How the Menopause Affects Your Skin

What are the most common skin complaints associated with perimenopause and menopause? Increased dryness and wrinkling, loss of skin laxity and skin thinning, night sweats and hot flushes that cause sudden reddening.

Why does the menopause accelerate signs of skin ageing? When women reach menopause, the level of collagen and elastin in the skin reduces, while skin thinning accelerates. This can lead to dryness, itching, wrinkles and a reduction in suppleness, as well as an increase in sensitivity. As the cell turnover slows down, natural moisturising fats from the skin are lost and glands that secrete oil and sweat become smaller, again contributing to dryness.

What does an optimum daily skincare routine around this age look like?

Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face morning and evening to help combat skin dryness. Consider building in a chemical exfoliant into your routine for pro-ageing benefits but do this gradually to avoid irritation. I suggest starting with a PHA first as this is the least irritating. A good way to incorporate these ingredients is through a cleanser (so use a chemical exfoliant cleanser a few times a week). Other chemical exfoliants include AHAs (for oily skin) and BHAs (for acne-prone skin).

Antioxidant ingredients have a host of benefits including protection from pollution and pro-ageing effects. I suggest regularly using a product that contains antioxidants, such as a serum, before your sunscreen. Examples of antioxidants are vitamin C, omega 3 fatty acids or cloudberry seed oil.