It’s not called ‘the change’ for nothing. As well as causing hot flushes, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive and memory fog, menopause also affects our skin. Rapidly dropping levels of the hormone estrogen are one of the main culprits. Estrogen aids water retention and plumpness in the skin so when it drops, we lose some of the molecules that help keep the skin moisturized. But don’t despair we offer a variety of treatments to help fight the signs of the ageing and the menopause.
What’s happening to your skin?
As well as a loss of plumpness you may notice a few different changes happening to your skin if you are menopausal. For example:
- Brown ‘age’ spots on your face, neck and the backs of your hands.
- Dryness and sensitivity.
- Loss of collagen making skin thinner and more lined and wrinkled.
- Acne breakouts.
- Unwanted hairs growing on your chin or upper lip.
Reducing the appearance of age spots
You don’t have to live with those tell-tale age spots. As well as creams there are facial peels which can fade individual spots and enhance the overall brightness and youthful appearance of the skin. Chemical peels can also smooth out wrinkles and rough skin. And the best part, there is no down-time.
Always protect your hands
Hands, along with the rest of your skin, need protection every day of the year from the damaging and ageing effects of the sun. Cover up or use a SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen (ask us for advice on which products are best for you).
Don’t forget – damaging UVA rays can penetrate window glass so be careful in the car or when sitting by a window.
Tip: Have you ever tried exfoliating your hands and then applying a lightening product to them?
Think of the steps we take with our faces everyday and imagine doing a similar routine on your hands.
Dealing with dryness and sensitivity
You may find that the products you’ve used for years suddenly don’t agree with your skin anymore, or no longer work to ward off dryness. If your skin is now prone to irritation, avoid perfumed products and those that are coloured or contain alcohol. Using the same products for years is quite common, you know the saying “if it ain’t broke”. We know that our body and it’s cell functions are slowing down. That is why we see reactions, or excess dryness, or dull looking skin. Don’t be afraid to switch it up. There are so many options and excellent skin care products available now that can target any skin condition you are dealing with. Our goal is to educate and advise you on the best options for you. Providing individualized care is our priority. We can advise on which products will offer an excellent home care routine for your menopausal skin, helping to rehydrate it, reduce sensitivity and give you back your youthful glow.
Drawing a line under wrinkles
I’m a big fan of Retinol as it can deliver some amazing results, making menopausal skin look younger, brighter and smoother. However, to ensure you get the best results there are some important do’s and don’ts when it comes to starting a course of treatment– for example when would be the best time to start using it, if your sensitive or prone to dryness there are ways to use it to prevent reactions caused by those conditions and more. So book a consultation with one of our skin experts and we can walk you through any concerns or questions you may have.
Dealing with acne breakouts
Menopause can cause acne breakouts, but don’t treat it with off-the-shelf acne creams that are mostly aimed at teenagers. These will usually be too harsh and drying for older skin. Pop in for a consultation and we can advise on gentle cleansers, for example, those containing salicylic acid.
Getting rid of those pesky facial hairs
Tweezing or waxing are tried and trusted methods for getting rid of unwanted facial hair. Is there something else you can be doing differently? You can ask our advice about any of these and more
Make Up for Mature Skin
Speaking from experience, I can honestly say that managing my makeup routine as I have gotten older was one of my main challenges. I enjoy wearing makeup and I depend on it for my sun protection. Being introduced to Jane Iredale Mineral makeup a few years ago was a game changer. Learning about make up ingredients and how they can be a hinderance or a help for my maturing, dry skin opened my eyes. With a high mineral content and skin care ingredients, Jane make up is easy to apply, benefits my skin’s condition, and gives me an SPF all in one. Finding a make up that doesn’t settle into my fine lines and makes my skin look fresh and glowing has made dealing with menopausal skin less of a challenge. Ask about Jane Iredale the next time you visit.
Book your free consultation today
If you’d like to give your menopausal skin a real boost, come in for a complimentary consultation. Our skincare experts will talk you through all the best solutions for your skin type and advise on the best products for home use.
