Meopause and Skin

Skin changes related to menopause.

Many women will notice changes in their skin and hair during the menopause. Dry, thin and sagging skin are common complaints heard during menopause. The two main reasons for the change in skin are loss of oestrogen during menopause and long-term exposure to the elements, namely sun and wind. Other symptoms attributed to the skin during the menopause and perimenopause transition include acne-type breakouts because oestrogen levels are starting to decrease while androgens stay constant, skin also becomes thinner in menopause, since there’s a relationship between collagen production, skin thickness, and lack of oestrogen. The natural slowdown of cell turnover and decrease in humectants in the skin exacerbates the dryness, too.

Studies show that, after the age of 50, the pH level of our skin gets higher; cells are less able to help defend the skin so we’re more prone to rashes, sensitivity, and dermatitis. (Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2009;22:190–199), this in turn will have a negative effect on the’ acid mantle’ the protective layer coating our skin.  It is important to repair the skin’s moisture barrier with effective emollients. Hyper pigmentation can sometimes be more of an issue because skin is thinner; The good news is that there is a lot that can be done to prevent and correct the symptoms of menopausal skin.

** Acid mantle explained;
The surface of the skin is coated with a combination of skin oil, called sebum, and perspiration. This coating is called the ‘acid mantle’ this acid mantle protects the skin from damage, including sun and wind exposure, and from dehydration. It inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing your risk of acne, allergies, blemishes and other skin problems. Damage to this makes us more prone to skin sensitivity and skin ageing. Diet and overuse of abrasive skincare will damage the ‘acid mantle’

Once menopause begins, there are things I usually recommend:

• Use retinol – pure vitamin A gets into the skin, repairing skin and stimulating collagen production. It’s safe, and as long as the treatment you choose doesn’t dry your skin too much, it’s ok to use it for an extended period of time. Studies prove that Retinol will thicken the skin.

• Use antioxidant rich C & E Ferulic daily, and Hydrating and tissue healing B5 Gel. This will clarify the skin, stimulate collagen and improve skin density.
Skinceutical C&E Ferulic

• Peptides. These will also stimulate collagen production and boost skin’s elasticity, which is important as skin becomes thinner and starts to sag. Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream by Eminence Organics.
• A really good, rich moisturiser with hyaluronic acid as this will be particularly helpful at easing the dryness that many women experience with menopause. Matis Hyaluronic Performance moisturiser.
• Use a broad spectrum SPF daily even in winter.

• Skinceutical AGE Eye Cream - The signs of intrinsic ageing, caused by internal factors such as hormonal shifts and metabolic slowdown, are most evident in the delicate eye area. It contains a unique combination of ingredients to improve the appearance of dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness caused by intrinsic ageing.

Diet and the Menopause;
• Include vitamins E and C with bioflavonoids in your diet (yellow pigments found in fruits and vegetables) with fruit and supplementing the diet with isoflavonoids (naturally occurring compounds) by incorporating chick peas, soya, lentils and pumpkin seeds into your meals.
• Take flaxseed oil, which is a Omega 3 – a great anti-inflammatory.
• Also include boron-rich foods (Boron is a trace mineral which is important for your bones and improving conditions such as menopausal symptoms) found in leafy green vegetables, fruit and nuts, will also help balance oestrogen levels while the phyto-oestrogens (nutrients that mimic hormonal action) in soya beans may also help to reduce hot flushes.
• Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health. According to the University of Minnesota, the best sources of vitamin D are milk, seafood, fish, eggs, chicken liver and beef liver. The benefits include healthy bones and improved absorption of calcium. Vitamin D3 is important for keeping skin firm, supporting its repair mechanisms, and activating its anti-microbial systems.

For the body, I like extra-virgin coconut oil as a moisturiser.