If you’re not already going through it, it’s something that’ll probably be coming soon down the line. Menopause sees hormones fluctuate in the body, which impacts your sleep, skin, hair, mood and mouth.
It can be uncomfortable and brings many changes. Skin can become more prone to breakouts, redness and sensitivity, and the drop in oestrogen levels – the hormone used to retain moisture – can lead to dry patches and lower levels of elasticity.
This decline in oestrogen can also lead to dry mouth, which according to Dr Vanessa Craven of Spotlight Oralcare, can increase your susceptibility to decay and cavities so staying on top of oral health is more important than ever. Here, we go through the key items to have in your beauty cabinet, to make menopause, a little bit more manageable.
Hair
Hormone changes can sometimes cause hair to thin and shed, but try combat this with Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino Density range; shampoo, €15.75, conditioner, €15.75 and leave-in cream, €15.90.
Skincare
Lift and sculpt the skin while you sleep! Shiseido Vital Perfection Lift Define Radiance Night Concentrate, €168
Don’t forget about your lips, keep them nourished with Dr Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask, €10.95
As collagen levels and the skin’s elasticity begins to dwindle, Dermalogica’s Pro-Collagen Banking Serum is packed with amino acids to preserve and protect the collagen that’s there. Keep that skin looking nice and plump! €99
Combat those pesky breakouts with Pestle & Mortar Spot Dots, €12. Place the patch over the blemish and the hydrocolloid material will soak up the oil, while also acting as a barrier to speed up healing and prevent further spreading.
Lash on Nivea’s Intensive Moisture to keep dry skin soft and supple for up to 24hrs! €3.99
With your skin at its most vulnerable, be sure to load up on SPF each day to prevent damage from harmful UV rays. Nuxuriance Ultra, Nuxe Paris, €63
Teeth
Looking after your teeth and gums is important regardless of age – but worth taking even more care during menopause. Protect your general oral health with Spotlight Oral Care’s Sonic Pro, €104.95
Cooling
To cool down and refresh at any time of day or night, spritz No7 Menopause Skincare Instant Cooling Mist, €19.95, boots.ie
Help soothe reactive skin and neutralise rosacea with Dibi Milano Defence Solution, Anti-Redness Cream, €65
Sleep
For a better sleep, This Works Deep Pillow Spray is infused with lavender and wild camomile essential oils to help you doze off into a peaceful slumber, €25
Irish brand Voya have created a range of spa treatments tailored for menopause to help relax the body, reduce hot flushes and improve sleep patterns. Visit voya.ie for more.