HOW DOES MENOPAUSE CHANGE THE SKIN?
To understand menopause, we first have to talk about hormones. In general, hormones can be described as “signalling molecules”. This means that they provide signals for our bodies to behave in certain ways (both physiologically and behaviourally). Oestrogen is a particular type of hormone, that is most readily associated with women. It has a number of functions, like protein synthesis and the maintenance of water levels in the body.
However, one of the most important proteins that oestrogen is responsible for is Collagen. Collagen is crucial for firm, resilient skin. Oestrogen is also essential for the production of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the skin. These are long chains of sugar molecules that attract water and helps to maintain the skin’s moisture levels.
Unfortunately, with the onset of menopause, oestrogens levels decline sharply, which has a negative effect on the skin:
- Moisture levels decline
- The rate of collagen production slows down
- The skin’s structural matrix breaks down faster, which leads to melanin accumulation (brown spots)
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ISSUES OF MENOPAUSAL SKIN?
The most common issues of menopausal skin are: dryness, more wrinkles, more dark spots, less elasticity, and thinner skin due to decreasing collagen levels.
DOES MENOPAUSAL SKIN REQUIRE A NEW SKIN CARE ROUTINE?
Yes, the skin needs more care. During and after menopause people need to focus on nourishment (richer oils), skin hydration, treating skin sagging and wrinkles, as well as treating uneven skin colour. Isoflavones such as Genistein, have been shown that they can offer potential benefits to skin affected by declining levels of Oestrogen Hyaluronic acid is also key to help boost skin hydration to combat severe skin dryness in this age group.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO LOOK AFTER MENOPAUSAL SKIN?
Add nourishment, hydration, and commit to a routine that is designed to address skin deep wrinkles (i.e. with collagen boosting technologies) and dark spots (with anti-dark spot actives).
WHAT PRODUCTS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR MENOPAUSAL SKIN?
I would recommend The NovAge Time Restore range. All products in the range contain Genistein and the day cream contains Hyaluronic acid, two key ingredients for targeting menopausal skin, which makes it ideal.
IF YOU COULD GIVE WOMEN OVER 50 ONE LAST SKIN CARE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Don’t give up caring for your skin! You can still make a difference and make it look the best it can be. Take the time to care for it, invest in a daily routine and make it your daily personal ritual. Also, don’t forget to drink a lot of water, stay away from the sun, exercise and fill your body with nutrients.
