Causes of skin conditions due to menopause
Hormonal changes
The plummet of hormone levels is the first cause of the skin changes that we can experience. The loss of oestrogen can cause the skin to retain less water, while low levels of progesterone cause a drop in the amount of sebum, which moisturises the skin, in addition to protecting it from toxins and pathogens. In addition, the production of melanin and the way the pigment reaches the skin are also related to changes in levels of oestrogen, which causes the appearance of hyperpigmentation to be more frequent during this stage.
Sun damage
Completely reversing the sun damage that has already occurred is impossible, but we can prevent further damage. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sun cream in all areas exposed to solar radiation (face, neck, cleavage, hands, etc.) is very important, as we will not only be preventing photoageing and sun spots or melasma, but also the risk of skin cancer. As an added benefit, sun cream acts as a moisturiser.
Insomnia and stress
Menopause is also related to the onset of insomnia, and if we add all the physical and psychological changes associated with it to this, we are facing a highly stressful situation for many women. If we do not get a proper rest at night and our cortisol levels rise due to stress, the quality of our skin will be negatively affected.
What symptoms might you experience?
After menopause, women may notice that their skin loses its thickness and is drier, which makes it more prone to the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, flaccidity and irritation. Therefore, this is a stage in which we can find multiple unwanted effects: skin rashes, skin itching, red blemishes on the skin, dry skin or sensitive skin are just some of the negative symptoms we may encounter, and it is common for all of them to occur to a greater or lesser extent, depending on our lifestyle and our underlying genetics.
To counteract this array of symptoms, there are several steps that we can take in the right direction, such as always applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun cream, as well as consulting a skin care professional to assess its condition and plan the right treatment.
Treatments for skin changes
FAQs
What treatments are available for sensitive and irritated skin during menopause?
When dealing with sensitised skin, it is essential to look for products with ingredients that help to soothe it and that do not irritate it, especially if you are experiencing itching or inflammation. Professional cosmetic treatments formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid or panthenol (provitamin B5), among others, help to keep the skin hydrated and uniform and soothe irritations.
How can wrinkles and flaccidity be tackled during menopause?
In addition to preventing them by applying a sunscreen daily, we can opt for formulations containing state-of-the-art antioxidant compounds that help us to improve the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid to provide firmness, moisturise and redensify the skin, minimising the appearance of wrinkles and combating flaccidity.
How can dry skin be moisturised during menopause?
Hyaluronic acid, especially in combination with oils containing omega 3 and 6 and panthenol, is one of our great allies to combat skin dryness. This will restore the balance of the epidermal barrier, avoiding peeling, and also achieve deep moisturisation.
How can skin blemishes be minimised during menopause?
Hyperpigmentation of the skin caused by ageing or photoageing is a problem that usually occurs during menopause. In addition to professional treatments such as peels or microneedling, which can offer excellent results if we put ourselves in the hands of experts, it is recommended to use depigmenting creams specifically formulated to regulate the excessive production of melanin.
What treatments are recommended for the eye contour area?
As it is an area of the body with very thin skin and fewer sebaceous glands, the eye contour area is particularly vulnerable to changes caused by menopause. It is also an area that is constantly moving, exacerbating its propensity to develop wrinkles even more. As it is so difficult to treat, the most effective thing is to go beyond buying creams and seek professional treatments that include peels and intradermal injections of suitable substances to maximise results.
What can I do to recover the lost volume?
Although there are cosmetic products for topical use that help redensify the skin, the best treatments are currently fillers applied using professional mesotherapy techniques and, among them, the safest and most proven are those that use hyaluronic acid. This type of method allows the volume in the lips and face to be recovered in a minimally invasive and safe way, but it is necessary to visit a cosmetics specialist clinic that uses the highest-quality technology and products.
