Menopause has the most significant impact on a woman’s skin in her lifetime. As your hormones decrease, so too does a substantial percentage of our collagen, leading to an increase in lines, wrinkles and looser skin, as well as several other potential skin issues. In this guide, we address the skin changes you may notice and advise how best to prevent or treat them, so you proactively manage this transition and thrive during it, rather than feel overwhelmed!

 

WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE?

Perimenopause is the lesser-known of the two – it is the transitioning period marking the end of your reproductive years, when ovaries slow down the production of hormones (progesterone and estrogen) and you may start to notice physical symptoms as a result. Periods become unpredictable, irregular and eventually stop due to the decline in ovarian function. Perimenopause can last for months or years, but it may not be obvious that you are perimenopausal if you only have mild or few symptoms.

Menopause literally means ‘end of monthly cycles’ i.e. is the phase in a woman’s life when her periods cease due to the marked decrease in hormone levels. You are officially considered to be in menopause when twelve consecutive months have passed since your last period. There are many potential symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleeping difficulty, low mood or anxiety, in addition to skin changes. Menopause is now a commonly discussed health topic and given the role that oestrogen (and lack of) plays in all our body’s systems, it is helpful to understand and manage this transition.

 

WHEN DO PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE START?

Women typically enter perimenopause in their early to late forties, an average of four years before actual menopause, when their reproductive organs produce fewer hormones, particularly progesterone and oestrogen. Menopause then begins officially one year after your last period (normally somewhere between 45 to 55 years) and triggers several key changes – not least those you notice in the mirror. Whilst symptoms vary considerably from woman to woman, there are many things you can do to help.

 

HOW DOES YOUR SKIN CHANGE DURING MENOPAUSE & PERIMENOPAUSE?

Oestrogen affects skin’s structure as it is responsible for the production of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and natural oils, all of which are essential for scaffolding and maintaining healthy and supple skin. When oestrogen levels start to decline, the effect on skin can be significant: as our stores of these essential proteins deplete, you may notice wrinkles and sagging, breakouts / acne, sensitivity, flushing, rosacea, worsening pigmentation and / or dryness.

Studies have shown that, while we start to lose collagen gradually around our 20s (about 1-2% per year), we then lose about 30% of our collagen when entering menopause and over the next five years or so, with a more gradual but continued decline thereafter. This significantly impacts skin, and such dramatic changes can be challenging, even from our late thirties onwards, as collagen, elastin and fat start to diminish.

 

HOW DOES YOUR FACE AND HAIR CHANGE DURING MENOPAUSE?

You may have heard of ‘menopause face’ – not exactly a positive reference but it highlights certain changes you may notice, not just to your skin but also to your face shape (and hair). As hormone levels drop considerably, skin becomes drier, looser and thinner. You may also notice more hair on your face and less on your scalp.

Hair – the hair on your head may start to thin out (in number and thickness) and you may experience an increase in facial hair. 

Bones – Bone density reduces because of oestrogen reduction. Bone shrinkage therefore occurs in the lower jaw and chin as well as orbits (eye sockets), maxilla (upper jaw) and nose, and to the overall skull. TIP: This is an inevitable consequence of ageing, but some people choose to balance this change with volumizing treatments such as dermal fillers.

Fortunately, with the right care, you can lessen these effects to preserve a good sense of yourself.

 

WHAT SKIN CHANGES DOES MENOPAUSE CAUSE AND WHAT CAN I DO?

Loss of elasticity

As collagen decreases, skin loses its elasticity, leading to a lack of firmness and changes in the shape of the face, such as the contours of the jawline and the silhouette of the nose.

TIP: Collagen is made of three polypeptide chains, so using a product that contains peptides can stimulate your skin to make more collagen. Retinol products can be hugely effective too – when applied to the skin, converting into retinoic acid which makes changes at a cellular level, increasing skin cell turnover, and stimulating collagen and elastin.

Fine lines and wrinkles

Depletion of elastin, as well as collagen, is also a contributing factor in the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Wrinkles that used to appear only with a smile or frown may become visible all the time, and deeper lines may form from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

TIP: Protecting your skin from the sun is the most important thing to do in the first instance and can reduce visible wrinkles as well as prevent new ones.

Redness and irritated skin

Changes to the pH level of your skin during menopause may lead to changes in its sensitivity. Women are more likely to develop rashes and easily irritated skin during menopause and those with an existing skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea, may find these worsen.

TIP: If you experience increased sensitivity of the skin, consider moving to fragrance-free products, focus on calming the skin, building a healthy skin barrier and keep a skin diary to try to ascertain any ingredients that may be contributing to irritation.

Dry skin

In menopause, skin loses some of its ability to retain moisture, which in turn leads to dryness. This is particularly problematic if you live in a dry climate, and / or have your central heating or air conditioning on.

TIP: Consider using a mild cleanser instead of soap, since some of the active ingredients in most soaps and foaming products can irritate and dry out skin. Choosing a moisturiser that contains ceramides, peptide and hyaluronic acid is important since it plays a crucial role in dermal health, regulating cell growth and hydration.

Blemishes and acne

Hormonal changes are often at the root of blemishes and acne, so it follows that these skin concerns can occur during menopause, as hormone production drops. As skin is likely to be thinner and drier during menopause, though, the treatments used for teenage acne are usually too harsh and can even worsen acne.

TIP: Salicylic acid helps the skin to shed dead cells and reduces redness and swelling, so this is a good active ingredient to include in your skincare routine.

Brown spots

Hormone–related pigmentation can worsen during perimenopause and menopause. Sun protection – and avoidance of the sun! – are key.

 

WHAT ARE COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS IN MENOPAUSE?

