At a certain point in a woman’s life, they will make the transition through menopause – and this transition can happen at any age.
Menopause is a time of hormonal change and adjustment, a lot like puberty, bringing about a wide range of symptoms. For some women these symptoms can be debilitating, but there is hope, you don’t have to struggle through it. From nutrition, supplements and medication to mindfulness, exercise and skincare, there are plenty of ways to help manage the effects of menopause on the body.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when the eggs that she is born with stop being produced by the ovaries, causing the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone to also decline. It is this decline and fluctuation in hormones that cause the main symptoms of menopause. The full transition of menopause lasts on average from 4-7 years, although this can differ greatly from woman to woman, with three main stages:
- Perimenopause: On average, perimenopause usually starts around 45-50 years, although again, this can vary for each woman. At this time a gradual change in menstrual cycles begins with irregular periods and possible symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats and acne.
- Menopause: On average, menopause happens around the age of 50-55 years and is determined by your periods stopping for a full year. Menopause can bring a host of symptoms for some women, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and sleep problems.
- Post-menopause: Starting from around 55 years onwards and it has been more than a year since your last period.
How menopause affects your skin
A big player in the skin’s structure is oestrogen, and decreasing levels of oestrogen can cause a drop in hyaluronic acid, an essential molecule for hydration. Sebum production also slows, which can leave skin feeling dehydrated, dry and sensitive. Decreasing oestrogen also causes the skin to become thinner, as collagen and elastin levels decline, causing deeper wrinkles and skin sagging. Endocrine disturbances can also result in hot flushes, which can lead to thread vein damage.
How to treat menopausal skin
Menopause can feel like your skin is experiencing puberty all over again. Around the ages of 45-55, 80% of women will regularly experience hot flushes, insomnia, aggravated skin and night sweats. When it comes to your skincare, think hydration and moisture alongside essential antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients. These types of products will help to soothe irritation and strengthen the skin’s structure.
Top tips to help relieve menopausal skin…
Hot flushes
One of the worst symptoms for most women, hot flushes can strike at any time! While some may just feel a short sensation of extreme heat, others will suffer perspiration, faintness and even sickness. During these hot bouts, the face, neck and shoulders flush red. To help cool the skin, keep a face mist to hand to help soothe, strengthen and protect reactive and flaring skin.
Dry, itchy and lacklustre skin
As oestrogen levels drop, collagen production slows down, and the skin needs a bit of extra help staying firm, fresh and toned. An essential fatty acid (Omega 3,6 & 9) supplement will help condition your skin from the inside out and promote a soft, supple and vibrant complexion. To combat dry, itchy and aggravated skin, moisturise on a regular basis with an alcohol-free moisturiser and body cream. Hyaluronic acid will help give the ideal hydration boost for mature skin, as well as moisturisers filled with peptides. Both will help to soothe, heal and regenerate irritated skin.
Insomnia
Though insomnia is not a skin complaint, it can have a direct effect on skin health. Lack of sleep, and the stress it causes, often aggravates existing skin conditions and sensitivities - as well as contributing to a generally tired, dull and unhealthy complexion. Lavender is a great organic sleep aid. Keep some dried buds on your bedside table or dot a couple of drops of essential oil into your pillow for a soporific effect. Your skincare can help too by using a moisture-rich night cream to help your skin heal whilst you sleep. Make sure menopausal insomnia is not made worse by additional stresses and strains. Yoga and meditation are ideal stressbusters. Try practising a few gentle exercises before you go to bed to clear and calm your mind for a more restful night’s sleep.