The skin tends to become drier and lose its natural plumpness due to the rapid decline in hormone production, including oestrogen and progesterone, during menopause.
Menopause, typically occurring between the ages of 40 to 50, signifies the cessation of menstruation. During this life phase, significant changes can be observed in skin health. Dr Rashmi Shetty, a Global Dermatology Expert and the Founder of Ra Skin & Aesthetics explained that the decreased production of oestrogen and progesterone during menopause leads to skin dryness, increased facial redness, worsening of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, melasma, and sagging.
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can also contribute to acne. Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology notes a notable decrease in collagen, a crucial structural component of the skin. Rapid collagen loss can result in visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
While menopause is a natural phase of life, you can take steps to maintain and improve your skin’s health through skincare ingredients, dietary choices, and a healthy lifestyle. Dr Shetty offers the following recommendations for achieving youthful and firmer-looking skin during menopause:
1. Hydration: Properly moisturizing your skin is essential for maintaining healthy menopausal skin. Use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin. Ceramide moisturizers can help retain moisture and balance the skin’s hydration. Hydrating foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons, and apples can also aid in protecting the skin barrier.
2. Daily Cleansing: Menopausal individuals should prioritize cleansing as hormonal changes can lead to dry skin. Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to wash your face daily. This practice helps prevent breakouts and unclogs pores.
3. Retinol: Incorporating retinol into your skincare routine can significantly benefit ageing skin. Retinol, a pure form of vitamin A, alters the behavior of aged skin cells, promoting more youthful regeneration and improving skin tone, acne, and collagen production. It also serves as a potent antioxidant, safeguarding the skin against free radical damage and oxidative stress. If you’re new to retinol, gradually introduce it into your regimen by applying it 2-3 times a week at night.
4. Sunscreen: The daily application of sunscreen is crucial for menopausal individuals, given the heightened risk of skin cancer. Moreover, sun exposure is a primary factor contributing to skin ageing. Therefore, wearing SPF protection daily, even on cloudy days, is recommended. An SPF of 30 or higher should be applied every morning.
Dr. Shetty also suggests considering specific supplements like vitamin D3, calcium, evening primrose oil, and multivitamins, which can facilitate the menopausal transition.
