Mar 13, 2023

Look Radiant During Menopause

by Samantha Williams

A blonde women, a black woman and an asian women with a wide smiles and radiant skin in menopause

Although at times we might feel like we're radiating enough heat to keep the whole house warm, today we're talking about radiating beauty. We're used to switching up our skincare routine with the seasons, but if you're also coping with menopause symptoms, you'll be facing a few more changes to your skincare style. As women go through menopause, our bodies undergo significant changes, including changes to our skin.

These changes are largely due to a decrease in oestrogen production, which can lead to dryness, thinning, and increased sensitivity. This hormonal shift can have a significant impact on our skin, causing it to become more prone to wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of ageing.

Oestrogen plays a key role in the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid - terms that are regularly used by beauty brands promoting skincare products for women in midlife. Collagen production falls due to the ageing process regardless of menopause (it's why men get jowly as they age), however an extra 30% is lost during the first five years of the change. The Chocolate blend of The MenoShake includes marine collagen to help replace some of this loss, and Vitamin C to boost the production of bright, healthy, collagen-rich skin cells.

There are several steps that women can take to care for their skin during menopause and minimise the effects of hormonal changes. With the right skincare routine, women can combat these effects and keep their skin looking healthy and vibrant. In this article, we will discuss the best skincare practices for women in menopause.

Cleanse Gently

As women age, their skin becomes more delicate and sensitive, so it is essential to be gentle when cleansing. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid scrubbing too hard or using hot water. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and gently massage the cleanser into your skin with your fingertips or a soft washcloth

Moisturise Regularly

One of the most common changes that women experience during menopause is dry skin. As oestrogen levels decline, the skin produces less oil, which can lead to flakiness, itching, and roughness. Of course, we do all we can on the inside to support radiant skin but topical treatments do play a role here.

To combat these symptoms, it’s important to use a moisturiser regularly. Choose a moisturiser that is specifically formulated for dry skin and contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These ingredients help to hydrate the skin, lock in moisture, and restore its natural protective barrier. Apply moisturiser to your face and neck every morning and evening, after cleansing and toning. If you have particularly dry skin, you may want to use a heavier moisturiser at night.

Less is more when it comes to looking after menopausal skin – so steer clear of acne products if you experience a break out. These are designed for super-resilient teenage skin, not the more sensitive, delicate skin we have.

Use Sunscreen Daily

Sun damage is one of the primary causes of premature ageing, and it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is especially true during menopause, when the skin becomes more vulnerable to damage.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it every day, even on cloudy or overcast days. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, chest, and hands. Using a SPF daily on your face, neck and hands (yes, even in the winter) will keep sun damage at bay and help prevent sunspots which are a tell-tale sign of ageing.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which can help to improve its texture and appearance. As we age, our skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down, which can lead to a dull, lackluster complexion.

To promote skin cell turnover and keep your skin looking fresh and bright, exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant. Look for products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which can help to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Hydrate from the Inside Out

Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. As women go through menopause, their bodies may become dehydrated more easily, so it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You may also want to increase your intake of hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables.

Incorporate Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid

With the MenoShake you're getting plenty of collagen from your diet, but creams and serums which contain or boost collagen are also worth using in tandem. Look out for retinol rich products – retinol binds to retinoid receptors in skin cells which stimulates collagen production. If you've always scoffed at this buzzwordy-sounding ingredient in skincare commercials take a look at the science behind the serums and see for yourself.

Retinol is a powerful ingredient that can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall texture of your skin. It works by increasing collagen production, which can help to firm and smooth your skin. However, retinol can be irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin, so it is important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase it over time.

Woman using Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid for radiant skin

Hyaluronic acid is also just as important in restoring youthful plumpness to your skin, so look out for treatments containing this ingredient too. There are lots of menopause specific products coming onto the market so we're spoilt for choice.

Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment option that involves taking oestrogen and sometimes progesterone to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause, including changes to the skin. By replacing the hormones that the body is no longer producing, HRT can help to increase collagen production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity. Talk to your doctor about whether HRT is right for you, and what type of therapy would be most appropriate. It can be an effective option for women who are experiencing severe symptoms, including dry skin. HRT can be administered in several forms, including pills, patches, gels, and creams.

Eat a healthy diet

The foods that we eat can have a significant impact on the health of our skin. During menopause, it’s important to eat a diet that is rich in nutrients that support healthy skin, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants.

Some of the best foods for healthy skin include:

Fruits and vegetables: These are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that protect the skin from damage and promote collagen production.
Whole grains: These provide complex carbohydrates that help to regulate blood sugar and support healthy skin.
Lean protein: This helps to build and repair the skin’s tissues.
Healthy fats: These provide essential fatty acids that help to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.

Two women in menopause with salads, fruits and vegetables eating a healthy diet

Nutritional supplements can also play a really important role in menopausal skincare – inflammation in the body leads to dull looking skin and the slower turnaround of shedding old dead cells to make way for new ones. In addition, exercise is vital in managing inflammation. So that healthy salad, The MenoShake, and a brisk walk every day are actually doing wonders for your skin, maybe even more so than an expensive cream.

Manage Stress

Stress is a natural part of life, and everyone experiences it at one time or another. However, for women going through menopause, stress can have a particularly significant impact on their skin. Here are some ways in which stress can affect the skin of women in menopause:

Increased inflammation

When we experience stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is a natural anti-inflammatory, and in small amounts, it can be beneficial. However, when cortisol levels are chronically elevated due to stress, it can lead to increased inflammation in the body, including the skin. This can exacerbate existing skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema, and can also contribute to premature ageing.

Reduced collagen production

Collagen is a protein that gives skin its elasticity and firmness. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Stress can accelerate this process by reducing collagen production even further. This can result in more visible signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of volume in the face. The MenoShake - Chocolate Collagen blend includes added Marine Collagen to support you through this stage.

Impaired barrier function

The skin has a natural barrier function that protects it from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. This barrier is composed of lipids and proteins that help to retain moisture and prevent irritants from penetrating the skin. However, stress can impair this barrier function, making the skin more vulnerable to damage and dehydration. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity.

Increased sebum production

Stress can also affect the sebaceous glands, which produce the skin’s natural oils. In some people, stress can cause the glands to produce more sebum, leading to oily skin and acne breakouts.

Poor sleep quality

Stress can interfere with sleep quality, which can have a negative impact on the skin. During sleep, the body produces collagen and repairs damage to the skin. If sleep is disrupted, this process may not occur as effectively, leading to dull, tired-looking skin.

Unhealthy coping mechanisms

Finally, it’s worth noting that stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating a poor diet. All of these behaviours can have a negative impact on the skin, exacerbating existing skin conditions and accelerating the ageing process.

In summary, so many aspects of menopause health involve adding to your routine, so it's a relief to find that menopausal skincare is actually quite simple. Just make sure you get enough exercise, eat a healthy diet and take the MenoShake daily for that all-important nutritional boost. Make sure that you try to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet. Stress can have a significant impact on the skin of women in menopause, so try to minimise its effects, by practising stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. Finally, be sure to moisturise daily, use sun protection and introduce two or three topical treatments such as Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid. A simple hydrate and protect regimen will help you to look radiant on the outside as you go through midlife.

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