Things to Consider in Skin Care During Menopause

Hormonal changes during menopause can cause skin dryness, uneven skin tone and texture, and may make the skin more sensitive to harmful UV rays. Therefore, it is necessary to focus more meticulously on skin care during this period. In this article, there is information on what should be considered for skin health during menopause.

Changes in the Skin in Menopause Period

As you go through menopause, some symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, weight gain and irritability need to be prepared. And in this process, some changes may occur in the skin. This is because the thickest layer of the skin is sensitive to the hormone changes that accompany menopause. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the average age of menopause is 51, and this happens when a woman goes without a menstrual cycle for a year. However, this should not be seen as the time when the transition started. MD Leslie Meserve, a certified practitioner and chief medical officer and co-founder of the North American Menopause Society, is a board-certified internal medicine physician who is the name of perimenopause that begins in the late 30s or 40s before menopause and begins in the late 30s or 40s. states that it is a given period. This is a period when female cycles and ovulation become less regular.

This is due to fluctuating hormones. In some cycles, estrogen will be high and the hormone will be low. Progesterone hormone levels also fluctuate. Experts state that there were many ups and downs in hormone levels during this period. Estrogen approaches zero when menopause enters, and in some cases both estrogen and progesterone may even be undetectable. According to researches, these changes also affect the skin. Dr. Lauren Fine, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, says that the estrogen receptors in the skin play a role in the production of sebum, which lubricates the skin and supports the normal collagen production, which is the main building block that gives the skin structure. Since the decrease in estrogen causes a decrease in skin thickness, more sagging and volume loss may be seen. And the hormone is vital for maintaining skin elastin. It can be noticed that the skin has lost its elasticity and started to sag.

During this time there is also a decrease in testosterone, which reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, so less acne problems may occur. Although the reduction of acne is a good situation, estrogen and testosterone decrease can lead to other problems. For example, the dryness of the skin makes wrinkles appear more prominent. According to a study published in the American Journal in August 2019, these changes in skin color occur slowly over time, but there is evidence that skin and facial structure undergo faster changes after menopause, including thinner lips, deeper wrinkles. This process causes difficulties in when and how to do the skincare routine. Here are four steps to maintain skin health and appearance during this period:

Hydration During Menopause

Since dry skin is one of the most common complaints right now, it would be more beneficial to use it with more moisturizing products. This could mean using a creamy cleanser, ie avoid foam and gel or products that have active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, as they dry out more. Instead of applying a simple moisturizer before going to bed, a night cream should be used. These are more occlusive than light lotions, which simply means they effectively lock water into the skin. Dr. Khetarpal can be said to be one of the ingredients that trap moisture when buying night cream is ceramide. Hyaluronic acid is another moisturizer and naturally found in the skin. This ingredient draws water from the environment to moisturize the skin, making it temporarily plump.

Fighting Wrinkles with Retinoids

Retinoids are another area of skin care to be had. Sold by the dermatologist or over the counter, these vitamin A derivatives promote cellular regeneration. It increases skin thickness by providing a refreshed, brighter skin layer. But the truth is that retinoids naturally dry out, which can only exacerbate the problems associated with hot flashes. This can be combated by using a single pea-sized amount once or twice a week and increasing the frequency as the skin begins to build tolerance. Also, it may be healthier to start with a weaker form of retinoid that is initially available over-the-counter. These products are specially formulated with sensitive skin in mind. However, if retinols are found to be incompatible with the skin, products containing peptides, which are proteins that stimulate collagen production, may be preferred.

Sun Protection

Another surprising function of estrogen is to protect the skin from damage caused by exposure to UV rays. Fine, without this built-in protection, more discoloration may be noticed right now. Dermatologists emphasize the importance of sunscreen for people of all ages, but this is an issue that needs more attention during menopause. In the morning, before leaving the house, a broad spectrum SPF 30 cream should be applied to exposed areas of the skin. Topical application of antioxidants is also important to combat existing brown spots and prevent new ones from forming. Creams containing vitamin C are a tried and true antioxidant that dermatologists recommend applying in the morning before sunscreen.

Estrogen is the skin’s best friend. A review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in June 2018 suggests that higher estrogen levels are associated with a younger appearance. In this sense, hormone therapy (HT) can come into play here. According to the North American Menopause Association, HT refers to prescription medications that treat certain symptoms in menopause. Indeed, HT can help improve skin thickness, increase collagen production and improve skin healing.

Although this treatment has been reported insufficiently, it is also true that the treatment offers an extremely valuable advantage. HT is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and vaginal dryness. It is unlikely to use HT alone for skin benefits, as its benefits for general skin health are not on this list of benefits. However, most women entering menopause experience hot flashes and night sweats for some time. If people choose to use estrogen therapy, they can also reap the added benefit of improved skin health.

If hormone therapy is preferred for its benefits for the skin, several types of HT are suitable, and the obstetrician can help determine if this treatment is right for the person. While there are estrogen suppositories for the vagina, they only target and improve vaginal health, so if skin percussions are preferred, this is not suitable and systemic HT is needed. Systemic estrogen can be given through a pill, patch, gel, spray, and vaginal ring, and while these medications are safe, they may raise some concerns for certain groups of women (such as those at risk of blood clots). For this reason, it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor about which is the best option for the person.