We don't talk enough about what to expect during menopause. The effects of this life stage can be wide-ranging. And while many of these are health-related, it can also have a noticeable impact on our hair and skin.Dr Sonia (@dermgp) is here to lift the lid on everything you need to know about menopausal skin. How does perimenopause and menopause affect the skin? Unfortunately, there are a number of potential ways these hormonal changes can disrupt our skin. The main ones include dryness, fine lines & wrinkles, acne & rosacea and discolouration. DRYNESS The nosedive in hormones during the perimenopause results in skin dryness which is one of the commonest reported symptoms. This dryness not only affects the skin on your face but also vaginal dryness which can be quite uncomfortable. It is really important to look for skincare ingredients that hold moisture into the skin to help during this phase. FINE LINES AND WRINKLES There is a drop in collagen levels, and you might notice fine lines and wrinkles that seem to have settled in overnight! Itchy skin is often noticed during this time too, again usually caused by drier skin due to loss of oestrogen and collagen. ACNE AND ROSACEAPerimenopausal skin can become more sensitised and respond unpredictably to ingredients. You may also start to notice th at your skin is more prone to acne that’s reminiscent of your teenage years! A lot of women experience hot flushes and redness of the skin and many develop rosacea. DISCOLOURATIONWomen of colour may experience discolouration and hyperpigmentation, a concern I often see in my clinics. Those pesky dark circles may even become more apparent. What products help treat menopausal skin? As with any ageing skin, the key seems to be hydration, protection (SPF all the way) and lots of antioxidants. Also ingredients that boost collagen and control sebum levels to prevent flares of acne. The best ingredients for menopausal skin: - Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (both help skin to retain moisture) - SPF (helps to protect against pigmentation and further discolouration) - Tyrosinase inhibitors for pigmentation (e.g. kojic acid) - Vitamin A/retinol (for improved skin quality, counteracting sebum/acne and helping with dullness and fine lines) - Antioxidants like vitamin C Suggested Products OSKIA Rest Day Comfort Cream Dr Hauschka Intensive Treatment for Menopausal Skin Balance Me Tripeptide Plumping Cloud Cream What are the best ways to treat the skin at perimenopause stage vs during the menopause? Skin can be very unpredictable and sensitised during the perimenopause phase due to the changing levels of oestrogen. I would advise introducing vitamin A/retinoid to normalise and regulate the healthy functioning of the skin cells, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump. The skin can get much drier and more sensitive/rosacea prone when you reach menopause so steer clear of abrasive treatments and deep scrubs. You should be looking to use gentle products with antioxidants which can help protect against environmental stressors and continue to use products with ingredients that help with the skin barrier (ceramides). Look for products labelled non-comedogenic and containing niacinamide if your skin is particularly breakout-prone during this period. Is the impact of menopause different for women of colour? Women of colour can experience discolouration and hyperpigmentation, a concern I often see in my clinics. Some women experience more pigmentation on their face, called melasma, which can be quite tricky to treat. A new study in the US has found that Black, Asian and Latina women go through the menopause earlier than white women. Symptoms, including hot flushes and vaginal dryness, are also usually more intense and prolonged, research suggests. What advice do you have for women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause/menopause? Do not shy away from speaking to your GP about it as there are several treatment options! Menopause is not an illness, but a life transition we go through and there are so many things that can be done to make this transition smoother and easier. I think it’s really important for people to understand their bodies, talk openly about their experiences and get the help they need, when they need it for a smooth transition! Hopefully you’re feeling a bit more clued up on menopause than you were before, and if you’re currently going through it, just know there are a number of options to help remedy whatever symptoms you’re dealing with. But remember, if you have any questions or concerns, you should always speak to your doctor. If you found this helpful, check out our Skin Quiz, where you can find tailored recommendations based on your skin's needs. Take the Skin Quiz OR, get stuck right in with our selection of skincare to suit every need. Shop Skincare
