Menopausal skin requires special care and a refined customized approach.
When working with menopausal skin, it's more than simply powering up a laser or other device. Treating menopausal skin is about understanding the requirements of skin undergoing some dramatic changes. It's about knowing the correct course of action and utilizing a holistic approach to target issues from various angles.
With the proper guidance, skin can be healthy and glowing at every age.
Changes That Happen To Skin During Menopause
We may become wiser and more confident as we mature, but unfortunately some things in our lives have a tendency to decrease, such as hormones and collagen, which makes skin more prone to signs of aging such as sagging, wrinkling and thinning. Menopausal skin is often delicate and sometimes even fragile, requiring special care and attention.
A reduction in fat under the skin and loss of elasticity creates noticeable sagging in the jawline and neck and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles. Mature skin types are often dry or dehydrated, further exacerbating the wrinkles of crow's feet and lip creases and creating a crepiness to the overall skin texture.
Some clients have described the sensation of aging skin going into menopause as if their skin has "shrivelled up" or they are "melting" almost overnight.
- Lack of hydration can make signs of aging appear much worse
- Skin can become thin and fragile
- We experience a loss of fat and volume under the skin
- Loss of elasticity results in skin sagging
- Pigmentation changes and sluggish cellular turnover create a dull complexion
Keep Skin Healthy And Vibrant During Menopause
Keeping skin hydrated is a significant first step. Cleansing and exfoliating are essential, but we don't want to overdo it. With aging skin, it's important not to strip the skin of its natural moisture. Long hot showers are definitely out for menopausal skin types.
- Choose a cleanser that doesn't strip your skin's moisture.
- Choose the correct moisturizer for your skin type.
- Brighten skin with a gentle exfoliator taking care to maintain the skin's barrier function. We recommend avoiding physical abrasion.
Preserving and optimizing collagen production is important. As estrogen drops, a key goal is preserving collagen and encouraging our bodies to maximize collagen production to keep skin as plump and full-looking as possible. A proper diet and the correct combination of skin care products and clinical treatments can work wonders to jump-start sluggish collagen production.
- A well-balanced diet provides the essential amino acids, Vitamin C and A necessary for the optimized creation of collagen. Think vegetables, nuts, fruits...lots of colour + healthy fats such as Avocado or Olive oil.
- UV protection helps minimize the damage to collagen that is caused by sun-induced free radicals. We recommend a Titanium and zinc based product.
- Soy, which is rich in isoflavones (plant-based compounds that act like estrogen in the body), may help improve changes such as skin thinning. Tempeh and Miso are good sources.
Optimizing protein intake is crucial to provide our bodies with the necessary amino acids to repair skin tissues and form new collagen and connective tissues.
Dr Michelle Gaucher a Victoria based naturopathic doctor states "optimal protein intake should be between 1.2. - 1.5 grams per KG of body weight" (~0.6 -1.2 grams per lb of body weight). She goes on to say "This is a huge range but it is greatly dependent on activity level and personal health goals."
A diet lacking in protein will show up in poor skin quality. Our bodies require the appropriate amino acids in order to form the more complex proteins associated with collagen and elastin.
- It's important to consume complete proteins such as fish or chicken. For vegetarians and vegans, beans + rice or quinoa are great options.
- If you're vegan or vegetarian, eating a broad range of plant products will provide you with a complete mix of amino acids.
In-Clinic treatments such as Venus Legacy and LED photo-modulation are designed to stimulate the bodies collagen and regeneration to firm skin and support optimized tissue volume.
- Increased skin firmness
- Reduction in lines and wrinkles
- Improved skin hydration
Couldn't I just use a collagen drink? everything we eat is processed through our digestive system and broken down into the base amino acids and nutrients. When you consume collagen it goes through the same process as all other foods and is reduced to its base compounds during digestion.
- Consumed collagen will not go directly into the skin as collagen.
- A collagen supplement may be helpful if you have a poor diet with inadequate protein intake. A balanced diet is best.
Proper Skin Care Is Important For Menopausal Skin
There are many proven compounds available today in well formulated products that can help support menopausal skin concerns.
Creams and serums containing GHK-Cu Tripeptide (copper peptide), Co-enzyme Q-10, Cerimides / Squalane, Matrixyl 3000 will encourage and support collagen production and firm skin while also protecting the skins fragile barrier function.
A great example is our very own Vitae Skin Renewal Complex, a complete and well formulated anti-aging moisturizer.
If you're not sure which products may be right for you, we offer a free consultation to assess your current program.
Exercise
Exercise is also great for skin, as it helps reduce stress. Stress can boost the production of destructive enzymes in our bodies which further degrade collagen. Plus, it helps increase nourishing blood flow into the skin.
Sleep
As we age, it can become more challenging to maintain a consistent sleep pattern. Hormones and metabolism benefit from healthy sleep patterns, as does skin.
Consultation
Whether you're currently in menopause or have finished but would like to know more about caring for your skin as you age, we would love to meet you!
Consultations are complimentary. Simply call 250.590.5459 today.
The effect of dietary intake of coenzyme Q10 on skin