The word menopause literally means when your periods stop. The medical definition of being menopausal is when you have not had a period for one year. The menopause occurs when your ovaries no longer produce eggs and, as a result, the levels of hormones called estrogen, progesterone and testosterone fall.
However, you may experience a myriad of symptoms in the months and years before you reach menopause, a phase known as perimenopause. Typically starting around age 45, though can be earlier, reproductive hormones start to fluctuate, periods become irregular, and you may experience hot flushes, aches and pains, dry skin and low mood – to name just a few of the many symptoms.
menopause and skin
Women of menopausal age often notice dramatic changes in their skin. Estrogen plays a critical role in many skin functions such as collagen production. Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause. After that, the decline is more gradual. Women lose about 2% of their collagen ever year for the next 20 years. Along with accelerated skin ageing, it’s common for skin to become very dry, itchy and sensitive.
top picks for menopausal skin
It can be advisable to keep your regimen simple when your skin condition is unpredictable and in a constant state of fluctuation. Follow our Prep, Treat and Glow regimen with key product options to address the various skin changes that can occur during the different stages of menopause.
Prep
- UltraCalming Cleanser – to cool and calm hot flushed skin whilst gently cleansing.
Treat
- Daily Milkfoliant – to smooth, replenish and reduce redness.
- Retinol Clearing Oil – to address breakouts and premature skin ageing in one.
Glow
- UltraCalming Mist – to hydrate, reduce redness fast and improve the absorption of your serums and moisturiser – can be used on the go, whenever your skin needs cooling and calming.
- Super Rich Repair – to remedy extreme skin dryness, relive itchiness and protect skin against premature skin ageing.
professional skin advice
We understand that your skin is unique, and menopause will affect us all differently. If you need guidance on the best formulas for your skin, reach out to your local Dermalogica Expert for personalised advice, or book a free digital consultation with Face Mapping here.