Skincare in Menopause

Introduction

Naturally, the women go through different phases of menstruation. Menstruation's different steps or stages are premenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Menstruation is a natural process called periods that occurs every month in women. The menstruation phase impacts a person's skin and causes different skin issues. The multiple different layers of the skin protect the skin from various chemicals, temperatures, or acids. Estrogen is the common hormone that decreases during menopause. The hormone level decrease reduces collagen stimulation, maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity. The skin problems in women are wrinkles, skin dryness, skin sagging, or fine lines. There are many approaches through the women can manage their skin during menopause. The article discusses menopause, its effect on the skin, and protective steps to maintain skin health.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is the process that occurs in every woman between the age of 40 to 50 years. During this phase, the bleeding stops, which is a natural reproductive process. The phase comes when there is a decrease in estrogen hormone levels. This can cause changes in the skin's health, texture, and appearance.

What Does Menopausal Skin Look Like?

A woman's skin undergoes various changes during the menopausal phase. This can be due to physiological changes or hormonal fluctuations. The common characteristics of skin during menopause are:

• Dryness: During menopause, skin moisture is lost with an increase in age. The sebum production decreases in the case of menopause, which will give the feeling of skin tightness and discomfort. This will make the skin drier.

• Fine Lines: The woman during menopause has reduced elastin and collagen. These two products make the skin firm and provide elasticity. The main reason behind the loss of elastin and collagen is the reduced estrogen hormone levels. This results in the visibility of more skin wrinkles and fine lines.

• Skin Sagging: Skin elasticity is lost due to reduced collagen and elastin production. This results in skin drooping or sagging in the neck, cheeks, and jawline areas.

• Skin Thinning: During the menopausal age, usually between 40 to 50, the skin gets thinner. This is due to the reduced collagen. It makes the visibility of the sensitive blood vessels. During slight injury, the skin can bruise easily.

• Skin Dullness: The menopausal skin cannot regenerate or shed dead cells. This is due to hormonal changes leading to dull skin. Hyperpigmentation is more visible in the menopausal phase.

• Skin Sensitivity: Environmental factors can make the skin more sensitive. The menopausal skin will be more irritated, and the woman may feel redness or discomfort.

• Skin Conditions: The woman may experience rosacea, acne, or any other skin conditions which can affect the natural skin balance.

• Facial Hair: The woman may have facial hair during the menopause.

How Does Menopause Affect the Skin?

The physiologic and hormonal changes can cause skin changes in women during menopause. The decreased estrogen hormone levels can cause various skin effects, which are as follows:

• A reduced collagen and elastin production. These maintain the skin's firmness. These make the skin more prone to sagging and wrinkles.

• Thinning of the skin.

• Loss of skin moisture.

• Increased risk of skin conditions like acne.

• Skin barrier function gets impaired.

• Skin pigmentation or uneven skin tone.

What Is Menopausal Skincare?

Menopausal skin care is the daily skincare practice a woman should adopt to maintain healthy skin. This can be achieved through various skincare regimens. Menopausal skin care depends on the person's concerns, like the ingredients which tolerate the woman's skin.

What Are the Skincare Ingredients or Products That Are Beneficial During Menopause?

During menopause the skincare ingredients or products that provide benefits during menopause are as follows:

• Hyaluronic Acid: The hyaluronic acid ingredient applied during menopause will provide skin moisture. This will also remove the skin's hydration.

• Retinoids: The retinoids such as retinol provides many benefits for the skin during menopause. The ingredient improves fine lines, skin texture, and collagen production.

• Ceramides: The ceramide ingredient will improve the skin barrier function and restore or maintain the skin healthy.

• Antioxidants: An antioxidant such as vitamin E, C, or green tea extract removes oxidative stress or impurities. This helps in removing skin aging and improves skin health.

• Peptides: It is an amino acid that helps stimulate collagen production. The anti-aging skincare products contain peptides usually applied to reduce skin firmness or skin sagging during menopause.

• Moisturizer: The menopausal woman can apply moisturizer to nourish the skin. This helps in reducing dryness and provides nourishment to the skin. This will improve the skin's softness.

• Sunscreen: During menopause, sun protection is essential because the skin is more prone to sun damage. Daily application of SPF-30 or 50 can protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It also improves uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and premature aging.

• Exfoliants: It includes alpha and beta hydroxy acids, reducing skin dullness or texture. Mild exfoliation is advised because over-exfoliation can cause skin irritation.

• Facial Oils: The dermatologist may advise the women to apply facial oils to hydrate the skin or provide nourishment. The facial oils can be argan oil, rosehip oil, vitamin C oil, or jojoba oil.

What Are the Lifestyle Factors That Are Beneficial for Skin Health During Menopause?

The lifestyle changes that provide multiple benefits for skin health during menopause are as follows:

• Balanced Diet: The menopausal woman should adopt a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, which support skin health.

• Regular Exercise: Physical activity will improve skin circulation. It helps in reducing stress and improves mood.

• Hydration: Drinking water can keep the skin hydrated, flush out toxins, and improves elasticity.

• Stress Management: This can be achieved by meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercise.

• Good Quality Sleep: Sleeping six to eight hours will support skin health.

• Avoid smoking.

• Limit alcohol.

• Maintenance of skincare routine.

• Regular skin check-ups.

Conclusion

Every woman faces skin issues during menopause, with advancing age, wrinkles, fine lines, skin sagging, and dullness. Lifestyle changes or skin products can help in maintaining nourishing and healthy skin. A woman needs to adopt a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, meditation, yoga, stress management, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol. Through these changes, skin health can be optimized.