MenoLabs News | Tue, Nov 19, 2019

As we age, our skin inevitably changes as we face environmental damage and the natural decline of collagen. But those changes can be compounded during perimenopause and menopause as we experience drops in estrogen. Estrogens have a significant impact on cell turnover and oil production, meaning as estrogen levels go down, these processes slow down as well, which leads to duller and more delicate skin that is more prone to damage and signs of aging. As a result, you will need to adjust your skincare routine so that it works for you in menopause.  

Skincare in Menopause

Signs of aging like thinning of the skin, loss of collagen, decreased secretion of sebum, and problems with microcirculation can appear on your skin. These are a result of the natural process of getting older, but also of external factors, the effects of which you could manage with the right skincare. When you are looking for the right products, keep in mind that they should ideally target the three skin problems so common in menopause. These are dullness, dryness, and sagging of skin. There are a few tips you can follow to make sure your skincare routine works for and not against you. Firstly, use a cleanser for sensitive skin. The best cleanser would be a milk lotion because it will not leave your skin dry and stripped of its natural oils, at the same time cleansing it well. Avoid parabens, SLS, fragrances, and dyes, and go as natural as you can. And always apply moisturizer after washing your face. You can also use a moisturizer when you simply feel like your skin has become too dry to replenish moisture. 

Caring for Your Skin the Right Way

Some nuances you can also take care of as you grow older are the areas around your eyes and your mouth. The skin there is so delicate that wrinkles appear there among the first. To slow down the aging and appearance of wrinkles on your skin, always use sunscreen before going outside. There is nothing better than daily protection of your skin from the harmful sun rays. 

There are also now serums that have a lot of active ingredients known for their anti-aging properties. They work by improving the effectiveness of other menopause skincare products you regularly use. To make sure your skin is protected at night and during harsh winter weather, choose a thicker face cream alongside your usual one. 

Ingredients to Look for in Menopause Skincare

While there are ingredients you should avoid at all costs, such as parabens or artificial dyes, you always want to read the labels. Some can give you a good idea as to what your skincare will do for you. For aging skin, several ingredients, depending on which ones, in your moisturizers, creams, and scrubs, will work wonders to maintain the youth of your skin for as long as naturally possible. 

Hyaluronic Acid

This magic element has revolutionized the moisturizing power of skincare. Studies have shown improvement in skin elasticity and hydration in subjects who used creams with hyaluronic acid. Apart from adding moisture to your skin, it can make it plump and fill the wrinkles and fine lines. Hyaluronic acid is known as an anti-aging ingredient, and it helps improve your skin’s appearance and texture. In our bodies, this acid functions to help us produce collagen and also retain moisture. And because it is so natural to your body, you do not have to worry about having side effects from using it. 

Check out this Anti-wrinkle Firming Moisturizing Filler from La Roche-Posay.

Treat yourself to some face masks once in a while

Collagen

When levels of estrogen decrease in your body, it also starts producing less collagen. But this protein is essential for your skin’s texture, as it helps keep it firm and strong. Collagen is a sensitive protein, though, in a way that it can be destroyed not only because of aging but also because of external factors like exposure to the sun without sunscreen. Of course, the collagen that you apply to your skin or take as a supplement or powder is not as effective as collagen produced by your body. But you should still try having it in your skincare to improve the health of your skin. 

This Pro-Collagen Marine Cream from Elemis will do a good job filling in wrinkles.

Retinol (Vitamin A)

Retinol is an excellent ingredient to speed up the process of exfoliation in your skin. It helps dead skin cells go away faster, leaving the room for new cells to take over. Especially for aging skin, retinol is very helpful, because it can restore damage from the sun. And also studies have shown it to improve wrinkles and fine lines result of aging. If you suffer from acne in menopause, skincare with retinol can also help you find relief from it. Retinol is also good because it can speed up cell repair and boost the production of collagen. Keep in mind though that it could irritate sensitive skin, so apply it between two layers of fragrance-free moisturizer. 

Check out these Retinol Ceramide Capsules from Elizabeth Arden.

Antioxidants

Different factors from your environment can affect your skin in various ways. Just like antioxidants prevent your body from damage on the inside, applying them to your skin will help protect it from external damage. Using these magic components will help reduce the depth of wrinkles and fine lines and improve acne and age spots. There are different ingredients from this group that you can find in menopause skincare. Some of these ingredients include vitamins C and E, resveratrol, lycopene, and other elements. 

Try this Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum by Aesop.

Probiotics for Skincare

Menopause skincare goes a long way in helping you preserve the youthful appearance of the skin on your face and neck. But it is best if you treat your skin problems both from the outside as well as the inside. Studies have shown that you can achieve improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging skin by using probiotics. Apart from that, you can also find relief from acne, eczema, allergic reactions, and sun damage.