Three common skin problems during menopause and how to fix them
As any woman going through perimenopause or menopause knows, your body undergoes several notable changes during this season of life, including changes to your skin. Some of the most common skin concerns that can occur include wrinkles, acne and warm, flushed skin.
The good news is that there are many simple fixes for these issues.
THINNING SKIN AND WRINKLES
During menopause, fibroblast cells within the skin secrete fewer collagen proteins, often leading to thinner skin and wrinkles. In addition, hormonal changes during this time can disrupt skin barrier function, causing dryness and thus enhancing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
The fix:
Retinoids are one of the best anti-aging ingredients, thanks to their ability to stimulate collagen production and the natural cell renewal process. Because vitamin C is a crucial component of collagen production, taking vitamin C supplements and/or using a high-quality topical vitamin C serum can also help to increase collagen.
Additionally, facial massage has been shown to increase blood flow and may also help to stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen, especially when combined with retinoids or vitamin C.
HORMONAL ACNE
As estrogen levels decrease and male hormones, or androgens, subsequently increase during menopause, hormonal acne can occur. Some hormone replacement therapies may also lead to acne, as they can cause an imbalance of hormones as well.
The fix:
Talk to your doctor to see if hormone replacement therapy could be right for you. He or she may prescribe a combination of estrogen and progesterone.
Secondly, work with your dermatologist to create an acne treatment plan that is a match for your skin type.
Retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and hydroxy acids are some of the best treatment ingredients for acne. However, the right treatment or combination of treatments will depend on your skin
type and specific needs.
FLUSHED SKIN
Hot flashes occur due to a disruption of the cold sensors in your skin during menopause, combined with decreasing estrogen levels. For many women, hot flashes and red, flushed skin are the most intense on their face, neck and chest.
The fix:
Hormone replacement therapy may be able to balance decreasing estrogen levels and minimize hot flashes. Additionally, look for topical ingredients such as menthol that stimulate the TRPA-1 receptor to provide a cooling sensation.
A new skincare brand called Pause™ targets menopausal and postmenopausal skin. Pause now offers a cooling spray with menthol and a fascia stimulating tool to massage the skin.
BOTTOM LINE
While menopausal skin problems such as wrinkles, hot flashes and acne are never fun to deal with, the right combination of hormone therapy and topical skin treatments can significantly improve these bothersome symptoms.
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