1. How does menopause affect your skin?
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a. Can menopause cause dry skin?
b. Does menopause cause acne?
2. How do you keep skin looking its best after menopause?
3. What is the best skincare line for mature skin?
Menopause is a very personal journey that is impacted by our lifestyle and genes. Many of these changes are internal, but one external change that can’t be ignored is to our skin. Menopause, which officially begins one year after your last period, can bring some noticeable changes and symptoms that are prompted by the slowdown of sex hormones—like estrogen and progesterone. These changes include everything from mood swings to hot flashes. But can menopause cause skin problems for all women? In short, yes.
While there are many side effects associated with menopause, some of the most obvious are seen—on the skin. Just like during puberty, as hormone levels fluctuate, skin can become dry and slack and can even cause acne breakouts that rival the ones you had as a teenager.
So how should you look after your skin during and after menopause to keep it looking and feeling its best? With the proper skincare routine, you can lessen these effects. Discover how menopause affects your skin, the best skincare products for menopausal skin and how to take care of mature skin.
1. What is a serum?
Perimenopause is different from menopause, but both stages bring a number of changes. Skin shifts start in perimenopause, the transition phase, which can last just a few months or as long as a decade. But once a woman reaches menopause, things change yet again. Studies show that a woman’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause, and this leads to wrinkles and saggy skin around the jowls and the neck. Some other common skin changes during menopause are increased pigmentation, sensitivity and itchiness, but the two most reported skin conditions are dryness and acne.
a. Can menopause cause dry skin?
One of the primary side effects that women experience following menopause is increased dryness. This is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels , which drastically slows down the formation of skin-smoothing collagen, hyaluronic acid and oils because the hormones are no longer stimulating production. These oils help maintain the skin’s barrier function while also working to retain moisture. Another factor that contributes to dry skin is the natural slowdown of cell turnover that comes with age; this decreases humectants in the skin, which exacerbates the dryness.
b. Does menopause cause acne?
The acne you thought you left behind in your teenage years can reappear as soon as you hit perimenopause or menopause. But weren’t you supposed to shake off acne in your teen years and early 20s? Sadly, no—especially if you’re battling bouts of hormonal acne. Some women experience a resurgence of breakouts around menopause due to fluctuating hormone levels in the body. These hormonal breakouts are most commonly found along the chin and jawline. If you’re experiencing menopausal acne, opt for a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid, but avoid anything that’s too harsh or drying.
2. How do you keep skin looking its best after menopause?
We know that skin changes during menopause, but how should we look after skin during and after menopause to keep it looking its best? Adapting our skincare routine for the seasons is something we’re used to, but changing it to suit our hormones? That’s a little more complicated.
First things first: You should consider doing a skin analysis (coming soon) because your skin type may have completely changed, which will render your current skincare routine obsolete. Vichy Skinconsult AI is an at-home online skin analysis tool that has been developed with dermatologists and is powered by artificial intelligence. In just a few minutes, it can help you reset your skincare routine post-menopause.
It’s important to pay attention to your skin’s specific needs during menopause and adjust your daily routine based on specific concerns you have. If you’re experiencing extremely dry skin, look for hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine. You should also consider adding a nourishing oil packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids, like jojoba oil. However, if you’re experiencing an increase in acne breakouts, look for a gentle cleanser, a salicylic acid toner or serum and a light moisturizer.
If you’re wondering how to take care of mature skin with diet, there are a few simple changes that can help support healthy estrogen levels. Increasing the intake of phytoestrogens, such as flaxseed and fermented soy products, can have an estrogen-like effect and increase estrogen levels in your body. Another option is including an estrogen supplement to help the skin maintain its collagen, which in turn helps it to maintain its thickness, elasticity and ability to retain moisture.
A diet rich in healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—from foods like wild-caught fish, avocado and coconut oil—can lower your cortisol levels, increase lean body mass and raise DHA (a type of omega-3 fat) and vitamin D levels, both of which are good for the skin and the mind.
3. What is the best skincare line for mature skin?
If you’re wondering what the best skincare line for mature skin is, the answer isn’t so simple. Everyone’s skin is different, especially when hormones are fluctuating, but one of the best skincare products for menopausal skin can be found in Vichy’s extensive Neovadiol range.
Vichy developed the Neovadiol range over 15 years ago because it recognized the significance of menopause in a woman’s life. A pioneering brand in this skincare segment, Neovadiol was one of the first skincare ranges to be developed, tested and proven to offset the impact of menopause on the skin, helping to restore women’s comfort and confidence. This range helps improve saggy skin, dryness and wrinkles while providing comfort and radiance.
If you’re looking for the best skincare products for menopausal acne, you’ll find that the treatments that worked for you in your 20s may not deliver results in your 40s and 50s because skin is thinner and drier. Look for products with salicylic acid, vitamin C and retinol to improve cell turnover and help unclog pores. Start with small changes: Switch up your cleanser—look for one with salicylic acid — and try a gentle yet nourishing moisturizer from Vichy’s Neovadiol range, which can go a long way toward repairing your skin.
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