Your Skin - Menopause and beyond

Your skin Menopause and beyond needs and deserves special care. 

We all want to look young and healthy for as long as possible but hormonal upsets can cause changes in the skin even after menopause.  So please think ahead because self care is so important as we approach this crucial time of our lives.     

Menopausal changes

As well as hot flushes (flashes), chills, possible weight gain and various other symptoms, the menopause has a significant impact on skin. Collagen production is reduced resulting in a decrease of elasticity and increased dryness. This can accelerate the natural signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.

The sooner you adopt an effective skincare and wellness routine the better, preferably long before the onset of menopause. You will protect yourself from unnecessary damage and help to maintain a younger and healthier looking skin. 

You have little control over any of the hormonal changes going on in your body that it makes perfect sense to take positive steps where you can.  

1  Wear Sun Protection

A woman should always be careful to protect her skin against the sun because exposure in your younger years can seriously affect how you look when you’re older. Early care will help to avoid the continuation of skin changes after menopause. 

It’s particularly crucial during menopause to step up sun protection as your body is now producing lower levels of melanin.  The decrease in estrogen makes you far more vulnerable to the dangers of the sun.

Use a higher SPF sun cream when your skin is exposed particularly once you’re postmenopausal. Even if you’re not slathered in sun cream every day you should always choose skin and makeup products with SPF qualities so your skin is naturally more protected, even if it’s not in the middle of summer.

3  Use Moisturizing Products

Women are incredibly spoiled for choice when it comes to creams and lotions for their skin. However, not all of these will achieve what you want in life’s later years.

The hormonal changes of menopause exacerbate dry skin so it’s essential to use richer products with extra moisturizing qualities. I’m intrigued by the latest skincare technology which is clinically proven to deliver dramatic results without synthetic chemicals. The Redefining Body Balm, Restorative Eye Cream and Water-Lock Moisturizer by Tata Harper are all organic and chemical free designed to increase your skin’s ‘longevity through natural assistance’. 

In fact it’s claimed that after just one use of the complete regime pores are minimized, lines appear softened and hydration balance is restored giving skin a radiant glow. Certainly worth taking a look!  

4  Get a good night's sleep

5  Exercise more!

Exercise does get harder as you age but it’s important to keep yourself moving.  Something as simple as regular walking can positively affect your fitness levels. 

When you’re active you increase blood flow carrying more oxygen and nutrients to cells around your body, all helping to improve your skin during menopause and beyond, and removing cellular debris from the inside.   

While physical exercise has a very positive impact on your skin, stress weakens your immune system further aggravating skin conditions. It can also cause you to become forgetful so don't let it be the skincare routine and looking after yourself that you forget and undo all your hard work!

But seriously, acknowledge any difficulties you’re facing and try out other forms of stress relief if you need some help. 

The longer you’ve been kind to your skin, the healthier and better it will look during your menopausal and postmenopausal years. But if this is a wake-up call, it’s never too late to make improvements to a good skin routine.  It doesn’t take long to produce positive results!