Beauty Solve problem skin, podcasts
Fight your hormonal fluctuations with our easy guide
Solution 1 Zap spots
Reaching menopause can mean battling unwanted blemishes and spots. But spot-zapping products aimed at teenage acne and pimples may be too harsh for more mature, delicate skin. If in doubt, look for face washes, toners and moisturisers that contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid or niacinamide to destroy the bacteria causing spots. TRY Mary Kay Clear Proof Blemish Control Toner $35
Solution 2 Rehydrate skin
Postmenopause is the time our skin starts to lose the ability to hold water, which can leave it feeling tight. TRY Jurlique Replenishing Cleansing Lotion $42, which is enriched with botanical extracts to help soften and restore moisture. Afterwards, ramp-up hydration with a hyaluronic acid-enriched product, like Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum $85.
Solution 3 Calm irritation
Is I your skin suddenly ultrasensitive? If so, it might be time to simplify your regimen. n. A good starting point is to find nd products made for sensitive skin, which are fragrance and d alcohol-free. TRY Avene Skin Recovery Cream $38.95
Solution 4 Tighten up
After we hit menopause our skin’s collagen and elastin levels drop dramatically, which is what causes wrinkles and sagging. TRY Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-ageing Night Moisturiser
$39.99. This concentrated moisturiser reverses any visible signs of ageing overnight. It also contains accelerated retinol SA technology and glucose complex, which smooths the skin’s surface, and hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate the look of skin.
Solution 5 Mop up excess oil
As we age, our oestrogen levels decline, which in turn sends our skin’s sebaceous glands into overdrive to produce excess oil. While it may sound counterintuitive to add oil to already oily skin, argan, lavender and rosehip oils are great for balancing the skin and won’t block pores. Slather on at night. TRY Embalm Skincare Nurturing Rosehip Oil $33.95
Solution 6 Get glowing skin
If you’re not regularly exfoliating (twice a week), then your skin’s going to look dull and lacklustre. Choose a gentle exfoliator to sweep away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter and clearer complexion. TRY Sand & Sky Flash Perfection Exfoliating
Treatment $59.90. You only need to leave it on for five minutes! While the pink clay removes gunk from the pores, the Aha-rich Australian finger lime speeds up cell turnover, leaving you with a subtle glow.
Solution 7 Prevent pigmentation
As we get closer to menopause, we increase our risk of getting UV damage. That’s because our body’s production of melanin (the pigment protecting our skin from the sun) is slowing down. To reduce the risk, invest in a lightweight sunscreen or a SPF moisturiser. TRY Arbonne RE9 Advanced Prepwork Soft Focus Veil SPF 30 Sunscreen $64, as it protects and creates a soft focus effect to blur the look of pores.
Solution 8 Soothe flushes
Hot flushes and a red face are commonplace through menopause, but cooling masks could be just the trick to calm blotchy skin. TRY Ren Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask $56. It contains white mushroom extract to minimise irritation and instantly calm, soothe and moisturise the skin. Store it in the fridge and apply a thin layer of the 10-minute rescue mask when you need it.