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Navigating Menopause Skincare: How Hormonal Changes Affect Your Skin’s Health. Ilu Hub - Natural Organic Clean Skincare Products Makeup

Navigating Menopause Skincare: How Hormonal Changes Affect Your Skin’s Health

A woman's body undergoes many changes during perimenopause and menopause, and this includes changes to the skin. As a result, your skincare must also adapt to these new conditions.

Discover how hormonal changes during menopause affect your skin and learn how to adjust your skincare routine accordingly. This guide offers expert tips, product recommendations, and professional treatments to help manage dryness, loss of elasticity, and increased sensitivity.

What Happens to Our Hormones During Menopause?

During menopause, significant hormonal shifts take place, primarily involving estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Estrogen Decline

What it does
Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, supports skin elasticity, maintains bone density, and protects the heart and brain.
 
Menopause impact
The ovaries reduce estrogen production, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and eventually stopping menstruation. Lower estrogen affects the skin, bones, brain, and cardiovascular system, contributing to hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and increased osteoporosis risk. 

Progesterone Decrease

What it does
Progesterone balances estrogen, supports pregnancy, regulates sleep, and has a calming effect on the brain.
Menopause impact 
Progesterone levels drop as ovulation stops, which can contribute to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and mood changes. Since progesterone counterbalances estrogen, its decline can lead to estrogen dominance in perimenopause, causing symptoms like bloating, tender breasts, and irregular periods.

Testosterone Changes

What it does
Testosterone supports muscle mass, bone strength, libido, energy levels, and overall vitality.
 
Menopause impact 
Testosterone production declines gradually, affecting muscle mass, libido, and energy levels. Some women experience increased androgen (male hormone) activity, leading to hair thinning or facial hair growth.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) & LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Increase

 What they do
FSH stimulates ovarian follicles for egg production, and LH triggers ovulation and supports hormone production.
 
Menopause impact
As the ovaries stop responding to FSH and LH, the brain signals for more production, leading to higher levels of these hormones, which contribute to hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

Navigating Menopause Skincare: How Hormonal Changes Affect Your Skin’s Health. Ilu Hub - Natural Organic Clean Skincare Products Makeup

How Does Menopause Affect Your Skin?

Here’s a breakdown of what happens to your skin as you enter menopause and beyond.

Loss of Elasticity and Firmness

As estrogen levels drop, collagen and elastin production decline, resulting in thinner skin, wrinkles, and sagging. Over time, the skin loses its elasticity, leading to deeper lines and a less youthful appearance.

Dryness and Thinner Skin

Estrogen helps the skin retain moisture, but as levels fall, skin hydration decreases. This can lead to static wrinkles (those that don’t fade when the face is relaxed) and a more fragile skin barrier, making the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.

Fat Loss and Changes in Facial Features

Fat plays a crucial role in skin fullness and contour. During menopause, fat stores shrink, particularly in the face, leading to volume loss around the cheeks, eyes, and jawline. Simultaneously, fat may accumulate in areas like the chin and jaw, altering facial shape.

Reduced Circulation and Increased Sensitivity

Hormonal changes affect blood flow, reducing nutrient delivery to the skin. This impacts melanocytes (responsible for pigmentation) and Langerhans cells (immune defense), leading to increased skin sensitivity and potential tingling sensations as nerve endings degrade.

Changes in Skin’s Structure

The reduction in collagen and elastin weakens skin structure, making it more fragile. The skin-epidermis border becomes less defined, and skin permeability increases, making it more susceptible to irritants and environmental factors.

Hormonal Influence on Skin Health

Skin is full of hormone receptors, particularly in the face and lower limbs. As hormone levels drop, skin regeneration slows down, accelerating the visible signs of aging.

Chronic Skin Conditions

Hormonal changes may exacerbate conditions like rosacea, acne, and hirsutism (excessive hair growth). Conversely, some skin conditions may improve due to reduced hormone activity.

Adjusting Your Skincare Routine to Match Skin Changes

Menopause, typically around age 50, often triggers various skin-related changes. Professional treatments can help restore moisture, stimulate collagen production, and support cell regeneration. A tailored daily skincare routine slows down the aging process.

Focus on Specific Concerns Rather Than General Anti-Aging Products

Instead of following skincare trends or using harsh anti-aging products, target specific concerns like redness, spots, and dryness with gentle, effective formulas.


Prebiotics and Probiotics for Skin Barrier Health

Products infused with prebiotics and probiotics, like Prologic Probiome Serum, help strengthen the skin’s barrier, improving resilience over time.

Ceramides and Peptides for Hydration

To address dryness, opt for products with ceramides, Skin-RG C3 Ceramide Moisturiser, and peptides, Skin-RG Morning Petal Moisturiser, which replenish the skin’s natural barrier and improve texture.

Menopausal skin benefits from nourishing oils Skin-RG Evening Star Cleansing Oil, creams Skin-RG Night Blossom Sleep Moisturiser, (though not recommended for high-level HRT users), and facial mists Mukti Rose Blossom Hydrating Mist to maintain hydration throughout the day.

Sun Protection Is Essential

A broad-spectrum SPF like Skin-RG SPF 30 Pure Shield is crucial to prevent further skin damage and premature aging.

Be Cautious with Retinol

Retinol can irritate menopausal skin due to its compromised barrier. A gentler alternative, like Skin-RG The Matrix and Mukti Organics Vital A Elixir (a plant-based retinol), is a better option.

Professional Treatments for Aging Skin

Mature skin requires specialized care, and various treatments can help rejuvenate and restore a youthful appearance. From traditional massages to advanced therapies like radio frequency and cryotherapy, these techniques boost collagen, refine texture, and enhance hydration. Consistency, along with a holistic approach that includes proper diet, supplementation, and skincare, is key to lasting results.

Cryotherapy for Skin Firming

We recommend Cryotherapy, which uses cold temperatures to stimulate the skin. Techniques like Cryolift and Cryodermie apply cold to tighten skin, reduce swelling, and treat pigmentation issues. Cold therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect, improves circulation, and boosts collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother skin.

Need Help Navigating Menopause? We’re Here for You!

Your skin’s needs change during menopause, so be mindful of its sensitivities and adjust your routine accordingly.

Don’t hesitate to ask for expert help to adjust to this new phase in life. Ilu Hub skincare experts are here to assist, either online through consultation or in person at our Ilu Hub salon in Wanaka, New Zealand.

Reference
Herman, J., Rost-Roszkowska, M., & Skotnicka-Graca, U. (2013). Review paper. Skin care during the menopause period: noninvasive procedures of beauty studies, 30(6), 388-395

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