Forties, Fifties, & Beyond: The Changes

Understanding Skin Changes in Perimenopause and Menopause

If you ever see a woman in her late 40s, having hot flashes, throwing a fit or is on the verge of tears of rage, remember, it's the hormones! Coz, she is going through the most pivotal phase of her life: MENOPAUSE! :)

What is menopause in females? Menopause, a hormonal reality, marks the most instrumental change in the life of a woman. Along with this biological transition in a woman’s body, comes a set of skin changes. From dryness, increased sensitivity, sporadic acne breakouts, loss of collagen to thinning of elastin, the women skin undergoes a myriad of changes due to the depleting levels of estrogen.

Menopause, in technical terms, is a biological process that marks the end of her reproductive years. This transition usually occurs between their late 40s or early 50s. The arrival of this transition can be unique for every woman. Regardless of the fact that you want to look young forever, aging is inevitable. But, with an anti-aging skincare routine, targeted shifts in lifestyle habits, diet and sleep cycles, one can navigate their skincare routine through the perimenopause and postmenopause periods.

Let's delve deeper into how these transitions can influence our skin and explore ways to embrace this new phase of life gracefully.

Pre-Menopause (Perimenopause) Skin Changes

As your bodies are experiencing these monumental shifts on the onset of perimenopause, your skin also undergoes some changes:

• Increased sensitivity: Menopause can manifest a host of heightened reactions on your skin like redness, inflammation or itching. Woman skin becomes more sensitive to new skincare products coupled with other environmental factors. Perhaps, it is crucial to switch to more gentle skincare brands engineered to treat sensitive skin types during this period.
• Fluctuations in oil production: During your perimenopausal period, some women might also experience a surge in sporadic acne breakouts. Due to the dynamic beauty hormone levels, androgen (a hormone particularly found in men) might influence the imbalance in the production of oil and sebum. This imbalance causes the skin to produce more oil and sebum, resulting in skin breakouts. It is advisable for women to consult a skin care professional for a targeted skincare regimen.
• Appearance of hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is a fancy term for sporadic appearance of dark spots or uneven skin tone. Sun spots, i.e. flat brown spots, age spots or melasma are also signs of hyper pigmentation that occur during the perimenopausal period. The emergence of these pigmented spots can be attributed to the overexposure to the harmful UVA & UVB rays. Adequate sun protection and sun care is crucial to tackle pigmentation during menopause.

Post-Menopause Skin Changes

As we navigate perimenopause and menopause, our skin experiences some shifts due to hormonal changes. Here's a closer look at some common concerns:

• Collagen and elastin loss: Collagen and elastin fibers are the two pivotal building blocks that hold the skin together, responsible for the strength, bounce and elasticity of it. As we enter the postmenopausal period, the estrogen levels plummet. Estrogen, as a hormone, is crucial in the production of collagen. Due to a natural decline in the estrogen levels, the woman skin loses elasticity, making the signs of aging more apparent. Adequate sun protection and introduction of anti-aging products is important to tackle fine lines & wrinkles.

• Accelerated dryness: Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining skin's moisture barrier. With declining estrogen levels, the woman skin loses its ability to retain moisture as effectively. This can lead to dryness, dehydration, and a flaky appearance.
• Thinning skin: Estrogen is responsible for maintaining the thickness of the skin. Due to the decline in the estrogen levels, the woman skin becomes thinner, more vulnerable to damage, wounds or injuries. It loses its ability to heal the wound or scars faster.

Skincare Tips for Perimenopause and Menopause

Gentle Cleansing and Exfoliation in Menopause

Due to increased sensitivity and skin breakouts during menopause, adapting to a gentle cleansing routine is crucial. Use fragrance-free cleansers devoid of allergens, irritants that could further exacerbate the woman skin sensitivities. Opt for gentle skincare products that can smoothly remove all the dirt, oil and grime without stripping off the skin’s natural oils. Gentle exfoliation methods, a few times a week is recommended. This exfoliation method will help you slough off all the dead skin cells, stubborn impurities, skin breakouts to reveal a clean, bright and healthy appearance.

Hydration is Key in Menopause

Hydration is essential for plump, youthful-looking skin. Look for lightweight moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid, which draws in the moisture, and ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier. Facial oils, while not essential, can offer an extra layer of nourishment for dry or mature skin.

Sun Protection Always

The sun's harmful UV rays are a major contributor to premature aging and wrinkles. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your anti-aging skincare routine, even on cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection.

Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle during Menopause

Healthy habits go a long way in promoting healthy skin. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides your skin with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, as sleep allows your skin to repair and regenerate. Finally, manage stress levels through exercise, meditation, or any activity that helps you relax.

Beyond Skincare: Consulting a Dermatologist

While a good anti-aging skincare routine and improved lifestyle habits can do wonders, in some situations, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist during menopause. If your skin is experiencing stubborn acne, redness, inflammation, the best course of action is to get it assessed by a skin expert for optimal results. A dermatologist can help you identify the problem and give you the adequate solutions.

Conclusion

Embracing the pivotal changes in your life with grace & positivity is important. In your forties, fifties, your body and skin will experience some changes due to menopause. However, it helps to remember that every skin is unique, every phase of your life is different. Embracing it with grace, reassessing your anti-aging skincare routine, adopting a healthy lifestyle, improved circadian rhythm, well-balanced diet & exercise will help you embrace your midlife skin glow!