Menopause and Perimenopause: Navigating the Skin's Transformation
So, you've heard the rumours: menopause comes with a whole host of changes, and your skin is no exception! But don't worry, you're not alone. Let's dive into the world of perimenopause and menopause skin changes, and discover how to keep your glow-up going strong.
As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, these functions are disrupted, leading to several skin changes:
Dryness and Itching: Reduced sebum production can result in dry, itchy skin.
Loss of Elasticity and Wrinkling: Decreased collagen and elastin production contributes to sagging skin and wrinkles. Massive biomolecular shifts occur in our 40s and 60s which contributes to the major changes seen especially to our skin. The Journal of Nature Aging reviewed a great paper documenting all of the changes during these two key periods of our lives.
Thinning Skin: The epidermis becomes thinner, making the skin more susceptible to injury and wrinkles.
Hot Flashes: Hormonal fluctuations can cause hot flashes, leading to temporary redness and flushing.
Acne: While less common than in adolescence, acne can occur in adults due to hormonal changes during menopause.
Supporting Data
Several studies have confirmed the link between estrogen decline and skin changes. As with many other things that surround women’s health, more studies are required. The great news is that we are together breaking the silence and normalizing the changes that are happening or going to happen to all females.
Additional Factors
While estrogen decline is a primary factor, other factors can also contribute to skin changes during perimenopause and menopause:
Genetics: Individual genetic factors can influence skin aging and the severity of skin changes.
Lifestyle: Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and diet can impact skin health.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, can affect skin appearance.
Management Strategies
To manage skin changes during perimenopause and menopause, consider the following strategies:
Moisturize Regularly: Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to combat dryness. Medical-grade products carry many benefits. Which one to choose? Consultation with a skin health practitioner may be helpful in narrowing down the type of products that would be optimal for your particular skin.
Protect from Sun Exposure: Wear sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher.
Healthy Diet: Consume a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Avoid Harsh Products: Opt for gentle, fragrance-free skincare products.
Consider Topical Treatments: Consult a skin health practitioner for options like retinoids or hyaluronic acid.
Consider Skin Rejuvenation Treatments: Microneedling has evidence-based data to support the improvement in collagen and overall skin elasticity. These are all of the things that dwindle as we hit this important stage of our lives.
Cosmetic refresh: Whether it’s using injectables such as neuromodulators (AKA. Botox), dermal fillers or biostimulators to support your collagen production, there are natural approaches to support healthy aging.
Hormone Therapy: In some cases, hormone therapy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms.
Perimenopausal and Menopausal friends: It's not just about hot flashes. Your skin is in for a wild ride, too! But fear not, skin-loving friend. With the right strategies and expert guidance, you can keep your skin health game on point. Let's tackle this together! As your skin health coach, I’m here to help you navigate the menopause maze.
This post was written by wellbe’s Nurse Practitioner, Noorin. Click here to book your first session with her!