehydration Leading to Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
Loss of Firmness and Plumpness:
Acne and Breakouts:
Exacerbation of Conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea:
Pigmentation, Rashes, Itchiness, and Dull Complexion:
Too many people don’t start thinking about the health of our skin until we start to see visible signs of ageing damage, but the truth is, the harmful things that can affect our skin, can make a noticeable difference within a matter of a single twenty-four-hour time period. For example, have you ever spent a night out with friends and ended up enjoying yourself a little too much? Drinking a few too many drinks? The first thing you notice when you wake up the next day is, of course, the pounding headache, but the next thing you probably notice, when you look in the mirror, is your puffy face! This is mostly attributed to dehydration and a change in blood circulation when you drink too much alcohol. And what’s worse is that it isn’t just alcohol that can leave your skin dry, lackluster, puffy or discolored. Like our hair, the skin will show signs of poor nutrition and unhealthy habits much faster than anything else in your body (think dark circles when you don’t sleep enough). Eating processed foods filled with sugar and preservatives is ageing you! No number of lotions, creams, serums or tonics are going to save you from what you are putting into your body.
So, what can we do when we know we are going through the peri menopause / menopause and feel like our skin has changed overnight. The most important part is looking after yourself from within not just for skin care but also for hormone regulation which will have a huge impact on your skin its appearance but also how you feel. Clean eating is the number one most important thing you can do for your skin and your hair, tied with drinking enough water. The food we eat of course provides important nutrients, but those nutrients also combat free radicals.
Menopause, being a significant phase in a woman's life, can indeed bring about changes that manifest visibly on our skin. Here are some insights into navigating skincare during perimenopause and menopause:
Which skin care challenges are most common during perimenopause/menopause?
During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to a variety of skin challenges. These may include increased redness and sensitivity, dehydration leading to fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and plumpness, acne and breakouts, as well as exacerbation of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Additionally, issues such as pigmentation, rashes, itchiness, and a dull complexion are commonly reported.
Here are some ways you can care for your skin if you notice any of the common challenges associated with perimenopause and menopause:
Increased Redness and Sensitivity:
- Choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
- Incorporate soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and oat extract into your skincare routine.
- Avoid harsh exfoliants and abrasive cleansing techniques that can further irritate the skin.
Dehydration Leading to Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
- Hydrate your skin with moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to restore moisture and plumpness.
- Use a humidifier in your home to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, especially during dry seasons.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate your body from within.
Loss of Firmness and Plumpness:
- Look for skincare products containing collagen-boosting ingredients such as peptides, retinoids, and vitamin C.
- Incorporate facial massage techniques into your skincare routine to promote circulation and firmness.
- Consider using facial oils rich in omega fatty acids to nourish and hydrate the skin, enhancing its elasticity.
Acne and Breakouts:
- Opt for non-comedogenic skincare products to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
- Use gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and control acne.
- Avoid harsh, drying acne treatments that can further irritate mature skin.
Exacerbation of Conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea:
- Consult with a dermatologist for personalized treatment options tailored to your specific skin condition.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products designed for sensitive skin to avoid triggering flare-ups.
- Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, as stress can exacerbate skin conditions.
Pigmentation, Rashes, Itchiness, and Dull Complexion:
- Incorporate brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract to even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation.
- Use gentle exfoliants to promote cell turnover and reveal a brighter complexion.
- Ensure adequate sun protection by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to prevent further pigmentation and skin damage.
askderm favorites: Neostrata Skin Active Perfecting Peel, Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, DCL C Scape High Potency Serum 25
What types of ingredients are most beneficial to target those challenges?
In addressing these challenges, it's essential to choose skincare products rich in nourishing and soothing ingredients. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, antioxidants like vitamin C and E for protection against environmental stressors, niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier, and gentle exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to promote cell turnover.
Natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and oat extract can also help calm inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.
Something that has been getting a lot of press of late is Polynucleotides. In the context of skincare and aesthetic treatments, this is a revolutionary solution for addressing the specific challenges faced by women during perimenopause and menopause. As women age and go through hormonal changes, their skin often experiences increased dryness, loss of elasticity, fine lines, and volume loss, particularly in delicate areas like the under-eye region. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to a decrease in collagen production and moisture retention in the skin, contributing to the visible signs of ageing. Additionally, factors such as reduced estrogen levels can result in decreased skin thickness and elasticity, making the skin more prone to sagging and wrinkles.
This pioneering injectable bio revitalization treatment made from polynucleotides offers a multifaceted approach to addressing these concerns. Here's why it's a significant boost for peri-menopausal and menopausal women:
Deep Hydration: Polynucleotides have exceptional moisturizing properties, penetrating deeply into the skin to hydrate from within. This is crucial for combatting the increased dryness commonly experienced during menopause, helping to restore a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Promotion of Collagen Stimulation: One of the key effects of menopause on the skin is the decline in collagen production, leading to loss of firmness and elasticity. Polynucleotides work to stimulate collagen synthesis, helping to firm and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reduction of Free Radical Damage: Menopausal skin is often more susceptible to damage from free radicals, which can accelerate the ageing process. Polynucleotides possess antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Transformative Benefits for the Under-Eye Area: The delicate skin around the eyes is particularly prone to puffiness, fine lines, and dehydration during menopause. Polynucleotide treatments target these specific concerns, addressing lower eyelid puffiness, fine lines, and volume loss, resulting in a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance.
What step(s) are essential in a menopause skincare routine?
A comprehensive menopause skincare routine should prioritize both internal and external care. Externally, it's crucial to cleanse gently, hydrate effectively, and protect the skin from UV damage with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Incorporating serums or treatments targeted towards specific concerns such as collagen-boosting or brightening can also be beneficial. Additionally, regular exfoliation to promote cell turnover and the use of a rich moisturizer to combat dryness are important steps.
Internally, focusing on a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, and essential fatty acids will support skin health from within. Adequate hydration, quality sleep, stress management techniques, body and face brushing and regular exercise also play vital roles in maintaining overall wellness, which reflects positively on the skin.
You can shop all these askderm brands and the full range of Simone Thomas Wellness at askderm.com today! For more skincare advice, tips and product reviews follow us on Instagram at @askderm.