Just 6 things to know about your skin during menopause.

Looking in the mirror, I've started to wonder: Why am I reacting to products I have used plenty of times in the past? Why does my skin look dry, dull and flat? And, how could I possibly have acne now, when I didn't even have it as a teenager? 

Let's not forget to mention all these scraggly billy goat hairs growing out of my chin! 

I’ve always had an interest in skincare and the changes our skin goes through at different times in our lives. Now, at 52, I am looking into ingredients and products to help with menopausal skin and the changes that come with it.

With that in mind, let’s talk about what happens to your skin during menopause and what ingredients can be handy to incorporate into your routine during this period of change.

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals' has a new range, specifically made for skin changes that occur during menopause. The Skin Renew range is formulated with alpine rose stem cells. Alpine rose actually grows and thrives in harsh environments including high altitude dry regions and freezing temperatures. Its regenerative qualities help it thrive in stressful environments. Rose stem cells are great for our skin, as it helps keep collagen and elastin replenished. It also helps defend our skin against free radicals.

As we know, sleep is important for many reasons. Our body does its best repairing when we are asleep, allowing our cells the chance to regenerate. 

The Skin Renew Restoring Sleep Balm, is not only enriched with alpine rose stem cells, but salicylic acid and lavender oil as well. It helps reduce the visible signs of skin fatigue and draws in moisture to the skin, fortifying the skin's lipid barrier. 

It also helps increase collagen and elastin production to help plump out fine lines and wrinkles, helping the skin look 25 per cent brighter in the morning.

The Skin Renew Cooling Face Serum, also contains alpine rose stem cells, as well as peptides, to accelerate the rate of cell turnover in the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid and cooling peppermint oil, which assists in cooling the skin and relieves the discomfort of hot flushes. 

You know what I’m talking about. That thing that happens when you are doing absolutely nothing, except breathing. When all of a sudden you are beet red, the top of your head is on fire and you look like you have just stepped out of the shower. 

Another great thing about this serum is, it helps to boost skin radiance by up to 42 per cent in 28 days and increases skin hydration.

Image: Supplied. 

Why are these two products on my radar? Let's look at 6 of the most common skin issues we face during menopause.

Loss of elasticity.

Collagen is responsible for keeping out skin plump and firm. Collagen and elastin loss starts in our 30s, and in the five years post menopause, we'll lose about 30 per cent (followed by around 2 per cent each year for the next 20 years). 

Also, our young bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid and that starts to decline the older we get. No wonder we feel as dry as the desert and wonder why our face is melting faster than the polar ice caps. 

We need to use antioxidant rich products that stimulate our collagen and elastin production, as well as topical retinoids and a vitamin C product. 

Dryness.

As our oestrogen levels drop, it means our skin becomes thinner and oil production reduces. Because our skin becomes drier, it also becomes easily irritated. 

Inflammatory skin conditions can increase at this stage. We need to use gentle, creamy cleansers and moisturisers. Look for products that contain ceramides, squalene, glycerine, hyaluronic acid and fatty acids.

Image: Supplied. 

Dullness.

Dryness reduces stem cell turnover and will make your skin look dull. Dull skin is what creates texture, so you need to use a chemical exfoliant in the form of AHAs and BHAs. 

An option to combat dullness is the Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals Gamma Overnight Glow. It's inspired by a salon chemical peel and works to resurface the skin overnight with salicylic, lactic and glycolic acid, and retinol.

Acne.

With lower female hormones (oestrogen) and an increase in male androgen levels (testosterone), our skin can go a little crazy. 

It causes increased sebum, which causes blocked pores, which in turn, causes acne. The use of a chemical exfoliant as mentioned above, will help clear your pores. 

Hyperpigmentation.

A lot of us get increased pigmentation when we become menopausal. Melasma, or hyperpigmentation is caused due to a change in hormone levels, similar to how it occurs during pregnancy. 

We need to look for ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide and arbutin. We also need to follow this up with SPF, every day, even in winter.

Facial hair.

We’ve all seen it. We've all had the aunt or grandmother with the coarse chin whiskers that poke at us. Well lucky us, we usually become them (I am not kidding when I tell you that some days I feel as though I could poke someone’s eye out with these aggressively stiff and wiry monsters). 

Again, this is caused by the imbalance of oestrogen and androgen levels. I have waxed and carried tweezers in my handbag at all times, just to rid myself of these wiry hairs. 

The best treatment for this hormonal hirsuteness is without a doubt electrolysis. I am about to book in for treatment myself for the earlier aforementioned billy goat hairs!

If it helps you not feel so alone when you look in the mirror and wonder what happened to the plumpness of your youth, just remember, with age comes wisdom and I have mentioned some great products and solutions to help with the 6 most common skin changes we might all experience.

And, it's exactly that, we all face them. Just remember, it’s never too late to start looking after your skin, even if you have never done it before. If you start now, no matter your age, you will see the benefits.

Image: Supplied. 

Now, excuse me while I look in my magnifying mirror to pluck my sprouting chinny chin chin hairs until I get that electrolysis treatment.

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals' new Menopause Skin Renew range, has been specifically created for skin changes that occur during menopause. Head to their website to check out the full range. 

Feature Image: Supplied.