How Menopause Affects Your Skin

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and is characterized by the cessation of menstrual periods for at least 12 consecutive months. During this time, the body undergoes hormonal changes that can have various effects on different parts of the body, including the skin.

How Does Menopause Affect the Skin?

Menopause can have a significant impact on the skin due to the decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's elasticity, moisture, and thickness. As estrogen levels decrease, the skin becomes drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles and sagging.

Common Skin Changes During Menopause

1. Dryness: Many women experience dry and itchy skin during menopause. This is because the oil glands become less active, leading to a decrease in natural skin lubrication.

2. Wrinkles and Fine Lines: The decline in estrogen levels can accelerate the aging process, resulting in the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

3. Sagging Skin: Loss of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for skin elasticity, can cause the skin to become loose and saggy.

4. Age Spots: Hormonal changes can also lead to the development of dark spots or patches on the skin, known as age spots.

How to Care for Menopausal Skin

1. Moisturize: Use a rich, hydrating moisturizer to combat dryness and keep the skin nourished.

2. Protect from the Sun: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can further damage aging skin.

3. Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, non-drying cleanser to cleanse the skin and avoid stripping away natural oils.

4. Antioxidant-Rich Diet: Consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to help protect the skin from free radical damage.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated from within.

Conclusion

Menopause can have a significant impact on the skin, leading to dryness, wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. However, by following a proper skincare routine and making certain lifestyle changes, it is possible to minimize these effects and maintain healthy, radiant skin during this stage of life.

Can you imagine the frustration of having wrinkles and pimples? Hot flashes, moodiness & lack of sleep are just enough to push us over the edge but acne, too?

Ugh...

This nightmare is quite common during perimenopause.

With all of the hormonal changes that come along with perimenopause (which by the way can start in our early to mid 30's) it can bring a wide spectrum of skin issues ranging from extreme dryness to excessive acne.

Lower levels of female hormones like estrogen can also accelerate skin aging.

While some women (less than 15%) go through perimenopause without problems, others experience great changes, especially with their skin.

According to Skininc.com These are the most common complaints and issues women face during perimenopause:

• Dry skin. Hormonal changes in perimenopause decrease sebum production, so the average moisture content of the stratum corneum is slightly decreased each year.
• Thin skin. During perimeno­pause, blood flow through the skin’s capillaries is reduced since they are partly controlled by estrogens. This results in fewer nutrients and less oxygen feeding the skin and is a contributing factor to both the thinning of skin and reduced cell turnover rate, leading to water loss and dry skin.
• Sensitivity. As skin ages it becomes thinner and more sensitive to irritants. As women enter perimeno­pause, they may notice their skin reacts to products that never bothered them in the past. For example, certain cosmetics, soaps, perfumes or laundry detergents may suddenly cause rashes.
• Rosacea. According to the National Rosacea Society (NRS), rosacea can worsen during perimeno­pause.² Many women report more flushing episodes and increased numbers of bumps and pimples during these times.
• Acne. During perimeno­pause, estrogen levels decline but male androgens such as testosterone remain relatively high. This creates a hormone imbalance that can lead to excess testosterone and greater sebum production, a common cause of adult acne. Brought on by a reaction to androgens, acne can remain a problem until postmeno­pause, when the production of androgens finally falls.
• Enlarged pores. As skin loses its elasticity, pores on the face become bigger. If good cleansing is not maintained, a buildup of oil and cells can cause the pores to expand even further.
• Hyperpig­mentation. Estrogens also moderate melanin production. As perimenopause begins, melanin synthesis increases due to a lack of estrogen. Any areas of the skin that have been exposed to UV rays can generate brown age spots, most likely appearing on the face, neck, hands, arms and chest.
• Sagging skin. Lower estrogen levels during perimenopause redistribute fat to the stomach, thighs and buttocks. This leads to a loss of supportive fat below the skin of the face, neck, hands and arms.

At Glimmer Goddess® we create organic, all natural skin care products to help relieve the many skin symptoms that come along with an already uncomfortable menopause.

Below is a list of simple remedies that can help you keep that youthful glow:

• Overly dry skin – Stay away from over cleansing, instead of twice a day switch to once a day and use a Gentle Cleanser. Apply our Vitamin C Serum and Nighttime Moisturizer before bed and our Pumpkin & Vitamin E Serum + a Daily Moisturizer in the morning. 
• Thinning skin – Stay away from over exfoliating. Anti-Aging serums are your BEST FRIEND, they will help slow down the degeneration of skin cells and do wonders for aging, dry skin. 
• Sensitive Skin – Stay away from anything with chemicals and fillers, often times drug store brands use harmful ingredients that tend to irritate sensitive skin more easily. Light exfoliation is key. Use a gentle cleanser daily and natural moisturizers. Take notice when trying a new product, if your skin develops a rash or seems irritated stop use immediately.
• Rosacea – Rose Hip oil is excellent in helping to reduce the swelling and redness that come along with rosacea.
• Acne – Try our clear skin anti acne serum, it will help to regulate excess sebum without all the harmful and drying chemicals.
• Enlarged Pores – AHA, Mud & Clay Masks along with a non-alcohol toner are perfect for reducing pore size. Start with using a mask once or twice a week and toning immediately after. You will love the results.
• Hyperpigmentation – Age / sun spots are no fun...Luckily we have an amazing dark spot corrector that will blow you and your dark spots away, for good! Make sure to ALWAYS wear a natural sunscreen on your face daily to prevent further hyperpigmentation.
• Sagging Skin – Once again, facial serums will be your best friend. Slowing down the degeneration of skin cells and doing wonders for aging skin.

Every woman's body is wonderfully different...  

What works for one of us may not work for all.  

The important thing is to be patient and pay attention to changes in your skin then make small changes in your skin care routine as well as your lifestyle.  

It goes without saying that eating healthy, clean, unprocessed foods, exercising at least 30 minutes a day, reduce stress where possible and avoiding excessive smoking and drinking will not only help alleviate the horrible symptoms of perimenopause but will also ensure you keep your youthful, healthy looking skin.

Have a RADIANT DAY!