What happens to the skin when you go through the Menopause?

Our skin can change so much during menopause but it's often overlooked as something that 'happens to all women' and we must just get on with. Going to your GP can help, as soon as you feel an inkling of peri-menopause go and talk to them. The right GP will help you navigate this time as its different for everyone. And here's what you need to know about your skin during the menopause. 

 

Skin is one of the most affected organs during the menopause, the change in hormones leads to a decrease in collagen content, water content, elasticity, thickness and impacts the quality of all skin layers. The skin is affected by physiological changes that happen with ageing process and is strongly affected by oestrogen so when the menopause hits this can go into overdrive. 

What hormones are involved? Oestrogen, one of the key hormones involved in menstruation decreases and is often considered to be the hormone most involved in menopause. However environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors also play a part as they can contribute to hormone instability.

Oestrogen plays a big role in collagen production, skin thickness and hydration. Skin cells have oestrogen receptors and are therefore directly affected by the decrease in oestrogen. Decreased oestrogen means slower skin cell function decreased collagen and water content.

Collagen production which has slowed with age takes another hit. You also lose fat under the skin and elasticity. Oil production can decrease which can lead to dry patches and increased fine lines and wrinkles. It's also been found that the type of collagen produced by skin post-menopause differs from premenopausal women. There are links with aging and collagen atrophy and disorganised collagen fibrils.

What you can do to help?
1. Wear Sunscreen everyday - as your skin is affected by menopause the skin barrier becomes compromised and more vulnerable to environmental factors. You will also notice sun damage from previous years and you don't want this to be exacerbated. This is my favourite physical sunscreen(personal LimeLife link)
2. Choose the right cleanser - your skin maybe dryer and more dehydrated. Cream or oil cleansers may work better for you than foaming or gel ones. Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is my favourite all-rounder. (aff. link) 
3. Apply moisturiser to damp skin and add an oil into your night time routine. Origins Make a Difference Plus is a lovely rich moisturiser (aff. link). My favourite oil to suit all skin types is LimeLife Dew Date (personal LimeLife link). 
4. Hyaluronic acid to help keep the skin hydrated and plump. I really like this one from Garden of Wisdom and Skinceuticals though it is a bit more pricey. 
5. Wear sunscreen - I know I already mentioned that but it's important
6. Pigmentation may seem more prominent. Wear your sunscreen, exfoliate and use a serum to help reduce signs of sun damage. LimeLife Sotoks is a great serum for tightening skin and evening skin tone (personal LimeLife link). 
7. Eat well, sleep well and manage stress all of these effect your hormones and while they are important throughout your life it can really exacerbate problems during menopause. I know thats easy to say, or type, but you will need to treat yourself like you would your best friend. 

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