Menopausal skincare

The perimenopause and menopause can play havoc with our skin. Unfortunately, we lose up to 30% of our collagen during the menopause!

As the largest organ of your body, your skin also suffers from effects of falling estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause.

Estrogen is key to keeping your skin in good condition: it stimulates the production of oils and other hydrating substances that protect and moisturise your skin, such as ceramides, sebum and hyaluronic acid. Falling estrogen means your skin is less able to retain moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness, while the integrity of your skin’s barrier becomes compromised, leading to irritation. In addition, a decline in collagen production means you may notice more fine lines and wrinkles.

Balance

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/do-you-really-need-a-menopause-moisturiser/

During perimenopause, hormonal shifts can affect the skin in several ways:

The skin can become drier and more prone to itching and irritation.
The skin can become thinner, making it more susceptible to wrinkles and age spots.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause an increase in oil production and lead to acne.
Some women may experience a flare-up of rosacea.
Melasma is often more prevalent.
The skin may become more sensitive to sun, wind, and other environmental factors.

“The low hormone levels that occur during the perimenopause and menopause often have a negative effect on the collagen in the skin, which can lead to changes in appearance and elasticity. As well as this, skin concerns such as dryness and acne are a common occurrence during this time of our lives”.

To care for menopausal skin, it is important to:

Keep the skin moisturised.
Protect skin from the sun by using a daily SPF.
Protect the skin barrier, and avoid over-treatment and over-exfoliation.
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming processed foods and too much sugar.
Aim to sleep and eat well.

Simple steps for happy menopausal skin

Cleansing

Use a gentle cleanser to clean your skin. Avoid using harsh products, which can strip the skin and cause irritation. BM&Y cleansing pads are luxuriously soft and perfect for removing makeup or applying toner. Avoid washing your face in hot water which can strip the skin.

Moisturising

Apply moisturiser regularly this will help to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.

Sun Protection

Avoid excessive sun exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Use an SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.

Lifestyle

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming too much sugar. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Eat fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats which will help to protect your skin.

Skincare

Avoid using harsh, abrasive products such as facial scrubs and astringents. These can cause irritation and make your skin more sensitive.

Avoid over-exfoliating and damaging your skin’s barrier. Our textured pads are perfect to gently exfoliate the skin. They are woven with protruding loops of organic bamboo thread which massage debris out of clogged pores in order to reduce blemishes and remove dead skin cells.