Beauty: Meno-proof your beauty buys
Have your hormones caused upheaval? Here’s how to ease the effects of ageing…
The menopause can be a turbulent time for your health, and it can have an effect on your looks, too. It's due your hormone levels going haywire. ‘ Oestrogen rapidly decreases and women experience the most profound skin changes,’ explains Sharon Hilditch, founder of Crystal Clear Skincare. While we can see the signs of ageing already, ‘the menopause exacerbates these changes,’ explains Sharon. Find out how to manage the most noticeable symptoms. 1 FACE UP TO SAGGING Collagen levels slowly decrease over time, but they really take a hit now. ‘ Hormonal changes mean the skin doesn’t replenish itself as quickly. The skin reacts differently and needs additional hydration and plumping,’ says Cathy Kangas, CEO and founder of PRAI Beauty. Its Pink Diamond 3D
Volumizing Creme, £49.99, has been designed specifically for use in the menopause and beyond. It has an ingredient that, when applied topically, can optimise fat production for a plumper face.
TAP THE APP Menopause View helps you track, monitor and analyse typical symptoms. Free for iPhone and Android.
2 WELL OILED A fall in sebum production, plus a lower water content in the skin, can result in a seriously dry complexion that can feel delicate, too. ‘ This dryness can also lead to itching and even ezcema,’ warns consultant dermatologist Daniel Glass. An oil is the most efficient way to restore comfort to your skin, and Boots Botanics 100% Organic Nourishing Facial Oil, £11.49, is rich in skin-plumping rosehip and omega oils. Apply straight £x.xx to skin, or mix a few drops into your usual moisturiser.
3 HAPPIER HAIR It’s not just our skin that takes a hit during menopause. ‘ We often see changes in the hair cycle at this time, with more in the “resting or falling” stage, leading to thinner, finer hair,’ says consultant dermatologist Justine Hextall. ‘ Scalp skin can become dry and sensitive, too.’ While supplements and a healthy diet will help in the long term, targeted hair care, such as Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo, £9.99, can also boost limp locks.
4 FEELING FLUSHED? Hot flushes are
a well-documented symptom and, aside from feeling uncomfortable, they can heighten the risk of problems like rosacea. B. Nourished Cooling & Soothing
Mask, £8.99, Superdrug, gives an instant cooling sensation, with witch hazel to mattify and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and soothe redness. If you find you’re waking up with a greasier scalp, avoid cotton pillowcases, which can mop up oil, leading to overproduction to compensate. Choose silk instead, and use a clarifying shampoo in the morning. 5 SEE OFF SPOTS Ironically, while sebum production – the main culprit of acne – slows down, sluggish skin cell turnover means a build-up on your skin, and congestion will invariably mean spots. Minimise this by kick-starting your skin’s circulation, creating a smoother, brighter complexion. This can be done by regularly using Crystal Clear Oxygen Face Polish, £33.99, or try St Ives Even & Bright Scrub, £5.65.