No matter where you are in the stages of menopause — whether it be perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause — you’re most likely going to experience a series of changes related to hormonal imbalance. While hot flashes and irritability are a few of the more well-known symptoms of menopause, women may also experience redness, dryness, breakouts, and itchiness of the skin as a result of having reduced estrogen levels.
Although the female reproductive system may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about how reduced estrogen affects the body, the truth is that there are more estrogen receptors on the face than on anywhere else on the body. Estrogen is responsible for formulating collagen, so when your estrogen levels begin to decline, you may notice that wrinkles and fine lines become more pronounced. Some even find that hormonal imbalance leads to excessively oily skin, which results in further breakouts and adult acne. However, over time, most women will find that their skin becomes more dry and sensitive throughout and after menopause.
In addition to causing fine lines and wrinkles, menopause can cause your skin to experience:
- Loss of elasticity
- Reduced production of collagen
- Thinning
- Feelings of tightness, dryness, and itchiness
- Temporary flushing
Although menopause is inevitable no matter how long you manage to stave it off and avoid this aging process, there are steps you can take early on to prevent and fight off visible signs of aging on your skin that may occur due to hormonal imbalance.
Wear sunscreen on a daily basis
Sun damage is often the number one contributing factor to aging skin, and can lead to the formation of wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, age spots, and fine lines. Wear sunscreen or makeup products that contain protection against UV rays on a daily basis when you plan on being outside, regardless of the weather forecast.
Keep your skin moisturized
Moisturizing your skin will help keep it nourished and hydrated, which is especially important during menopause when your skin is prone to being more dry and itchy than usual. Moisturizer can also give your skin a smoother, plumper appearance to result in a more youthful look considering your collagen production is relatively low.
Stop taking scalding hot showers
While hot showers may feel nice, especially during the cold weather season, hot water can be harsh on your skin and result in more dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. If possible, get used to taking showers in cool or lukewarm water temperatures to relieve your skin of the unneeded stress.
Exfoliate regularly using alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) have the ability to naturally polish the surface of your skin to result in a smoother, brighter, and younger-looking complexion. Exfoliating your skin using AHAs such as glycolic acid can even prep your skin for more efficient absorption of any anti-aging skincare products you might be using.
Use skincare treatments that boost collagen production and reduce wrinkles
Many over-the-counter skincare products lack the ingredients and formulation needed to treat wrinkles and boost collagen production effectively. Undergo skincare treatments such as chemical peels, which can revitalize your appearance, or use prescription skincare products such as ReFissa or ReGenica — both of which are strong enough to effectively reduce wrinkles and blemishes.
Stay hydrated all day long with water
Water is vital to maintaining bright and healthy-looking skin, even as you age. Drink water all throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated, reduce inflammation, flush out toxins, and to maintain a youthful-looking appearance.
Exercise on a regular basis
Engaging in regular physical activity will promote blood and oxygen flow throughout your body, which will increase the flow and amount of nutrients that get delivered to your skin. Also, when you sweat, your body will be purged of toxins that would otherwise lead to the clogging of pores and breakouts.
Eat a healthy diet
Many whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, and nuts contain a number of antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients that can boost collagen production and reduce oily skin, acne, itchiness, and dryness. Eating unhealthy foods such as fried snacks and desserts lack the nutrients needed to keep your skin looking vital and healthy. Be conscious of what you eat, and add more omega-3 foods into your diet to strengthen your skin’s oil barrier.
Rock Creek Wellness offers a number of aesthetic services and skincare products in Kansas City designed to help you look and feel your best. Reveal the beautiful, youthful skin that is hiding under years of stress and free-radical damage through our pharmaceutical-grade aesthetic services. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and sign up to receive $25 off the HydraFacial MD treatment (for a limited time only)!
