Far from the taboo word it used to be, MENOPAUSE, (shout it from the rooftops!) has become part of our cultural consciousness and it now seems old-fashioned to think of it as embarrassing. It’s simply a natural stage of life! The word menopause describes the first year with zero periods, the transition to this is named perimenopause and it’s during this time that we see a lot of skin changes. Once we hit menopause the ovaries stop producing hormones which brings its own skin challenges, but along the way there can be wild hormonal imbalances, similar to puberty, which can lead to skin issues. Knowledge is power so whether you’re experiencing menopause, perimenopause or have it on the horizon, arm yourself with information.
Understanding Menopause Skin Changes
Menopause skin changes are no surprise given the fact that collagen and elastin in the skin reduce as we age, and skin gets thinner, this is exacerbated by a decrease in hormones, particularly oestrogen. As a result, those in menopause regularly report dry skin, itchiness, and an increase in sensitivity. Plus, cell turnover slows down and natural oil production glands get smaller which leads to more dryness. Remember how we said perimenopause was a similar time to puberty? Yes, perimenopause can lead to breakouts more commonly associated with teenagers, all thanks to fluctuating hormones. Not to mention hot flushes that mean sudden redness, night sweats that can clog pores and a huge range of symptoms that can lead to broken sleep which of course affects the skin.
Key Ingredients for Effective Menopausal Skincare
Perimenopause and menopause can be an unsettling time in lots of ways, hormones affect not only skin, but also mood. Decreased collagen production leads to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness, while dehydration and thinner skin can mean that skin ageing appears to speed up, which can feel tough. There’s plenty you can do to keep your skin looking smooth and feeling comfortable, including working with one of our experienced skin pros who understand the myriad difficulties of this time. You can work together on a skincare strategy that will help you hit skin goals of your choice whether that’s a more even skin tone, firmer looking skin or anything else you might choose. Our formulas are built by an incredible team of scientists to include the active ingredients that really work to support the skin with all the ingredients that can help menopausal skin.
Retinoids: Help to support skin from within and smooth wrinkles
Try: Retinol Resurfacing Serum 0.25
Our encapsulated retinol is released slowly throughout the night to prevent irritation, while the formula also includes skin supportive ingredients including niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate.
Hyaluronic Acid: locks in water and helps to plump skin
Try: Ultimate Boost Serum
Our powerhouse serum has multiple benefits including hydration and powerful firming abilities from a formula that includes antioxidants and peptides.
Peptides: Help to improve uneven skin tone
Say goodbye to dullness and improve skin tone with this targeted serum that helps to improve skin clarity.
Ceramides: Strengthen and restore skin barrier, moisturise dry skin
Try: Recovery Balm
When skin is compromised, irritated, red and in need of TLC, Recovery Balm is your go-to with its rehabilitating formula.
Vitamin C: Helps to brighten skin, works to support skin architecture
Try: EverActive C&E® + Peptide
This extra special Vitamin C is mixed by you for ultimate freshness and potency, and it’s clinically proven to reduce the depth and volume of wrinkles
Niacinamide: Works to soothe irritation and reduce skin redness
Try: Hydradew
A moisturiser that does more, Hydradew locks in water to the skin to help plump and nourishes the skin barrier with a powerful formula.
SPF: Protects against UV damage, prevents further signs of ageing that will otherwise be exacerbated by the sun
Try: Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 30* (Untinted)
Comfortable mineral formula that protects your skin against UVA, UVB, pollution and the damaging effects of HEV and IR.
Everyone’s skin is different, and your perimenopause / menopause journey is unique to you, but if you find yourself experiencing unusual (for you) skin symptoms then get in touch with one of our skin pros for a consultation. In our experience, it’s often a simple solve that will get your skin back on an even keel and give you one less thing to manage.