Master your MENOPAUSAL skincare routine

Vichy Laboratories reveal all you need to help skin survive – and thrive! Introducing Neovadiol – skincare for perimenopause and menopause

The shift in hormones that occurs during perimenopause and beyond can have a huge impact on your body – including your skin. ‘At perimenopause and menopause, hormonal imbalances have a visible impact on skin,’ says Dr Shahzadi Harper, Vichy Women’s Health Doctor and author of The Perimenopause Solution. ‘Oestrogen loss and cortisol increase accelerate skin ageing as collagen production stalls and elastin decreases by up to 30%. Skin becomes less springy and firm, texture becomes dry, and we start to see fine lines and wrinkles. We lose collagen, so skin starts to sag, and there can be a loss of definition on the jawline.’

This, in turn, can lead to needing a whole new skincare routine – but where to begin?

WHY NEOVADIOL SKINCARE?

Vichy Laboratories know their stuff when it comes to menopausal skin. With more than 20 years of scientific research into the impacts of hormonal variation at menopause and its impact on skin health, Vichy is committed to supporting women throughout perimenopause and menopause. The Neovadiol range is specially designed for the skin of women going through this change. It’s co-developed with a multi-disciplinary board of experts and doctors, including gynaecologists, dermatologists, nutritionists, endocrinologists and women’s health experts.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SKIN DURING THE CHANGE?

There are over 30 different symptoms associated with the perimenopause and menopause – that’s a huge change to your body, mind and skin! To better understand exactly what your skin will be grappling with during this hormonal shift, we spoke to Dr Cristina Psomadakis, Vichy Dermatologist, and asked for her expert insight.

‘The vast majority of women will notice skin changes, although the degree of severity will differ and can depend on genetic causes and pre-existing medical conditions,’ she says. This means that whatever changes you’re experiencing are totally normal – if you’re experiencing something, it’s likely thousands of other women have too!

Dr Psomadakis continues, ‘The hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to a variety of changes in skin, hair and nails, including:

– Skin becomes drier, more sensitive and less elastic. Some studies estimate we lose 30% of collagen in the five years following menopause.

– In the years of perimenopause, there can be flushing of skin and temperature fluctuations.

– About 40% of women will notice some thinning of the hair, and some will get facial hair growth.’

WHAT TO PRIORITISE IN YOUR SKINCARE

The drop in collagen will likely be one of the most noticeable differences in your complexion. You can help keep natural collagen production boosted by using a

‘All products are hypoallergenic and clinically scored by dermatologists’

high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen daily – UV rays can affect your skin on even the cloudiest of days.

Incorporating active ingredients, namely retinol, can also help. It’s a brilliant skin-plumper, known to help speed up cell renewal, leaving it feeling noticeably bouncier and firm after just a few days of use. If you’re noticing your skin feeling and looking a bit drier, Dr Psomadakis advises switching to a richer moisturiser.

‘Combat dryness with rich creams full of ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid,’ she says, and continues, ‘The Vichy Neovadiol range is specifically formulated with perimenopause and menopause skin in mind. The Plumping Day Cream has rich ingredients like Proxylane, cassia seed extract, hyaluronic acid and Vichy Volcanic Mineralizing Water to plump skin with moisture.’

COOL DOWN, INSTANTLY

There’s a reason that hot flashes is one of the most commonly discussed symptoms when it comes to menopause – there’s no avoiding them, and they can be quite irritating! There are ways of keeping cool when they start to kick in – namely, keeping your skincare in your fridge. It may sound excessive but the soothing difference it makes to your skin and mind is instant, you’ll feel a sense of relief in seconds. Dr Psomadakis agrees with this top tip, and takes it to the next level. ‘Keep a hydrating mist in your bag for a spritz of cooling hydration. I also think keeping a rich, soothing moisturiser like Neovadiol Revitalizing Night Cream in the fridge at home can provide some relief.’ >>

Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated – picking hardworking products means you can keep things simple, and keep faff to a minimum!

MORNING

CLEANSE

Do as normal, to clear away any active ingredients, plus any sweat from the night before. If your skin feels thirsty and dehydrated, swap to a cream-based cleanser, for a more hydrating option. SERUM

A serum is a great way of targeting skin concerns, as their light, concentrated formulas sink deeply into skin. Vichy Neovadiol Meno 5 Bi-serum for Perimenopausal and Menopausal Skin, £39, is specially formulated. It targets the five prominent signs of menopause on the skin by using a blend of active ingredients, including niacinamide, vitamins C and E, glycolic acid and skin-nourishing omegas. The lightweight formulation works to intensely nourish, restore comfort and show a radiant, even-looking complexion. It also improves skin elasticity, leaving it firmer and smoother. MOISTURISE

Your skin needs as much moisture as it can get, so use rich, ceramide-infused creams to help keep your complexion hydrated and happy. We love Vichy Neovadiol Perimenopause Plumping Day Cream, £32 – it uses Proxylane and cassia seed extract, as well as super-hydrator hyaluronic acid to keep skin looking and feeling plump, softened and content.

SPF

We’re always evangelical about SPF, but as Dr Psomadakis says, using it daily is key to keep your collagen levels up. Use it as the last step in your morning skincare routine, and you’ll notice a difference in the texture, clarity and tone of your skin in a matter of weeks.

EVENING

CLEANSE

You should cleanse twice in the evenings, as your face has been out in the elements. The first cleanse is to remove make-up, SPF, plus any pollution or grime that has been in contact with your face from being out and about for the day; the second cleanse is to really clean skin.

Use an oil or balm for your first cleanse, then a gel or cream for the second. RETINOL

You can use retinol in a serum or a night cream, as an effective way of keeping your collagen levels up. Retinol is known to speed up cell production and can visibly improve the appearance of wrinkles. Always use retinol in the evenings, never in the mornings, as it can make you more susceptible to skin damage. And always use a SPF the morning after using retinol to keep skin protected.

MOISTURISE

Night sweats can be a common, irritating symptom of menopause and perimenopause. Vichy Neovadiol Perimenopause Revitalizing Night

Cream, £34, is a hydrating cream in a cleverly cooling formula that will soothe skin. The refreshing gel texture can reduce skin temperature by up to 2.7 degrees.

COMING SOON…

We love Vichy Neovadiol Multi-corrective Eye & Lip Care For Menopausal Skin, £28*. It’s a multitasker, working to soothe and hydrate the delicate eye area, as well as lips. You can use it both in the morning and evening.