If your skin seems to have changed overnight during perimenopause or menopause, you're not imagining it.
One minute your usual skincare routine is working great and the next your skin is suddenly drier, more sensitive, prone to breakouts, itchy or just different.
Hormonal changes can have a significant effect on the skin, understanding what's happening can make it easier to manage.
As we move through perimenopause and menopause our oestrogen levels fluctuate and ultimately decline. Oestrogen plays a very big role in maintaining skin structure, hydration and elasticity. This means the skincare routine that worked for you during your 30's and 40's may no longer be a right fit for you.
One of the most common complaints is the skin suddenly feels tight, rough and uncomfortable. You may notice moisturiser no longer seems to be enough and your skin becomes dry and flaky shortly after cleansing. Look for gentle hydrating products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and nourishing oils. Stay away from foaming cleansers, they can strip the skin's protective barrier and make dryness worse.
Hormonal changes can make the skin barrier more vulnerable, suddenly products you previously tolerated cause stinging and redness. If your skin is becoming reactive consider simplifying your routine. Sometimes less really is more.
If you are experiencing menopausal acne the temptation is often to attack with strong drying products, because mature skin can be both dry and acne prone at the same time using overly harsh products can damage the skin barrier leaving you with even more irritation. A gentle approach is a better place to start, avoid very hot showers, harsh soaps and heavily fragranced products if your skin is struggling. Apply moisturisers while the skin is still damp to help lock in hydration.
Mature skin benefits from barrier support, hydration and protection rather than aggressive exfoliation. Your skincare routine should evolve with you, rather than fighting every line, spot or texture change focus on supporting your skin and giving it the nourishment and protection it needs now.
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1 comment
Skin IQ A is definitely helping with my weird greasy hormonal forehead lumps/whiteheads! They decreased in size overnight.