Sdry skin or, vice versa, the appearance of imperfections, brown spots, loss of tone: these are some of the visible changes on the skin during menopause or during hormonal changes related to it. How to behave? By changing some habits in daily skincare and introducing some specific treatments. Here they are.
Menopause skin, a slow change
A study conducted by Vichy laboratories highlighted that 40% of the women interviewed noted some signs related to premenopause on the face, underlining how the skin begins to change around the age of 45. The main changes? Loss of skin elasticity, dryness and appearance of wrinkles.
«Menopause is a delicate and difficult time large epidermal change due to decreased functional capacity of the ovaries. The changes that women perceive are multiple and usually begin during pre-menopause, around the age of 45. Thanks to the transformations at a biological and hormonal level, there is a also has an impact on the skin which begins to dehydrate, appear duller and less toned and thins over time” explains Sergio Noviello, doctor and cosmetic surgeon, general director of Sergio Noviello Cosmetic Surgery & BAT Centre.
The main reason for the change? Estrogen deficiency. As the expert explains, a decrease in estrogen levels leads to a decrease in anti-oxidant activity and a consequent increase in free radicals: «It is important to underline that these changes are almost always very slow, occurring within 5-10 yearsnot to mention that every woman’s response is subjective.”
How skin changes during menopause
Given therefore that epidermal changes are subjective and that they are different depending on the phase you are experiencing, the consequences are mainly four: first, one reduction in the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid so the skin appears less elastic and toned and the wrinkles begin to deepen. Second, a slowing down of elastin synthesis and cell turnover which result in duller and less luminous skin.
Third, aalteration of the anti-oxidative function, favoring un accentuation of photo-aging spots; Not least, epidermal dryness and dehydration caused by the loss of lipids, important skin supports.
Not to mention the reduction in bone level: «This causes the face to become empty and an initial skin laxity appears, especially the middle third and the lower third of the face which appear more droopy.” It is good to remember that they do not necessarily occur all, nor together: each skin is unique in its mechanisms.
…And in the post-menopause
These four main changes can be followed by others. As the expert explains, usually in post-menopausethat is, one year after the definitive disappearance of the menstrual cycle, the skin may become oilier, if not acne-prone, or light facial hair may appear. The reason is the increase in the production of androgen hormones by the adrenal and ovarian glands in spite of estrogen, in sharp decline.
How skincare is changing: the yeses and nos
During the stages of menopause it is therefore important also change your daily skincare routine: «The advice is to carry out a skin check-up to identify the right path to follow, with a necessarily personalized approach. By doing so, it also allows you to evaluate which aesthetic, regenerative or dermatological treatments are most suitable».
What to focus on? «On cosmetic products designed to hydrate, strengthen the skin’s structure and give the face a healthy and luminous appearance. Furthermore, despite what you might think, you must avoid textures that are too rich or heavy on mature skin.”
Furthermore, never forget the sun protection factor to prevent the appearance of skin blemishes which accelerate skin aging. A more thorough cleansing should not be underestimated: «Remove make-up daily and do some periodic facial cleansings are among the dogmas of skin over 50. Yes also to specific supplements for this age such as those based on vitamin C, silicon, collagen and selenium.”
Aesthetic medicine, the most suitable treatments for menopause
In addition to hyaluronic acid, laser and botox fillers, Regenerative medicine is becoming increasingly popular which helps keep the face fresh without losing harmony and naturalness: «In this case they can be very useful injective treatments based on biostimulant active ingredients and collagen, which intervenes on the texture of the skin and makes it more compact, nourished and luminous, or based on hyaluronic acid which allows you to intervene on laxity. Yes also to cycles of biorevitalizing or exosome-based injective treatments hydrate and help restore the skin barrier and have a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.”
«Also not to be underestimated periodic peeling cycles, from the most delicate to the most intense ones which promote cell turnover and keep the skin fresh and the complexion more uniform, reducing blemishes and discolouration” concludes Professor Noviello.
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