Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, mood changes, irregular periods—menopause can bring on a slew of changes to the skin. When you reach this major life stage, between the ages of 45 and 55, you might notice a drastic difference in the way that your skin was in your younger years. Once you understand what to expect, you’ll navigate the change with ease.
Why does our skin change during menopause?
During perimenopause, the ovaries slow down hormone production, leading to a gradual decrease in estrogen levels. Once in menopause, the ovaries make very little estrogen. The body then adjusts to the change in hormone levels, leading to multiple changes in our bodies. Estrogen helps stimulate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which help keep the skin plump and firm.
What are some skin changes to expect?
The slowing production of estrogen and progesterone causes skin to become dry and less plump, as estrogen helps the skin produce oil and hold onto water. Sagging skin, as well as the appearance of jowls, wrinkles and fine lines start to become more visible. During menopause, women lose up to 30% of their collagen, which keeps our skin from sagging and helps to give a plump and youthful look.
We also begin to lose elastin, which is a protein that helps give skin that “bounce” it has in younger years. A study showed that in early postmenopausal women, skin elasticity can decrease by 1.5 percent per year. That loss of elasticity is what makes skin thinner, less firm and more susceptible to damage, wrinkles and dullness.
Other skin changes can include itchiness, wrinkles, age spots, bruising easily, unwanted facial hair, hair loss, sagging skin, rashes and easily irritated skin and even acne.
How to deal with it!
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help combat menopausal skin changes. Hydration is important! It’s possible that your face and body will feel drier than usual so make sure to drink water, get enough sleep, and try to limit your alcohol, caffeine and processed and greasy foods.
Give your skin care routine a refresh. To protect against age spots and other signs of sun damage, use Gleem Beauty's One and Done Day Moisturizer with SPF30 and vitamin C Beads as well as our Soft Immersion Moisturizer night cream these cater to wrinkles and sagging, don't be afraid to use it to lift the neck, treat jowl sagging and smooth deep wrinkles. Most cleansers are so harsh and the skin being so sensitive we also recommend using Gleem Beauty's Super Nourishing Cleanser to help to prevent hormonal acne.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Gleem Beauty, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered as specific medical advice.
References for this information:
American Academy of Dermatology Association Website, Everyday Care
Science Direct Website, Elastin
Dermatoendocrinology, 2013, volume 5, issue 2, pages 264–270
International Aloe Vera Science Council