Aging is a natural process, and menopause is part of it. There are ways, however, to look and feel your best as your body enters its next chapter.
There will be noticeable changes to the skin and hair. As hormone levels plummet, skin becomes drier, slack, and thin. You may also notice more hair on your face.
Get a skin cancer screening. Skin cancer and pre-cancerous growths become more common.
In menopause, women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years. After that, the decline is more gradual. Then, women lose about 2% of their collagen every year for the next 20 years.
As collagen diminishes, our skin loses its firmness and begins to sag. Jowls appear. Permanent lines run from the top of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Wrinkles that used to only appear with a smile or frown become visible all the time. Larger pores also appear due to lack of firmness.
When female hormones drop during menopause, some women develop teenage-like acne.
If you spent lots of time in the sun without sun protection, you will likely see the effects now. Age spots and larger areas of darker skin can appear on your face, hands, neck, arms, and chest. Dark circles worsen around the eyes.
Around age 50, the pH level of our skin changes. With this change, skin becomes more sensitive and women are more likely to develop rashes and easily-irritated skin. If you have an existing skin condition such as eczema or rosacea, this could worsen.
As estrogen levels fall, skin becomes thinner. You could bruise easily and take longer to heal.
Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day can prevent further thinning of the skin. Sunscreen should be applied to your face, neck, hands, and any other area that is not covered in clothing. (It is the most important part of your skincare regimen.)
Use skincare products that contain retinol or peptides. These ingredients increase collagen in the skin to look plump and smooth, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Apply moisturizer every day and evening. A moisturizer with hyaluronic acid is especially helpful, and vitamin C helps with dark pigmentation.
Exfoliation, microdermabrasion, hydrating facials, and waxing are just some of the treatments offered to change the appearance of your skin.
Contact us! Our skilled aestheticians will work with you to care for your skin before, during, and after menopause.
