Women are not new to regular hormonal changes and their accompanying effects on the skin. By the time you’re in your mid-20s, collagen production starts to decrease. This can bring about a multitude of skin concerns such as the appearance of fine lines, dryness of the skin, hormonal dark spots/melasma, and more.
Unfortunately, collagen decreases even more after you reach menopause. It begins roughly one year after your last period and can bring with it some skin changes you may not be used to. Hormone levels will plummet, and you may notice that skin on your face gets dryer, duller, and thinner. You may also experience thinning of hair on your scalp but an increase in facial hair in menopause. Which makes menopause skin care that much more important.
It’s critical to understand what your body is going through during this time to maintain a youthful and healthy glow for your skin. With the right care, it’s possible to keep your skin in tip-top shape and lessen the effects of menopause.
If you need a doctor's recommendation for skincare, a Gennev menopause-certified gynecologist can give you a trusted opinion, determine if medication is right for you, and they can provide prescription support. Book an appointment with a doctor here.
How to Care for Your Skin During and After Menopause
Invest in sunscreen
No matter what your age is, sunscreen should always be a priority in your skincare routine. But once you’re in menopause, the skin is more prone to showing age spots and discoloration. Once you get these spots, it might be trickier to correct, so it’s better to err on the side of prevention. Make sure to choose sunblock with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30.
Also, here’s an important thing to remember: Layering two products with SPF 15 doesn’t add up to SPF 30! You’re better off with one product anyway, as some products react with the ingredients of others when mixed.
Cleanse with a moisturizing facial wash
With age, the skin loses some of its capability to retain hydration and moisture, which could lead to itchiness and unexpected menopause acne breakouts. Choosing a moisturizing cleanser or getting into oil cleansing will be better in restoring the softness and smoothness of the skin. Soaps may be too drying, so go to great lengths to invest in a product that can deliver the moisture your skin needs. Try hunting for glycerin in the ingredients list, as this helps in increasing the water retention of the skin.
Look for products with hyaluronic acid
One of the side effects of menopause is the loss of moisture of the skin. This can lead to dryness and roughness, and wrinkles might start to develop at a quicker rate. Products with hyaluronic acid should help with this. This ingredient is commonly found in serums and moisturizers. Invest and incorporate them into your skincare routine. Apply twice daily, and you’ll notice significant improvements in your skin after regular use.
Switch to gentle exfoliation methods
If you were used to abrasive exfoliants before, it’s time to put them down. As mentioned, skin gets thinner during menopause, so the use of harsh, chemical-based products and exfoliators may irritate the skin or cause it to tear or bleed. This is still a necessary step in your skincare routine since it can remove dead skin cells and clear pores. Exfoliation also stimulates blood circulation in the face, encouraging cell regeneration.
Get screened for skin cancer
In menopause, the risk of skin cancer increases. It’s critical to have a dermatologist who can run tests for you to ensure that you have no pre-cancerous growths and other skin conditions you must correct. You should also ask the doctor how often you should come for screening tests so that you can be regularly updated with your skin health.
Healthy Skin Starts Today
If you still have time before menopause kicks in, it’s never a bad idea to start with your preventive regimen right away. After all, caring for menopausal skin is similar to how it was when you were in your 20s and 30s—it’s all about finding the right products that fit your skin type and what addresses your concerns the best.
If you’re already in menopause, don’t fret. You can seamlessly incorporate these tips into your current skincare routine. It will also help if you have a dermatologist who understands the female hormonal changes to your skin, so that he or she may prescribe other topical products for specific skin concerns such as the growth of facial hair or the prominence of wrinkles. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to consult!
What is your skin-care routine like? Are you a products person, or more of a soap-and-go? Come talk with us (and invite other women!) on our Facebook page, or in Midlife & Menopause Solutions, our closed Facebook group.
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