It is common to develop redness, irritated, dry or sensitive skin, during menopause, as well as brown spots. You may also be more prone to bruising or notice that existing skin conditions flare up during this time. You may experience:

·       Acne

·       Dermatitis

·       Rosacea

·       Psoriasis

 

HOW COMMON ARE SKIN CHANGES DURING MENOPAUSE?

Skin changes at this time are very common – almost all women will notice some changes to their skin during perimenopause and menopause.

 

WHAT ARE THE MORE UNUSUAL SKIN SENSATIONS IN MENOPAUSE?

Altered skin sensation is a lesser-known potential symptom of menopause. You may experience a loss of sensation / numbness, pins & needles, prickling, itchy skin or burning in your hands or feet. Some women experience formication: a sensation of insects crawling over the skin.

 

HOW DOES MENOPAUSE AFFECT YOUR ORAL HEALTH, MOUTH AND JAWLINE?

Be extra mindful of your oral health and lower face during menopause. As bone mass and collagen reduces, teeth are more likely to become looser and sensitive. You may experience a dry or burning mouth and there is an increased risk of gum disease and gingivitis. Some women also find they grind their teeth, probably due to the disturbed sleep which commonly occurs at this age. You may also notice your lips are a little thinner. Dental checkups are therefore key, as is good dental hygiene. An aesthetic doctor can help with lip thinning if you prefer fuller lips.

 

WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATMENTS FOR MENOPAUSAL SKIN?

There are numerous gold-standard, clinically proven treatments to tackle the dryness, irritation, lines and wrinkles and hormonal breakouts associated with menopause. A professional will advise treatments and skincare which effectively and specifically target whichever issues your skin experiences (such as lines around the eyes and mouth, sagging skin, loss of definition and thinning lips). Options include radiofrequency, micro-needling, skin boosters, and anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and chemical peels, as well as skincare to target your specific skin symptoms.

 

HOW CAN I LOOK AFTER MY SKIN DURING MENOPAUSE?

A few simple steps will ensure you take optimum care of your skin and will also help overall skin ageing:

·       Find a cleanser that works for your skin type

·       Repair your skin barrier function with a nourishing moisturiser

·       Use topical lipids to support the barrier

·       Manage acne with salicylic acid and retinoids

 

HOW CAN I IMPROVE THE SIGNS OF SKIN AGEING AFTER MENOPAUSE?

Skincare containing growth factors and peptides can awaken sleeping skin cells, promoting regeneration and repair.

 

HOW CAN I TIGHTEN MY SKIN AFTER MENOPAUSE?

Skin sagging can be one of the most frustrating symptoms of ageing and menopause so you may like to investigate treatments such as – a combination of radio-frequency and micro needling, designed to improve skin texture and trigger skin’s natural healing, resulting in a firming effect. For topical skincare at home, try growth factor-based and peptide serums.

 

HOW DOES HRT AFFECT SKIN? WILL IT MAKE ME LOOK YOUNGER / REVERSE SKIN AGEING?

You may find hormonal treatments helpful in retaining a more youthful complexion. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to increase epidermal hydration, skin elasticity, skin thickness and reduces skin wrinkles.

 

DO I REQUEST HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?

You need a consultation with a doctor who specialises in hormones / menopause to discuss your symptoms with. She / he will then order blood tests to determine next steps and what is most appropriate for you.

 

 HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR HRT TO IMPROVE SKIN?

Typically, you would expect to notice an increase in skin hydration and elasticity, as well as an improvement in lines and wrinkles, after approximately 6 months’.

However, during this major transition in hormones, there are constant fluctuations and so in-clinic treatments such as skin booster, Profhilo, may be a helpful addition, as well as an at–home skincare regime specific to your skin type and concerns.

 

WHAT ARE THE BEST SKINCARE INGREDIENTS FOR MENOPAUSAL SKIN?

Speak to a skincare professional about what would suit your skin needs specifically. You will be recommended skincare which contains targeted ingredients like:

·       Hyaluronic acid

·       Ceramides & lipids

·       Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

·       Retinoids (these can irritate so start gradually)

·       Growth factors

·       Barrier repairing complexes  

·       Vitamin C

·       AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids)

 

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CHECKLIST TO LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN DURING PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE

1.     Keep a diary of skin changes

2.     Speak to a professional for advice about your specific skin

3.     Adapt your skincare regime to suit (avoid irritants such as fragrance, aim to hydrate as needed)

4.     Avoid other collagen-loss triggers such as caffeine, smoking, UV light & pollution. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with antioxidant protection

5.     Research oestrogen-boosting treatments

6.     Eat mindfully – stick to good nutrition principles and avoid alcohol & trigger foods

7.     Follow a healthy lifestyle – regular exercise, plenty of sleep, mindfulness

8.     Manage hot flushes & night sweats – natural fibres, clothing layers, avoid triggers, carry a fan, maintain a healthy weight, explore mind–body practices

9.     Avoid scratching (wear breathable silk gloves at night if necessary)

10.  Turn down heating / air con

11.  Seek help from a medical professional as necessary

 

CONCLUSION

The sudden skin changes associated with menopause can be really frustrating at this comparatively young age – you’d like your face to reflect how youthful you are! Monitor how your skin is changing and adapt your skincare regime to suit, complementing it with treatments if you need / can – the key is to retain as much collagen as you can, and / or boost your remaining collagen stores. Also maintain a healthy lifestyle to help you thrive overall.

Do your research to find a skincare professional who takes a positive approach to menopause – it’s important to be looked after by someone who understand the changes you are experiencing and appreciates how maintaining a youthful appearance can go a long way to ensuring you feel good, not least as you may be managing difficult physical symptoms. The sooner you get to work on your skin the better, to retain and boost as much of your collagen as possible and to find the correct home care and professional treatment solutions for your skin needs. 

 

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