Most people know that menopause can cause hot flashes, mood swings, and increased anxiety. However, many women have no idea that menopausal hormone changes can also significantly alter the way the skin all over your body looks and feels. Menopause can cause skin thinning, enlarged pores, a recurrence of acne, and more visible wrinkles. Some women may also be more susceptible to rashes and rosacea, and even vaginal dryness, due to changes in pH levels.
These changes can be alarming, embarrassing, and unwelcome. Fortunately, with some enhancements to your skincare routine, you can regain your confidence and feel good in your own body.
What Happens to the Skin During Menopause
During menopause, a woman's body produces less progesterone and estrogen. This leads to dramatic physical changes, including the end of menstrual cycles. While many women look forward to having no more monthly periods, some of the other changes associated with menopause are much less pleasant. For example, many menopausal women experience the following complexion complaints:
- Skin dryness
- Easily wounded skin and slower healing times
- More visible fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin texture and tone
- Skin thinning
- Recurrence of acne
Declining hormone levels play a key role in the above symptoms. However, they aren't the only culprits. Plummeting elastin and collagen levels in the skin and slowed cell turnover rates can also lead to the above symptoms.
How to Revamp Your Menopause Skincare Routine
It can be frustrating to deal with the skin-altering consequences of menopause. However, once you understand what's happening, you can alter your skincare routine to combat the effects of aging. Here are some ways to combat menopause-related complexion changes and keep your skin looking better through this stage of life and beyond.
Don't Just Focus on Your Face
It's natural to focus primarily on the skin on your face as you look in the mirror each day. But although your face is typically one of the first places to show obvious signs of aging, it's not the only part of your body affected by menopause. The skin on the rest of your body needs extra attention during the menopausal years, as well.
Consider smoothing dry hands and feet with a non-comedogenic body moisturizer containing hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. If the skin of your vagina feels unusually dry and irritated, or you are experiencing painful sex, apply a quality vaginal moisturizer to it regularly. For the rest of your body, look for a body lotion that contains deeply hydrating squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Ditch Harsh Cleansers
Menopause can make your skin more prone to irritation, so it's crucial to use gentle cleansers that hydrate while they clean.
For best results, look for pH-balanced cleansers that boost the skin's natural defenses and prevent irritation. Many of the popular skincare products are too alkaline and can disrupt the pH of your skin. They may also strip away your body's naturally hydrating oils and leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated. Consider choosing a pH-balanced cleanser that can be a better match for your natural pH. They can keep your face and body feeling hydrated and soft throughout menopause.
Focus on Hydration
Many women experience excessively dry, itchy skin during menopause. Estrogen stimulates the production of oils and collagen that smooth and hydrate the skin. Therefore, it's not a surprise that the complexion tends to become dry and itchy when estrogen levels decline during menopause and perimenopause. You may notice dry skin in the "t-zone" of the face, on the elbows, legs, back, chest, and genitals.
To combat dryness during menopause, try eating more hydrating foods like walnuts, salmon, olive oil, and flax seeds. These all contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can lubricate the skin, joints, and other body tissues. You can also keep your skin plumper and more hydrated by drinking sufficient water throughout the day. Drink water infused with lemons, cucumbers, berries, or any other healthy ingredients for added flavor.
Prioritize Sun Protection
Sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin throughout all phases of life. However, it becomes even more important during menopause. Declining levels of estrogen can cause the skin to become even more sensitive to UV damage throughout the menopausal years. To counteract this increased sensitivity, never spend prolonged time outdoors without first applying some SPF.
It's best to look for an SPF product that's non-comedogenic. Many formulas can clog your pores and cause increasing pimple breakouts. If your skin doesn't tolerate sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors to shade your skin. You could also try mineral sunscreens, which are generally less irritating than chemical sunscreens.
Conclusion
It can be confusing when the skincare routine you've used most of your life no longer produces positive results. But if you're going through menopause, your changing body needs a changing skincare regimen. You may not be able to prevent every change that comes with menopause. However, following these suggestions may keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and looking its best throughout this challenging stage of life.
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