A woman's skin naturally changes with age, into menopause and beyond. With that there are a number of gradual changes that can occur. This can include an increase in dryness, appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and thinness of the skin. With these changes, our skin care needs to change as well. With the proper skin care routine it is possible to maintain healthy, glowing skin even after menopause.
Besides a healthy diet, exercise and a de-stressing routine, taking care of your facial skin is important. We're going to discuss more in-depth some of the changes that women go through with our skin during and after menopause, the reasons behind them, and how to combat any of these skin problems.
Every woman undergoes menopause at middle age. During this time our three main hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone undergo massive changes. The skin changes that occur that are the most noticed are caused by an increase in testosterone, and a reduction of estrogen and progesterone. Some of these changes that occur are:
Elastosis:
Estrogen controls the synthesis of our skin protein, particularly elastin and collagen. So, when there's a reduction in estrogen production it affects this process causing Elastosis or sagging in the skin. Other factors that can contribute to elastosis is UV rays from the sun. It's important to wear SPF on your face, a hat, or use an umbrella to keep the rays directly off your face.
Adult Acne:
Some menopausal women develop problems with acute acne. This can be caused by higher levels of testosterone in our bodies. High stress levels can also cause acne. It's very important to incorporate de-stressing activities into your every day routine such as mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, or yoga.
Retinoid serums or creams, as well as adding an acne wash to your skin care routine can help with acne breakouts.
Skin Thinning:
Most of the skin changes during menopause are caused by a reduction in estrogen levels, and the thinning of the skin is no exception. It is our hormones that control blood flow through the skins' capillaries by maintaining their growth and development. As estrogen levels reduce blood flow, it also reduces the amount of nutrients and oxygen that can get to the skin. This leads to water loss, and dry skin after menopause.
Dry Skin:
Estrogen loss is also responsible for maintaining the oil balance in our skin and preventing it from becoming dry. With menopause, a reduction of estrogen and collagen can result in dry, itchy skin. The skin also starts sagging from the lack of collagen.
Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine:
Now that you're aware of some of the skin problems that can occur during and after menopause and their causes, you can learn how to adopt a natural, anti-aging skin care routine for your skin type.
We recommend using natural, chemical free, vegan skin care products when possible.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated:
Your skin care routine must include steps to keep your skin hydrated. Make it a point to cleanse skin with a hydrating cleanser every morning, which can include oil cleansers or cream cleansers to lock in the moisture. As soon as you get out of the shower or finish washing your face, while your skin is still wet is the best time to use a serum and moisturizer. The skin around your eyes and mouth is where fine lines and wrinkles show up first. It's best to find a natural eye cream that targets wrinkles and puffiness.
Regularly Moisturize Your Hands and Feet:
We wash our hands with soap and water several times a day. All of that hand washing strips our skins' natural oils causing our hands to be extra dry, and easily aging our hands faster than other areas of our bodies. As part of your skin care routine apply a moisturizing cream, balm, or salve to your hands and feet regularly. To lock in even more moisture, apply cotton gloves and socks after applying your moisturizer before going to sleep.
Weekly Exfoliation:
Skin cells turnover every 28 days. As we age this rate decreases, therefore, exfoliation becomes a beneficial part our skincare routine to rejuvenate the skin. Make sure you use an exfoliator that's natural, and free from any harsh chemicals. Depending on your skin, you only need to exfoliate 1-2 days a week.
Other Ways to Protect Your Skin:
Make sure to use sunscreen every day to prevent UV rays from damaging your skin, use gentle, natural shower products for hair and body, maintain a healthy diet full of anti-oxidants, healthy fats, lots of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, herbal teas, while limiting alcohol consumption. Keeping stress and anxiety at bay is also very important for healthy skin.
Supplements For Aging Skin:
It can be helpful for skin health to take an Omega-3 supplement, a high quality multi-vitamin, as well as a good quality probiotic for gut health.
Our Skin Care Recommendations:
We at Our Naturals make high quality, natural, vegan skin care products that can help hydrate, brighten, and help with fine lines. Here are our recommendations for menopausal skin:
Dry Skin: Try our Hydrate line with Hydrate Oil Cleanser, Serum, and Moisturizer.
Extra, Extra Dry Skin: Perfect for cold, winter days/nights or if spending time outside as it provides protection with natural SPF try our Geranium Beauty Balm .
Wrinkles or Acute Acne: For fine lines, wrinkles or acute acne try our Retinol (Vitamin A) Serum
Dull Skin: If you're looking for something to brighten your skin, try our Illuminate Serum and Illuminate Moisturizer that both contain 20% Vitamin C.
Exfoliation: Give our Wake Me Up Coffee Body Scrub a try for face to toe exfoliation.
Dry Hands and Feet: We find nothing better to keep our hands and feet extra moisturized than our Herbal Healing Balm.
Full Body Moisture: Looking for an all natural body moisturizer, we highly recommend our amazing Mint Chocolate Whipped Body Butter and Positive Vibes Lotion Bar.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Check with your healthcare provider first if you have concerns about your health. In addition, you should speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before making adjustments to your diet or lifestyle and prior to introducing herbal and nutritional supplements as they may affect any treatment you may be receiving. You are advised to disclose all nutrient and herb supplements you are using to your healthcare team.
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