How To Care For Skin During Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of ageing, typically affecting women between the ages of 45 and 55. It occurs when oestrogen production reduces and can cause many symptoms, ranging from hot flushes to mood swings. The skin and hair are also compromised by the sudden hormone imbalance. In order to treat skin during menopause, we must first explore how the skin may be affected.
Your Skin May Become Dry
Due to hormonal changes, the natural oils that keep our skin looking dewy and hydrated begin to decrease. As our lipid barrier deteriorates, we experience greater trans-epidermal water loss, which can result in dry and itchy skin. Drinking more water will not alleviate dryness as this moisture is lost through a weakened skin barrier.
How To Treat Dry Skin
Rebuilding the skin’s barrier promotes hydration by preventing water evaporation. Moisturisers that contain ceramides are particularly effective at this. These moisture-locking fats are found naturally in the epidermis and help to reduce the effects of dry skin. Skincare brands such as ZO® and Obagi® create products specifically formulated for dry skin, many of which contain ceramides.
Your Skin Loses Elasticity
Within the first five years of menopause, we lose 30% of our collagen and levels continue to deplete at a rate of around 2% per year thereafter. Collagen is the protein responsible for giving the skin its elasticity and without it, we see an increase in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
How To Treat Wrinkles And Sagging Skin During Menopause
Skincare products that contain retinoids help to stimulate the production of collagen, restoring a degree of skin elasticity. If you find that topical creams and serums are not providing the anti-ageing effects you desire, Dermal Fillers and Anti-wrinkle Injections are excellent alternatives.
Dermal Fillers restore lost volume and hydrate the skin whilst reducing the appearance of sagging skin. Anti-wrinkle Injections block the nerve signals that inhibit muscle contraction. This softens existing fine lines and wrinkles and prevents new lines from forming.
You May Develop Acne
Even if you have had clear, smooth skin throughout your life, you may find that you start to experience breakouts. Decreases in oestrogen and progesterone cause levels of testosterone to appear relatively high. This encourages the skin to produce excess sebum, which can clog the pores and cause spots.
How To Treat Acne Breakouts
Look for skincare products that contain salicylic acid, such as Obagi’s CLENZIderm M.D.® System. This ingredient breaks down sebum and weakens the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing pores to unclog more easily. For a more intense solution to acne, Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments can be effective. These procedures remove the outermost layers of the skin, revealing fresh, healthy skin cells beneath.
You May Develop Facial hair
Our oestrogen levels drop quickly and dramatically during menopause and although our overall level of testosterone depletes, its decline happens more steadily. Proportionally, we therefore have higher levels of testosterone, which can cause unwanted facial hair to grow.
How To Treat Unwanted Facial Hair
Hair that appears on the upper lip, chin or neck can be embarrassing and shaving it will only make the problem worse. Laser Hair Removal provides a permanent solution to unsightly facial hair. Intense bursts of energy are directed at the hair follicles, damaging the root and preventing regrowth.
Your May Experience Thinning hair
Hair loss during menopause is the result of lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone. As these hormones drop, the hair grows more slowly and becomes thinner as a result. The hormone imbalance also triggers an increase in androgen production, which shrinks the hair follicles and results in hair loss.
How To Treat Thinning Hair
The team at North West Aesthetics specialise in hair loss treatments. We provide Propecia prescription tablets and Minoxidil foam solution to promote regrowth for thinning hair and Follicular Unit Extraction for more severe hair loss. Book an appointment with one of our team to discover which treatment is most suitable for your hair.
Book A Consultation At North West Aesthetics
Experiencing changes to your skin, hair and body can be unsettling during menopause. Substituting your skincare products and opting for aesthetic treatments can restore your skin to its pre-hormonal state. To discover the full range of treatments that North West Aesthetics has to offer, call 01942 909 003 or make an enquiry using our online form.
