Changing skin
The change. Most women know exactly what that means – menopause. It’s a natural, biologic process and is diagnosed after 12 months without a period. Although the average age of menopause in the US is 51, each woman is unique.
Hot flashes, mood changes, sleep problems and weight gain are just a few of the adjustments for women during “the change.” Although for the sake of balance, gone are the frustrations with periods, cramps or PMS. Women often experience empowerment as well as physical and psychological energy as they re-evaluate and a take new hold of their life.
As we prepare for and discover this new life, it’s important to keep skin health in mind. The changes to our skin are things we can address. Here’s a list of four things to watch for and how I can help.
1. If you are in menopause, you need to think moisture. As we get older, our skin gets dryer. Be sure to use products that hydrate and don’t strip moisture away. I can help you navigate that vast world of skin care products to fit your budget and the needs of your skin.
2. Our body decreases the amount of collagen it produces during menopause. This decrease shows up as crow’s feet, lines above the upper lip, dryness and sagging around the neck, jawline and cheeks. The key is to remove dead skin and stimulate new cell development with the appropriate exfoliant. With new skin cells we stimulate new collagen and elastin, the “stuffing” in the skin that supports the surface and provides the bounce back when we make facial expressions. Reducing sugar intake will help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is aging.
3. As estrogen levels lower, thinning, sagging and wrinkling can have their way. I suggest a vitamin A (retinol) cream to improve cellular turnover. Retinol at any age is a good idea. There are many forms to choose from, so let’s discuss the process for including this important ingredient in your skin care routine during a consultation or facial.
4. Oil glands are not as active during menopause, causing your skin to look and feel dryer. Wrinkles and sagging are more prevalent when your skin is dry. Be sure that your skin care routine includes a pH balanced cleanser and a moisturizer with supportive oil and hyaluronic serum to attract moisture to your skin. I encourage you to sleep with a humidifier in your room, especially during the heating season.
Keep in mind that even though wrinkling and skin cancer are caused from our earlier choices and experiences, you still need to use SPF and protect your skin every day. Protection can save your life and prevent age spots. If you already have them, we can tackle them during a professional facial. I encourage you to have yearly spot checks with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.
Finally, it’s always important to look at your food choices and life habits. Make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and drink 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily. Exercise and other stress relieving activities benefit your skin by boosting circulation and keeping inflammation at bay. An antioxidant-rich diet can help strengthen your skin from the inside out. Eat a variety of colored fruits and vegetables daily – a brightly filled plate or bowl helps to create healthy, beautiful skin.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your changing skin. I’m here to help.
#HealthyBeautifulSkin #skincare #menopause #menopausehealth #menopauseawareness #skincareandmenopause #menopausesupport