“The change.” That’s how my grandmother used to refer to menopause. You’ve heard about menopause for so many years and now that it’s here, your skin seems to be going haywire. Most people associate the teenage years as the time in your life when you encounter the most difficult skin issues. In reality, you are just as likely to experience major skin changes while going through menopause. In fact, these issues may be even more dramatic now, as an aging component is added.
Menopause brings many side effects besides hot flashes and weight gain. All of the hormonal shifts can have a major impact on your skin.
Hormonal changes may trigger acne.
Pimples. Many women are able to escape adulthood with nothing more than the occasional pimple. The hormonal changes associated with menopause create the perfect storm for acne to form. Testosterone levels are on the upswing, while estrogen levels decline. When testosterone levels increase, it also results in the sebaceous glands producing even more oil. Breakouts are more likely to appear at the chin, jawline, chest and back. These symptoms often begin at the onset on menopause. Having a solid routine and using gentle acne skincare products is key to treating hormonal acne.
An increase in testosterone can result in more facial hair.
It happens to all of us at one time or another — an errant hair we catch in the magnifying mirror. Most of us just take out our tweezers and the hair is gone. When you are going through menopause, however, darker and coarser hairs tend to crop up on the chin and other areas of the face. This is not just a nuisance. It can truly impact a woman’s self esteem. At home IPL treatments, in-office laser hair removal and a prescription called Vaniqua are options commonly recommended by dermatologists to minimize regrowth.
The sun has a more visible impact now.
It is very important to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen at any age. As the production of melanin slows down with menopause, though, you are more likely to notice blotchiness, uneven tone and brown spots. You can lighten these patches of discoloration with products containing hydroquinone.
Your skin might look like it is sagging or loose.
It seems to happen quickly. One day, your skin is tight and firm and the next it looks like it is starting to sag. At menopause, production of collagen dramatically slows down. When this happens, in many ways, your skin loses its support system. The connective tissue isn’t as strong and facial sagging may occur. Wrinkles begin to form with this loss of elasticity. Boost moisture and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles with anti-aging skincare containing hyaluronic acid and peptides.
All of a sudden, your skin has lost its luster.
Cell turnover also slows down during menopause. This causes dead skin cells to remain on the skin longer than before, so they collect on the skin, leaving it dull with dry patches and flakes. Now more than ever, exfoliation is a must. Products with glycolic acid can help renew the skin, shedding flaky skin cells that are causing the dull appearance. Over time, skin will become more refreshed and your complexion will have a more radiant glow. The good thing about all of these skin changes is that they can be addressed. Talk with your doctor to see what is best for you! Have you been through menopause? Did you experience a major shift in your skin? Share in the comments. We’d love to hear more.