The Skin Nerd: Taking care of your skin during menopause

64% of women attending menopause clinics report skin problems

Tue, 12 Mar, 2024 - 20:00

Jennifer Rock

By the time you reach menopause, your skin will have gone through many experiences – puberty, long hot summers, freezing winters, potential weight gain and loss, layers upon layers of makeup, laughter and tears to name a few!

But that’s not it - menopause certainly doesn’t mark the end of change for the skin. Acne, wrinkles, dryness and sun spots – menopause can have many effects on the skin – in fact, when it comes to our skin, some refer to menopause as ‘puberty in reverse’.

This time of major hormonal change can trigger your skin to react in many ways, however, making up only 6% of total menopause symptoms, your body has a lot going on and your skin is unlikely to get your undivided attention at this time.

So, how can you find some calm in the chaos and keep your skin as content as possible?

How menopause effects the skin

Menopause is the body’s way of officially stopping menstruation and is defined as “when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months.’’*

Although menopause is common in women at the end of child-bearing age, some women have been known to enter menopause as early as their 30s.

Menopause generally takes time to complete its transition and may last several years, during which time the body can be impacted psychologically and physiologically.

Hormonal fluctuations unsettle the body and changes in skin can occur from the peri-menopausal (first) stage.

With hormones in decline, skin produces less sebum which means you might notice that you are no longer oily despite years of having oily skin.

Increased sensitivity is common, but other issues can include spot breakouts, itchy skin, redness, wrinkles and general changes in texture and overall appearance.

If you already have a skin condition, you may find that it worsens during this time as skin gets more sensitive.

Increased sensitivity can also provoke allergies and low estrogen levels commonly lead to dry skin.

What you can do about it

Research has shown that easing discomfort is women’s key priority when it comes to menopause and thankfully, there are some steps you can take to feel better in your skin during this time.

Nourish from within

Care for the skin with an inside, outside and on-top approach.

Lifestyle changes such as minding your diet, getting enough sleep and upping your water intake can make a big difference to the condition of your skin, as can reducing alcohol intake and stress levels.

A balanced diet rich in fish, nuts and seeds will boost your skin and sense of wellbeing.

If you need a further boost, try a skin supplement such as Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Omegas+, which contains vitamin A with omegas to support healthy skin function.

Vitamin D is also often recommended during menopause, with the vitamin found to help many age-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

Target specific concerns

Dryness: During menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease causing a loss in the production of collagen, dehydration as skin struggles to retain water and dryness as sebaceous gland activity slows down. Sensitivity stemming from inflammation, itchiness and dryness can be an issue too and so I suggest looking for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to soothe and nourish.

Bahama Skin Hyaluronic Moisture Gel (€12.95, bahamaofficial.com) contains four types of the humectant hyaluronic acid at 5% to quench and replenish thirsty skin.

Avoid long, hot baths and remember to regularly apply moisturiser to comfort dry skin. For the body, I recommend Eucerin Aquaphor Body Ointment Spray (€20, boots.ie) which is enriched with Glycerin and Panthenol to intensively moisturise and repair very dry, irritated body skin. Keep skin healthy with the use of sunscreen and avoid harsh soaps and detergents that can aggravate dehydrated skin.

Sensitivity: I stand by the motto, “smells don’t change cells” and so urge you to stay away from scented skincare as these inessential additives can irritate sensitive skin and provide little to no benefit to the skin.

Blemishes: You may find yourself experiencing breakouts thanks to menopausal factors or the side effects of prescription medication such as HRT. Night sweats and hot flushes can also lead to pimples across your body.

Resist the urge to attempt to blitz blemishes with harsh products and look for gentle products containing 0.5% salicylic acid. Try ASAP Skincare Clear Skin Body Gel which contains salicylic acid to help treat blemishes and remove dead skin cells.

Sagging: Sagging skin is a natural part of the ageing process. Whilst sun protection and vitamin A are key to preventing premature sagging, treatments such as microneedling or laser resurfacing can help to address this.

Product recommendations

Skingredients Skin Good Fats Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser (€55, skingredients.com) is a barrier balm and night cream in one that’s rich in skin-native ceramide NP to improve skin barrier function. Importantly, it combats dehydration by protecting the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss, which is essential for menopausal skin that’s starting to feel dryer after a deficiency in oestrogen.

Doctrine Skincare Divinity Cleansing Balm (€42, doctrineskincare.com) is a super nourishing cleanser containing calming spirulina and yarrow extracts to dissolve makeup, SPF and impurities while leaving the skin soft and supple. Codex Beauty Bio Facial Oil is also ideal for targeting dryness, containing rosehip and seabuckthorn oils to help to soften and soothe.

The skin can become thinner and if you have a skin condition such as eczema or rosacea, you may find that your condition worsens as your skin becomes drier and more irritable. To help calm redness try ASAP Super B Complex (€82.50, theskinnerd.com) after cleansing morning and evening. This serum contains phytoestrogen which helps to disguise redness, which will also help disguise any flushing, which is reported by 75% of perimenopausal and menopausal women.

If you have any concerns, always seek advice from your GP. The Menopause Hub is also a great resource for news and further support: https://www.themenopausehub.ie/