MENOPAUSE AND SKIN: DAILY CARE TIPS

Menopause marks, without a doubt, the beginning of a new phase in a woman’s life. This transitional period brings visible changes in the skin caused by fluctuating hormone levels during this period.

The gradual decrease of hormone secretion, such as estrogen and progesterone, leads to dysregulation and eventually to the cessation of the menstrual cycle: these female hormones are involved in the regulation of the reproductive cycle and the preparation of the uterus for a possible pregnancy. But they also play an important role in the skin, maintaining its hydration and elasticity. During menopause, reduced production of collagen, elastin, and fatty tissue is observed, and so the skin looks more fragile, thin, and dehydrated. Wrinkles are increased, facial muscles relax, and in some women change even the shape of their face.

It is worth saying that while the level of estrogen gradually decreases, that of testosterone, which among other things partially regulates sebum production, remains stable. For this reason, during menopause, a recurrence of acne is often observed. The drop in the levels of these hormones also affects the regulation of the biological clock of the skin cells, which synchronizes specific activities based on the time point: protection during the day and regeneration at night. Practically the cells lose this alternation of their activities, and this fact leads to an imbalance of the skin’s biorhythms.

So, knowing the difficulties the skin faces in this transitional period there are ways to help it protect itself. First of all, frequent fluid intake and the inclusion of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C in the diet, which stimulates collagen production and, therefore, improves skin elasticity, are crucial. It also fights free radicals, slowing down the aging process of cells. Also, a healthy lifestyle, good sleep, and regular physical activity play a determinative role. Sleep is an inevitable and necessary element for humans. Many people underestimate the importance of good and proper sleeping. In general, an average adult should get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. However, it is not always easy. Inevitably, the skin is also affected, with the most obvious symptoms being dark circles, dehydration, and premature wrinkles. This is because skin cells renew faster at night than during the day. During the night, the skin also produces collagen, which is a type of protein that significantly affects the firmness of the face.

Regarding acne, there are products on the market that are effective but do not dry out the skin further to avoid causing further dryness and sensitivity. We should not apply many products to the face at the same time to avoid further irritations. In case the skin is sensitive and dry, it is better to use skin cosmetics rich in vitamins, or anti-aging products with natural peptides.

Peptides and hyaluronic acid are found in many moisturisers and stimulate collagen production/increase skin elasticity. In addition, a gentle scrub applied once a week removes dead cells and allows dedicated products to penetrate easily into the layers of the skin. Finally, the sun is one of the biggest enemies of the skin, it creates premature photoaging which combined with menopause creates spots, wrinkles, and imperfections on the face. So, appropriate sun protection and the avoidance of exposure to ultraviolet radiation for many hours, especially in summer, are on top priority