October is Menopause Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to delve into the profound effects of perimenopause and menopause on our skin.
What is menopause and perimenopause?
Menopause and perimenopause are natural transitions experienced by women, often influenced by familial timing. While perimenopause can commence in one's thirties, the average age ranges from 40 to 44, with menopause typically occurring at the age of 51.
These transitions manifest differently in each woman, often accompanied by a host of skin-related challenges.
Menopause is predominantly driven by hormonal changes, particularly the drop in oestrogen levels. This hormonal shift can induce hot flushes, characterised by intense warmth in the skin, especially in the facial region. Moreover, it impacts the skin's ability to retain moisture and water. Oestrogen plays a pivotal role in oil production and water retention in the skin, making dry skin a prevalent issue during menopause, not limited to the face but extending to the entire body.
One of the notable consequences of menopause is the rapid decline in collagen production, women can lose 30% of the collagen in their skin during the first five years. This leads to thinner skin with a decrease in skin elasticity. A reduction in hyaluronic acid and skin plumpness can contribute to lax skin, with fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, the skin barrier can be compromised, resulting in heightened inflammation, irritation, and sensitivity.
As menopause progresses, it's crucial to prioritise daily sun protection as the number of protective cells degenerate. We therefore produce less melanin which protects our skin from UVA, making menopausal skin more susceptible to sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and age spots. Therefore using SPF is key.
Surprisingly, adult acne and increased oiliness may also surface during perimenopause and menopause, largely attributed to fluctuating hormones. As oestrogen levels decrease, androgens like testosterone increase, stimulating the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. When mixed with dead skin cells this can form a plug in the follicle leading to breakouts and inflammation. Genetics can also play a role in adult acne.
So, what can be done to care for menopausal skin?
Meeting the unique needs of your skin during this transformative phase can involve seeking clinical treatments that stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. Byonik laser facials, for instance, can encourage the natural production of hyaluronic acid while offering significant anti-ageing benefits and healing properties.
Microneedling is a great treatment for menopausal skin, activating the body's own natural wound-healing reaction, releasing growth factors that stimulate fibroblasts creating the production of new collagen and elastin.
Building a resilient skin barrier is essential. It serves as the first line of defence, ensuring moisture retention and protection against irritants. Choosing the right skincare products tailored to your skin can significantly bolster your skin's barrier.
Consider scheduling an in-depth skin consultation with Deborah, who can create a customised skincare regimen designed to support your skin through perimenopause and menopause. Incorporating active ingredients such as CoQ10 to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, isoflavones to enhance skin hydration, and EGCG Liposomes to combat collagen loss can prove beneficial.
Additionally, skincare supplements can address both your body and skin's needs, treating from the inside out to target any underlying causes. During menopause, our gut microbiome can be affected, and this can have a negative impact on your health. There are many strategies for keeping your gut healthy such as eating a diet high in probiotics. Eating a healthy varied diet with lots of protein, fish, healthy fats, fibre from fruit and veg, and drinking plenty of water.
If you require assistance with your skin as you navigate through perimenopause or menopause, I'm here to help.
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