Menopause & Ageing
MENOPAUSE AND AGEING IN 2023
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. During menopause, a woman's body undergoes significant hormonal changes, leading to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.
As women age, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in their bodies naturally decline. This decline in hormones is what triggers the onset of menopause. While most people are aware of the common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes and mood swings, many are unaware of the changes that occur to their skin and face during this time. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the skin and face changes that can occur during menopause.
So, whether you're approaching menopause or have just started to notice changes in your skin here are a few of the most common issues women experience pre-and during menopause and some tips on how to best combat them:
Dryness
One of the most common changes that occur during menopause is skin dryness. The skin functions less effectively as a barrier, which results in more rapid water loss. There is also a reduction in oil and lipid production in the skin, leading to dry and dehydrated skin in menopausal women.
To combat these changes, it's important to maintain a good skincare routine, that includes moisturising regularly with a rich emollient moisturiser. Additionally, using products that contain retinoids and antioxidants can help to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. During your consultation with us, you'll receive personalised recommendations for a skincare routine, that is specifically tailored to your unique skin concerns. If you're not seeing the results you want from your current products, we can recommend medical-grade products that can make a real difference to your menopausal skin concerns. We have a wide range of premium, medically-led, and highly technical skincare brands to choose from, some of which are not available online or over the counter.
If you're looking for some deeper hydration you may want to consider a skin booster such as Profhilo, which is a great in clinic treatment that improves skin tone, texture, hydration and overall radiance.
Loss of volume, elasticity and wrinkles
Collagen production switches off in our mid 20s, with levels gradually declining by about 1% a year from then on, till menopause. However during menopause collagen levels are thought to decrease by as much as 30%! Therefore you may start to notice sagging, loose skin and wrinkles in areas that were previously firm and youthful, because we need collagen to pump the skin and give it a youthful bounce. Also, you may notice the recession of certain fat pads, leading to reduction of volume in certain areas of the face such as the cheeks and lips.
To help address some of these changes there is a lot we can do and often it's more effective to combine different treatments for the best results. Injectable treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers, can be a great option for women who want to address wrinkles and other signs of ageing following menopause. Botox can help reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles and crow's feet, while dermal fillers can be used to restore volume to the cheeks and lips. Treatments, including chemical peels and micro-needling, can help to improve the texture and tone of your skin. By removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production, these treatments can help to restore a youthful glow to your complexion.
Acne
While many women assume that acne is something that only affects teenagers, it can actually be a common symptom of menopause. As hormone levels fluctuate during this time, it can lead to an increase in sebum production, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Even if you haven't suffered from acne since your teens or pregnancy, it's not uncommon for it to occur again during menopause. Spots are more likely to appear around your chin and jawline rather than your T-zone.
To manage acne during menopause, it's important to use gentle, non-irritating products that won't dry out the skin. Speak to you clinician about topical treatments that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid or Benzoyl peroxide.
A regular skin peel can also help unclog your pores, remove dead skin cells (that can clog your pores) and also give you a more radiant complexion.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help to regulate hormone levels and improve overall skin health.
Age Spots
Another common skin change that can occur during menopause is the development of age spots. These are small, dark spots that appear on the skin as a result of sun damage and ageing. As oestrogen levels decrease, the skin becomes more susceptible to damage from UV rays, which can lead to the development of these age spots.
To prevent age spots, it's important to protect the skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen and avoiding prolonged exposure to UV rays. We recommend a good broad spectrum sunscreen, with an SPF of 30+, all year around (yes that includes cloudy winter days!). Additionally, using products that contain vitamin C and retinoids can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of age spots.There are also some great medical grade products, that we can recommend, to reduce the appearance of age spots, so speak to your clinician for some suggestions.
In addition to our range of treatments, our clinic in Dorchester, Dorset, offers personalised skin care consultations to help you develop a customised skincare routine that addresses your unique needs. From gentle cleansers to targeted serums and moisturisers, we can help you find the products that will keep your skin looking its best.
In conclusion, menopausal skin changes can be challenging to deal with, but there are many non-invasive treatments available to help combat these changes. By working with a qualified professional and developing a customised treatment plan, you can restore a more youthful appearance to your skin and feel confident and beautiful at any age. Our clinic has everything you need, so why not contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced professionals at our Dorchester Clinic and start your journey to radiant, youthful skin.