Why does our skin change at menopause?
The drop in oestrogen levels during menopause causes a reduction in collagen and elastin levels in the skin. It is estimated that 30% of the collagen is lost in the first five years after menopause. Since collagen contributes to thickness and elasticity of the skin, its depletion is responsible for thinning of the skin. Women may notice they have more wrinkles and that their skin is looser than before.
The main symptoms are discussed below together with their causes and treatment options:
Acne/Oily Skin
Cause: hormonal changes
Advice: gently exfoliate to unclog pores and improve overall complexion,
Use adult acne skincare products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Retinoids, Tea Tree Oil, Neem Seed Oil and Willow Bark Extracts
Dry Skin
Cause: less active sebaceous glands, drop in the production of the skin hydrating Hyaluronic acid
Advice: Moisturise all over
Rehydrate your skin with a good moisturizer containing glycosaminoglycans, which naturally occur in the skin and help to bind moisture this includes Hyaluronic acid.
Vitamin E also hydrates the skin and prevents further water loss
Wrinkles and thinning of the skin
Cause: reduction of collagen
Advice: UV exposure causes further depletion of collagen. Use an SPF of at least 30.
Use skincare formulated with antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E which can slow down the process of aging or even reverse certain changes to the skin.
Whereas well-formulated skincare helps improve the appearance of menopausal skin it is also important to remember about a well balanced diet, comprising foods rich in antioxidants. Vitamin C can be found in berries, citrus fruits, dark green vegetables (spinach, asparagus, broccoli) and tomatoes. Vitamin E is present in olives, olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, grains and beans. Good sources of Beta Carotene (Vitamin A) are dark orange, red, yellow and green vegetables (carrots, mangos, apricots and spinach).
Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Cause: Imbalanced production of the pigment melanin, whose main function is to protect the skin from harmful UV rays making the skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
Sun damage is a significant factor in skin aging and skin cancer.
Age spots are a result of years of exposure to Ultra Violet rays from the sun.
Due to a lack of control by oestrogen in parts of the skin, melanin may be produced in higher concentrations creating brown spots.
Advice: use a broad-spectrum sun protection containing both UVA and UVB filters (SPF 30 or higher).
Antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E and Alpha-Lipoic Acid also play an important role in the photoprotection of the skin.
To battle existing sun damage and hyperpigmentation, treatments with Alpha Hydroxy Acids containing Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid give great results in conjunction with at-home skincare preparations containing AHA’s.
Gentle exfoliation helps fade skin discoloration.
Other effective skin brightening ingredients are Azelaic Acid, Retinoids, L-ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin and Licorice Root Extracts.
Superfluous facial hair
Cause: while oestrogen and progesterone levels decline, the adrenal cortex continues to produce androgens, which may lead to excessive facial hair, especially on the lip and chin area.
Advice: I recommend waxing as a temporary method of hair removal. If the hair is dark enough a course of laser treatments may gradually reduce the hair growth over a period of time. Electrolysis is a permanent solution to get rid of the unwanted hair.
Spider veins
Cause: Hormonal changes as well as sun exposure contribute to the formation of spider veins on the face and legs. Spider veins are abnormally dilated small blood vessels located under the surface of the skin. Although they are harmless they may look unattractive.
Advice: Diet rich in vitamins, Vitamin K and Vitamin C in particular can help to improve spider veins. Vitamin K is found in kale, spinach, cabbage, broccoli and parsley.
Use SPF 30 or higher
To treat existing spider veins a course of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), laser treatments or sclerotherapy are very effective.
Good make-up application with use of colour correctors and concealers can also cover the redness associated with the thread veins.
Varicose veins
Cause: Women are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins with the onset of menopause.
Advice: Varicose veins are unsightly and might be painful. In order to prevent the occurrence of this condition regular exercise is the best option. Walking, running, cycling and swimming help to increase circulation to the legs therefore minimizing the risk of varicose veins. It is also important where possible to elevate our feet while sitting and avoid standing still for a prolonged time.
If the varicose veins are already present, there are medical therapies that can treat the condition. Please consult your doctor to discuss the options.
Cellulite
Cause: Cellulite is not directly caused by the onset of menopause, however due to thinning of the skin and loss of its’ elasticity, cellulite becomes more noticeable after menopause.
Advice: Cellulite is more visible on dehydrated skin. It is important to stay hydrated and drink sufficient amounts of water to help flush out the toxins from the body. Regular exercise and healthy balanced diet help to reduce the appearance of ‘orange peel’.
Regular massage, in particular lymphatic drainage massage techniques improve blood and lymph circulation throughout the body as well as breakdown of fat, stimulate collagen and elastin thus reducing the dimpling appearance of the skin.
Other symptoms
Stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia may also be menopause symptoms. Holistic therapies such as massage and reflexology can help relax and decrease the negative effects of stress. Indian head massage and aromatherapy massage are particularly effective in alleviating insomnia as well as inducing deep relaxation.
When it comes to managing the skin during and post menopause it is important to consult your skincare therapist, so an optimum treatment programme can be prescribed to treat the skin conditions that might be caused by the hormonal changes.
