Our skin is constantly evolving, but as we age, these changes can become more noticeable. Menopause can lead to a rapid decline in collagen production (30 per cent in the first five years).
And this loss of elasticity can lead to sagging in the jawline, a deficit of facial volume, and crepey, loose skin around the eye area. The decrease in natural lipids and oil production leads to dryer, less hydrated skin and hormonal changes can mean pigmentation and age spots become more prominent because the skin becomes thinner with melanin accumulating in areas such as the face, chest, hands and arms, which are more prone to sun exposure.
This happens gradually for some women, while others feel that they have aged 10 years overnight. But ageing is a natural part of life, and it doesn’t mean we have to give up on having radiant, glowing skin. By understanding the changes happening in our skin and adjusting our skincare routines and cosmetic treatments accordingly, we can embrace ageing with confidence.
Here, Prof. Caitriona Ryan from the Institute of Dermatologists tells us more!
Skincare Heroes
A skincare regimen targeted to mature skin can combat the changes of skin texture, tightness and tone seen with menopause while building collagen. Many women spend far too much on their skincare products and over-complicate things.
Everyone’s skin is different but the basic steps of a great skincare regime can be used by everyone; a zinc-containing, moisturising sunscreen every morning – try Elta MD UV Clear Tinted, and a retinoid-based product (retinol or tretinoin) at night tim- Skinbetter Alpharet Overnight Cream. These help prevent skin ageing, discolouration, and normalise skin cell turnover.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in abundance in younger skin but declines during menopause. This powerhouse ingredient holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, delivering intense hydration and plumping to the skin so adding this to your routine can be beneficial.
Vitamin C has an antioxidant action to help produce a glowing complexion, so try to use this too. It is also important to nourish your skin from the inside out! A healthy diet high in protein, anti-antioxidants and good hydration helps to support skin health. Multiple trials have shown that collagen supplementation improves skin hydration, elasticity, and reduces wrinkles.
Marine collagen has shown superior efficacy and I recommend at least 5g per day for optimal results.
Targeted treatments for common skin concerns
Sagging Skin
The best treatments to tighten the skin are these four: CO2 resurfacing, radiofrequency microneedling, Ultherapy and polynucleotide injections. In different ways, they stimulate collagen and elastin production and tighten the skin through both invasive and non-invasive therapies.
Dry Skin
Dry, itchy skin is one of the most common skin issues reported by menopausal women. This is due to the decrease in sebum production, reduced cell turnover, diminished barrier function and reduced water retention. Avoid harsh cleansers, and instead opt for Elta MD Oil in Gel cleanser to remove makeup and pollutants, followed by Cerave hydrating cleanser.
Make sure you are using serums and moisturisers full of hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Elta Barrier Renewal Complex is great. Finish up with a non-irritating retinoid like Skinbetter Alpharet Overnight Cream.
Pigmentation or dark spots
Irregular pigmentation and age spots become more prominent because the skin becomes thinner. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a game-changer for treating pigmentation, redness and broken veins. Typically a course of 4-6 treatments is needed.
Dull Skin
PhilArt Next is a skin booster packed with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides. The polynucleotides induce collagen and elastin production, improve overall skin texture and function, while the hyaluronic acid adds moisture, tackling dry, dehydrated, and crepey skin. This give a double whammy – instant skin-boosting gratification from hyaluronic acid within days, and long-term collagen induction from polynucleotides within weeks to months.
Congested or acne-prone skin
If you have congested or oily skin in your 50s, simple changes to skincare can often help. Cleanse your skin twice a day with a gentle, non-drying cleanser. Never squeeze spots as this may cause scarring. Using a small amount of retinoid at night reduces blackhead activity and inflammatory acne lesions. Chemical peels can be helpful in congested skin. They work by exfoliating the top layer of skin, promoting cell renewal and revealing brighter, fresher skin underneath.
Ingredients and products to avoid
While it’s tempting to try all the new skincare products on the market, it’s important to avoid ingredients that can exacerbate ageing concerns. Products containing astringent ingredients or high concentrations of alcohol can be very irritating in those with dry or sensitive skin. Opt for mild chemical balancing exfoliants containing lactice or glycolic acid rather than abrasive physical exfoliants.