What to expect and how to combat common skin changes during this transitional time.
Right when we think we’ve finally hacked the ultimate skincare routine, along comes perimenopause to shake things up. For many women, perimenopause – the transitional phase leading up to menopause – can lead to skin changes due to hormonal fluctuations. While this phase of life can start anytime from our late-30s onwards, it often leaves us feeling like we’re right back where we started – battling acne, breakouts, and difficult skin just like we did during our teenage years. While it might sound frustrating (it is), this time in our lives doesn’t have to be overwhelming (at all). Here’s how your skin may change during perimenopause and what you can do about it today.
The power of hormones
Dr. Mary Claire Haver, author of The New Menopause and certified OB-GYN, often reminds women that “your skin is a hormone-dependant organ”. During perimenopause, our estrogen levels start to decline, which can lead to a range of skin changes. These include a decrease in collagen and elastin, which creates thinning skin, dryness due to reduced sebum production, wrinkle formation, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, as well as acne – particularly along the chin and jawline.
Skincare tips to see you through
While these changes are less than ideal, they can be managed with a targeted and consistent routine. Hydration is particularly important as is gentle cleansing. Try to find moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture in your skin, and invest in a non-stripping cleanser that will help you to preserve your skin’s natural barrier. When leaving the house each day, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UV-induced ageing and to prevent any increased pigmentation. You may also consider adding a topical retinoid to your nightly routine, which can promote cell turnover and collagen production while addressing any fine lines or acne that you might experience along the way. And if all else fails, add a Vitamin C or E serum to help combat oxidative stress, and brighten your skin.
Turn on the light
For effective and non-invasive treatments, red light therapy might be another great option if you find your skin needs that extra support. The wavelengths used in red-light therapy can penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes that address a range of perimenopausal skin issues. This includes everything from collagen production to skin tone and texture, and acne treatment. Not only can red light therapy stimulate the cells responsible for collagen production, it can improve the elasticity of your skin and reduce wrinkles. Best of all? It can even help with reducing redness, promoting a more even skin tone and reduce inflammation and bacteria.
Get sleep savvy
We all know about getting enough ‘beauty sleep’ but during perimenopause, this can become really difficult. Poor sleep, which can be another hormonal symptom, can lead to increased cortisol, which impacts the skin barrier and can trigger inflammation. If you’re struggling with sleep during this period, consider introducing a magnesium supplement to help you get those precious ZZ’s as well as a silk pillowcase to further support the skin on your face during that precious snooze-time.
You are what you eat
What you’re fuelling your body with can be just as important as the products you’re using on your skin. Consider switching to a skin-conscious diet, which will help you transform the state of your skin while supporting you throughout hormonal shifts. This means choosing nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body. Omega-3 fatty acids can play an important role here as they help to maintain your skin’s lipid barrier, which keeps the moisture in, and irritants out. While you can take a supplement, it’s always best to eat these foods directly. These include salmon, sardines, mackerel, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds. To boost your collagen production, add Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene and polyphenols to your diet, which can be found in dark leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, and green tea. Finally, don’t forget about protein – the building block of happy skin. During perimenopause, we can often experience a loss of muscle mass and skin firmness, so adding high-quality protein to your diet can make a real difference. This might include eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, tempeh and lean chicken.
