Is Specialised Skincare Necessary During Menopause?

Along with the hot flashes, the sweating, the hair loss, and the weight gain, another unwanted symptom of menopause is the accelerated aging.

The hormonal changes during menopause have a profound impact on the skin, largely due to the decline in the estrogen and progesterone levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s youthfulness by promoting the production of collagen and elastin – the two key proteins responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. As the estrogen levels drop, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to wrinkles and sagging. Additionally, the skin’s natural moisture barrier weakens, leading to its dryness and increased sensitivity.

However, if you are aware of what to watch out for, you can enter perimenopause better prepared to deal with the changes caused by the estrogen deficiency.

What is menopause and when does it occur?

Menopause is the period when a woman’s menstrual cycle stops due to the depletion of the hormone estrogen. It is diagnosed 12 months after the last menstruation, and it typically occurs when women are between 40 and 50 years old. The experts have identified at least 34 symptoms associated with menopause and the years leading up to it (perimenopause), but the most common ones include hot flashes, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and chills.

The role of progesterone in skin health

While estrogen often takes the spotlight, progesterone also plays an essential role in the skin health. During menopause, the decline in progesterone can lead to a decrease in the skin elasticity and an increase in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This hormone also helps to regulate the oil production in the skin. As its levels drop, some women may experience a shift in their skin type, noticing an increase in their skin’s oiliness or, conversely, a dramatic increase in its dryness. Understanding the interplay between these hormones can help to tailor more effective skincare regimens during menopause.

What happens to the skin during menopause?

The reduced estrogen levels in the body can have dramatic effects on the skin. The estrogen nourishes and protects the skin, the hair follicles, the sebaceous glands, and the cells that activate the keratin production and the tissue repair.

The estrogen supports the collagen production and the blood flow, it maintains the epidermal hydration, the skin elasticity, and the density, and it accelerates the wound healing.

When the hormone begins to deplete during perimenopause, which can start as early as 15 years before menopause, it manifests on the skin as a loss of radiance and hydration. As the estrogen continues to decline, the skin aging accelerates significantly.

The collagen loss is 30% in the first five years of menopause, and each year after and during postmenopause 2% of the collagen is lost.

The importance of hydration and moisture retention

As the skin becomes drier during menopause, maintaining its hydration is more important than ever. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the skin hydrated from within, but its external moisture is just as crucial. Using moisturisers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides can help lock in moisture and reinforce the skin’s barrier. Hyaluronic acid, in particular, is a powerful hydrating agent that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an essential ingredient for menopausal skincare.

Addressing the skin sensitivity and irritation

With the skin becoming more sensitive during menopause, it is vital to choose skincare products that are gentle and free from irritants. The fragrance-free products, the non-comedogenic formulations, and the hypoallergenic ingredients are all recommended to avoid triggering irritation or allergic reactions. Additionally, the calming ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula can help soothe the skin and reduce its redness and inflammation.

What ingredients and products should women use during perimenopause and menopause?

The top dermatologists recommend the use of soothing niacinamide to combat inflammation, retinoids to strengthen the skin, antioxidants to restore the skin, hyaluronic acid to maintain the moisture, and sunblock creams containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. However, no single ingredient is magical, which is why it is advisable for the women in menopause to consult with a dermatologist to personalise their skincare regimen with cosmetic products and clinical procedures.

Sun protection: a non-negotiable

Sun protection is always critical, but it becomes even more so during menopause. The thinning of the skin makes it more susceptible to UV damage, which can exacerbate the signs of aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. The broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher are recommended for daily use, even on cloudy days or when spending most of the time indoors. The physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often better tolerated by the sensitive menopausal skin.

The skincare during menopause is not much different from the anti-aging care

The anti-aging medical care addresses many of the skin changes caused by the estrogen depletion. The cosmetic products should contain ingredients such as peptides and retinoids to stimulate the collagen production, gentle exfoliants to accelerate the cell turnover, antioxidants to restore and soothe, niacinamide for brightening, and hyaluronic acid and ceramides for moisturising.

There is no significant difference between the skincare during menopause and the anti-aging care, except for the patented ingredients. All ingredients generally follow the guidelines for hydrating the skin, using sun protection, and focusing on the changes resulting from the estrogen deficiency that occur in the skin. The cosmetic products specifically developed for the menopausal period are well-tolerated by all skin types, as the menopausal skin is less resilient and more prone to irritation and itching.

According to the top dermatologists, women can start using specialised skincare even in their late 20s when they begin to notice textural changes, dry or irritated skin, or a loss of elasticity.

Lifestyle factors and their impact on the menopausal skin

Beyond skincare products, the lifestyle choices also play a significant role in how the skin ages during menopause. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins can support the skin health from the inside out. The foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can help maintain the skin elasticity and hydration. The regular exercise improves the circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can enhance its overall appearance.

The benefits of professional skincare treatments

For women seeking more intensive care, professional skincare treatments can offer significant benefits. Chemical peelings, microneedling, and laser treatments can all help stimulate the collagen production, reduce the hyperpigmentation, and improve the skin texture. However, it is essential to consult with a dermatologist before undergoing any procedures to ensure they are suitable for your skin type and condition, particularly during menopause when the skin is more fragile.

Mental and emotional well-being

It is also important to consider the mental and emotional aspects of menopause, as stress can have a direct impact on the skin health. The hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression, all of which can manifest physically in the skin. Some practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular physical activity can help manage the stress levels and improve the overall well-being, which in turn can benefit the skin.

Embracing the changes

Menopause is a natural stage in life, and while it brings challenges, it also offers an opportunity to embrace the changes and focus on your self-care. Adopting a skincare routine that addresses the specific needs of your menopausal skin is just one part of this journey. By staying informed, making healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate this transition with confidence and grace, maintaining not only your skin health, but also your overall well-being.