Menopause and Perimenopause: How it Can Affect Your Skin
Perimenopause and menopause can cause noticeable changes in the way our skin looks and feels, but understanding why these changes occur can help us to incorporate new skincare products and treatments into our routines to combat a range of skin concerns.
Skin Changes During Perimenopause
During perimenopause, which is the period of time leading up to menopause, levels of oestrogen, androstenedione, DHEA, and testosterone in the body naturally start to fluctuate. Perimenopause typically lasts for between three and four years, however, it can last for up to eight years before menopause. Most people will start to experience these hormonal changes in the body when they are in their mid-40s but this process may start earlier for some people.
Many people experience hot flushes during perimenopause, which can lead to redness in the skin. Breakouts are also common during this time and you may find that your skin starts to develop oily patches, general unevenness, and rosacea.
Another one of the most common skin changes during perimenopause, particularly during the later years of this process, is a loss of plumpness, dehydration, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The skin's natural collagen production process is often impacted, which means the skin is less elastic and more prone to developing wrinkles.
There are a variety of different skin care treatments that can be used to treat the range of skin concerns that may arise during this time. These include salicylic acid treatments to treat breakouts, gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and minimise dryness, and hydrating hyaluronic acid-based treatments.
Skin Changes During Menopause
Menopause is officially diagnosed when a person has not experienced a period for at least 12 months. During menopause, oestrogen levels are typically at their lowest, which further contributes to skin and hair changes.
The collagen production process decreases considerably during menopause, causing loss of elasticity and thinner skin. Low levels of oestrogen also cause dry skin, which is why many moisturisers for mature skin are generally thicker in consistency and contain more potent hydrating ingredients.
During menopause, incorporating a retinoid treatment into your skincare routine can work well to stimulate the natural collagen production process, which contributes to the skin's ability to repair itself. Retinoids can also help to minimise the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, which may become more apparent as the skin naturally thins.
Additionally, peptides can effectively increase skin elasticity, which will combat the appearance of sagging and minimise fine lines.
As increased sensitivity is common during menopause, it is important to nourish the skin's natural moisture barrier with emollients to help combat the effects that reduced levels of lipids can have, which may include dermatitis and rashes.
Bespoke Skin Treatments for Perimenopause and Menopause
If you are experiencing the skin changes that can occur during perimenopause or menopause and you want to learn more about the skincare products and treatments that will help your skin to stay healthy, my team and I are on hand to help. I recommend arranging a personal one-to-one skin consultation, during which we can discuss your unique skin concerns and identify which treatments will provide the results you would like to achieve.
Our innovative OBSERV Skin Scanner allows us to understand what's going on beneath the surface of your skin and forms the basis of many of our bespoke skincare plans. When you're ready, simply give my team a call or fill in our online booking form to start your new skin journey.
