Skincare Advice For Women Going Through Menopause
Women going through menopause find it a really challenging time for their skin. Hormonal shifts trigger a number of unwanted changes in the skin and it seems like an uphill battle against breakouts and wrinkles. The estrogen levels drop which affects almost every organ of the body, including the skin. The male sex hormones or androgens remain constant resulting in dry and sagging skin. During this time women also find that their skin lacks luster and radiance. Meanwhile testosterone levels skyrocket causing acne, not just on the face but also the back and chest.
Add stress into the mix and women find themselves fighting adult acne, hair loss, weight gain and fine lines. But your skin can look smoother and younger, while managing menopause, with a few simple tricks and treatments.
Smooth Wrinkles
The body produces much less estrogen which has a negative impact on the levels of collagen and elastin, making skin more prone to wrinkling during and after menopause. Research has shown that your body loses almost a third of your collagen within the first five years of menopause. Aging causes fat loss in the face that shows up as wrinkles, so fillers like Juvéderm can help with skin sag problems. Moreover lower levels of estrogen leads to dry skin and dry skin shows more wrinkles. So dermatologists recommend using a retin at night with a moisturizer to help the skin retain moisture and renew it. Topical retinoids or prescription-strength lotions or creams derived from vitamin A can stimulate collagen production in the skin to improve skin texture. Even skin resurfacing with lasers can reduce fine lines and improve skin tone.
Steer Clear of Sun Damage
Sun exposure is the biggest contributor to unwanted skin damage and aging skin is especially vulnerable to the harsh rays of the sun. So it is important for women going through menopause to apply sunscreen always and preferably a waterproof sunscreen while going swimming. According to the North American Menopause Society, the use of a broad-spectrum SPF should be part of skincare routine.
Put Down The Smokes
Snuff out your cigarettes as smoking can age the skin prematurely. The nicotine and toxic chemicals in tobacco tightens blood vessels restricting blood flow and reducing oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Smoking also damage collagen and elastin in the skin, which then shows up as sagging and wrinkled skin.
Rehydrate Dry Skin
The skin becomes dry and thin due to decreased hormone production during menopause. It is vital to avoid dehydrating soaps and long soaks in hot water. Women should also exfoliate their skin to remove dry and dead skin cells to promote fresh production of collagen. Be generous with moisturizer after your bath. You can use a ceramide cream to boost lipids in your skin to fight dryness. The use of a proper moisturizer will seal the skin to prevent water loss and also restore hydration.
Anti-oxidants
Also make sure to treat your skin with some sort of antioxidant, as they are anti-aging, and they act to protect your skin. Some of the top antioxidants that can help your skin are Vitamin A (retinoids), vitamin C, green tea and resveratrol.
Prevent Breakouts
Acne is not just a typical puberty problem, most women get a rude awakening when they enter menopause because of adult acne problems. The increase in testesterone can trigger the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce excess oil which causes breakouts in the face, chin and neck. Banish your adult acne with regular use of benzoyl peroxide preparations and topical antibiotic medications like clindamycin. Regular use of retinoids can help unclog pores to reduce fine lines and give your complexion a boost.
What else can a woman do to restore balance to your body and skin? Besides skincare, it is important for all women above 35 to exercise daily for at least thirty minutes to improve blood circulation. Your skin will also thank you for making sure that you have a balanced diet. You should have fresh fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals. About thirty percent of your meal should contain lean protein, and 30 percent should be healthy fats. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day to flush toxins from your system and to help your skin reclaim its glow.
You can tackle a number of skin problems due to menopause with the help of skin treatments from our team of experts in Calista Skin and Laser Center. We can help you choose cosmetic treatments that will work best for your skin issues.
Schedule a consultation
Please fill out the form below or call us at
817-221-0224
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone, text, and/or email.
Schedule a consultation
Please fill out the form below or call us at
817-221-0224
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone, text, and/or email.