How to Manage Hormonal Skin Changes During Menopause

Menopause marks a significant transition in every woman’s life, often bringing a range of physical and emotional changes. One of these changes is shifts in skin health. As oestrogen levels fluctuate, many women experience skin concerns like dryness, sensitivity, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

By understanding these skin changes and how to manage them, you can maintain a glowing complexion throughout this phase of life. In this blog, we’ll explore some common skin changes during menopause and explore ways you can adjust your skincare routine accordingly.

1. Increased dryness  

Dry skin is one of the most common skin issues during menopause, and it can become more pronounced as you age. Oestrogen plays a role in maintaining the skin’s moisture levels, but as it decreases, your skin produces less oil and becomes less able to retain moisture. This results in skin that feels tight, rough, and flaky.  

How to manage it:

• Use a rich moisturiser:
  Incorporating thick, creamy moisturisers into your routine that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin will help to restore hydration and protect your skin’s moisture barrier.
• Hydrate from within:
  Make sure to drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Using a humidifier can also help add moisture to the air, especially during colder weather when indoor heating can dry your skin further.  
• Avoid hot water:
  Hot water can strip away natural oils from your skin. When cleansing or showering, opt for lukewarm water instead.  

2. Increased sensitivity:

Sensitivity is common during menopause. It can manifest as redness, irritation and an overall reactive complexion. Hormonal fluctuations can weaken the skin’s natural barrier function, making it more prone to reactions from environmental factors, skincare products, or even stress.  

How to manage it:

• Choose gentle products:
  Opt for skincare products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin, avoiding those with harsh chemicals, fragrances, or alcohol, which can irritate the skin further.  
• Soothing ingredients:
  Incorporate calming ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, or niacinamide, which can reduce stress, soothe inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
• Patch test new products:
  As a general rule, you should always patch test new products on a small area of your skin to avoid widespread irritation. This is especially important when the skin is sensitive.  

3. Loss of elasticity and firmness:

The decrease in collagen and elastin production during menopause leads to a loss of skin elasticity. This means the skin can appear looser, less firm, and prone to sagging, especially in areas like the jawline and neck. Fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable as the skin’s support structures weaken.

How to manage it:

• Incorporate prescription products:
  Skincare products like prescription anti-wrinkle cream work by directly targeting even the finest creases and folds in the skin. As a result, the skin appears firmer, smoother, and younger.  
• Use firming products:
  Serums and creams containing peptides and growth factors help encourage collagen production and improve the firmness of the skin.
• Facial massage:
  Regularly massaging your face with a nourishing oil or serum can stimulate circulation and promote skin tightening. Studies have shown that retinoids can help to enhance collage synthesis and improve skin elasticity. (Kang et al., 2019).

4. Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Age spots, or hyperpigmentation, are often caused by a combination of hormonal changes and years of sun exposure. These dark patches appear on areas like the face, hands, and shoulders. The decrease in oestrogen during menopause can also trigger melasma, a condition that results in dark patches, particularly on the face.

How to manage it:

• Sun protection:
  Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. UV exposure can worsen pigmentation, so protecting your skin from the sun is key.  
• Prescription pigmentation treatment:
  Prescription UK pigmentation removal cream is made bespoke for your specific skin and works to brighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
• Brightening products:
  Use products that contain ingredients like azelaic acid for hyperpigmentation or vitamin C, both of which can help brighten dark spots and even out skin tone.  

Embrace Your Skin’s Journey with MiQuest  

Hormonal changes during menopause can bring about a variety of skin challenges, but with the right skincare routine, you can effectively manage these shifts and maintain healthy, glowing skin.

From dryness and sensitivity to pigmentation and breakouts, adjusting your routine with the right products - such as prescription cream for wrinkles, azelaic acid for hyperpigmentation, and effective moisturisers - will help you achieve radiant skin through this transition.  

Unsure of the best treatments for your unique skin? Get in touch with the experts here at MiQuest today for personalised skincare advice and menopausal skin treatments.  

Citations

Kang, S., et al. "The Effect of Retinoids on Skin Aging." Journal of Dermatology, vol. 46, no. 4, 2019, pp. 305-313.

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