Menopause skin care. Literally a hot topic with so much more information and support available, thanks to the Davina McCall menopause series - highlighting how the menopause can impact your daily life.
Menopause symptoms can affect women in different ways at some point of their lives. Symptoms such as hot flushes, broken sleep, mood swings, dry skin, acne and brain fog are all too common. These symptoms can then have really important knock on effects such as undermining confidence and affecting mental health.
What is menopause and why does it happen?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and is characterized by the cessation of menstrual periods. Menopause happens when the ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of estrogen and progesterone, the female hormones, decline.
How does menopause affect the body?
Menopause brings about a range of physical and emotional changes in a woman's body. Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms are primarily caused by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause.
Why is Menopause Skin Care Important?
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that brings about various changes in her body, including the skin. During this time, hormonal fluctuations can lead to dryness, thinning, and increased skin sensitivity. However, with the right menopausal skin care routine, you can maintain a healthy and radiant complexion. In this blog post, we will explore some essential tips for menopause skin care.
How does the menopause affect your skin?
Menopause affects the skin in several ways. The decline in oestrogen levels can cause a decrease in collagen production, leading to the loss of elasticity and firmness of skin. Additionally, reduced oil production can result in skin dryness and itchiness. Hormonal imbalances may also trigger acne breakouts or exacerbate existing skin conditions.
Why does menopause cause dry skin?
During menopause, a woman's body experiences a decrease in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's moisture and elasticity. As oestrogen declines, the skin becomes drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles. This is why many women going through menopause struggle with dry skin problems.
What are the common symptoms of dry skin during menopause?
Menopause-related dry skin can manifest in various ways. Some common symptoms include:
- Tightness or discomfort
- Flakiness or scaling
- Itching or irritation
- Redness or inflammation
How can you manage dry skin during menopause?
Now we know a bit more about the causes of dry skin during menopause , but what can we do about it? Fortunately, there are several natural remedies, menopause skin care products and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate dry skin during menopause:
1. Hydrate from within
Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for maintaining hydrated skin. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day to keep your skin moisturised from the inside out.
2. Moisturise regularly and hydrate your skin
One of the most crucial steps in menopause skin care is keeping your skin hydrated. Choose a menopause moisturiser specifically formulated for dry skin and apply it daily. Look for products that contain natural ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid. These can help lock in moisture, soothe dryness and improve the skin's barrier function.
'Menopause skin changes led to even drier skin but I found our organic Rejuvenate skincare range proved absolutely perfect in nourishing my skin through this phase. I use Rejuvenate Day and Rejuvenate Night cream daily, these both work as an effective menopause cream. In addition I top up with Rejuvenate Serum as an additional menopause moisturiser. In combination these products have helped to keep my skin moisturised and nourished throughout.' Rebecca, founder of Conscious Skincare
The day cream contains age supporting actives such as vegan collagen and hyaluronic acid to help plump skin and refine lines. It nourishes the deeper layers for day long moisturising. The waterless formulation means the cream doesn’t evaporate during the day and the organic shea butter helps skin to lock in moisture too. Perfect as a menopause face cream!
Our waterless Rejuvenate Night cream contains a ginseng and vegan collagen blend, set in an organic shea and cocoa butter mix. These combine perfectly to help refine and tone. Our tip is to apply the serum underneath first, just a few drops to key areas such as around the eyes, mouth and cheekbones. Pay attention to your neck so that always benefits from whatever your are using.
Another great menopause skin care option is organic, cold pressed Evening Primrose oil. It is used in all these products for its high GLAS, essential for skin cell renewal and repair. It’s one of our favourite oils, alongside organic cold pressed Rosehip oil which is added to the Rejuvenate Day and Night creams too. It is such a fabulous oil it is always worth having rosehip seed oil to hand. It also helps rosacea and it’s another great oil for skin tone refining.
3. Collagen for menopause
During menopause, the decline in oestrogen levels also leads to a decrease in collagen production. This can result in the loss of skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Can collagen help with menopause symptoms?
Supplementing with collagen may help improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance, reducing the visible signs of aging. As collagen production reduces during menopause using the Conscious Skincare products recommended above can help supplement collagen for menopause.
While collagen cannot directly treat menopause, it can therefore help to alleviate some of its symptoms.
4. Use a gentle cleanser
Harsh soaps and cleansers can exacerbate dryness. Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that won't strip away the skin's natural oils. Avoid scrubbing your skin vigorously and pat dry with a soft towel after washing.
We recommend either our Rejuvenate organic face wash or alternatively our Gentle face wash for dry skin. Both are great options which contain high quality plant based ingredients which will not strip your skin of its natural oils.
5. Gentle Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion. However, during menopause, the skin becomes more delicate, so it's important to choose gentle exfoliants. Avoid harsh face scrubs with chemical ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Instead try our Gentle exfoliator especially formulated for sensitive skin.
6. Avoid hot showers
Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to further dryness. Opt for lukewarm showers instead and limit your bathing time to prevent excessive moisture loss. A little cold shower is always great for a morning uplift!
7. Protect your skin from the sun
Exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can accelerate skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it's essential to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously on all exposed areas, even on cloudy days. Don't forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for added protection.
8. Eat a skin-friendly diet
Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, into your diet. These healthy fats can help nourish your skin and improve its moisture levels.
9. Humidify your environment
Using a humidifier in your home can add moisture to the air, preventing your skin from drying out. Aim for a humidity level between 40% and 60% to create a comfortable environment for your skin.
10. Manage Hot Flushes in menopause
Hot flushes are a common symptom of menopause that can leave your skin flushed and irritated. To manage hot flushes, keep your environment cool and use a fan if necessary. Choose breathable fabrics and dress in layers to regulate your body temperature. Additionally, avoid triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can exacerbate hot flushes.
For calming hot flushes, anxiety or other symptoms, keep a bottle of our organic lavender toner to hand. A few sprays of the delightfully light aroma can help calm your senses, refresh your skin and improve your mood. Its aromatherapy benefits can also improve your sleep. Just spray a little on your pillow before sleep or around your face before you go to bed for a good night’s rest.
Conclusion
Menopause is a natural phase of life that brings about significant changes in a woman's body. While using our tips and advice above cannot reverse or prevent menopause, it can offer relief from some of its symptoms.
'My menopause began at a very stressful time of losing a loved one. I also have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) bringing challenges of anxiety, brain fog and fatigue too.
The good news is the menopause doesn’t last forever. So I thought I would share some top tips from my own experience which helped me to navigate this important phase of life.
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Keep calm. Whenever I had hot flushes, usually at night, I calmly accepted them and let them pass. If I engaged with them and became anxious, it made them worse. In fact, keeping calm was the best way I found to deal with brain fog, confusion, being irritable and my mental health.
- Self care. I made sure I meditated regularly, exercised regularly, going to bed at a sensible time and practising good sleep hygiene such as no mobile devices or TV in the bedroom. Using an eye mask to help block out any light made a difference to my quality of sleep.
For me, Hypothyroidism causes very dry skin and increased rosacea. In fact, it was one of the reasons why I created my own skincare as I couldn’t find anything moisturising and soothing enough.
Rebecca,
Conscious Skincare Founder (pictured below in earlier years!)
