As we get older and eventually reach menopause, many noticeable changes can occur in how we feel mentally and physically. This includes our skin and hair, but it is actually something we can influence through proper care.
This natural cycle generally happens to women in their 50s and the inevitable changes officially begin a year after the menstrual cycle ends. However, this is very individual and some notice the changes much earlier than that.
Dr Mariano Spiezia of Inlight Beauty, physician, herbalist and skin expert explains: “During menopause, changes in the skin and hair occur naturally. This is due to the nature of the skin and its sensitivity to the hormones produced and released by the ovaries: estrogens, androgens and progesterone. The skin is rich in nerve endings and contains a large number of receptors for estrogens, which means that the skin tends to “wither” if these are lacking.
Visible changes on the skin: loss of collagen
As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen and your skin loses elasticity. According to the North American Menopause Society, the decline in collagen begins around age 25 and then declines even more during the early years of menopause. This is when most women start to develop wrinkles, wounds heal more slowly, hair becomes dull and dry, and joints and ligaments become stiffer. That's why it's important to take care of your skin from an early age rather than trying to repair the damage once it's already been done.
The lack of estrogen in menopause affects all components of the skin and the skin's ability to retain moisture becomes worse. The skin can lose 2% of collagen per year, for 10-15 years after menopause begins. The content of elastic fibers in the skin decreases and the skin becomes thinner. This is why wrinkles worsen and furrows sink.
If the natural changes of menopause weren't enough, our skin's pH level also changes when we go through menopause. The skin becomes more sensitive, which means it's also more likely to experience irritation.
That's why it's important to choose the right skincare products to counteract these changes.
Dr. Spiezia mentions that "The sebaceous glands shrink after menopause; and less oil is secreted. The skin inevitably dries out and needs more hydration. To keep the skin healthy and slow down aging, it is important to replenish it with oils rich in natural chemicals found on the skin along with botanical extracts that are rich in antioxidants."
Look for argan, rosehip and evening primrose oil combined with barley grass, blueberries, spirulina, carrot extract, to name a few.”
TIP:
- Moisturize your skin daily and use a natural SPF under your makeup – this can help prevent further thinning and protect your skin from sun damage.
- Use a rich, water-free moisturizer on your face and body – especially after showering/bathing and a nighttime conditioner that works while you sleep, when your skin is most relaxed and can slowly absorb nutrients.
- You may see bags appearing under your eyes – Products rich in ingredients such as burdock root extract (detox), green coffee and witch hazel (astringent), camu camu extract (antioxidant) can help.
- Your skin is more prone to bruising, so apply arnica-rich products to any bumps. This amazing plant is well known for helping to increase circulation by stimulating the activity of white blood cells, thereby reducing inflammation.
Hair care
Menopause can lead to thinning hair, hair that breaks easily, or hair loss in many women. Along with the hormonal decline during menopause, other factors can cause thinning hair through a nutrient-poor diet, high stress levels, and genetic inheritance.
TIP:
-Use a hair mask weekly to strengthen and nourish. Inlight Hair Elixir is concentrated in nutrients like avocado & argan oil, repairing nettle and horsetail, and fenugreek, which is praised for strengthening hair follicles.
-Reduce animal proteins in your diet and increase your intake of organic nuts and vegetables rich in beta-carotene, chlorophyll and antioxidant minerals such as carrots, beets, broccoli, watercress and spinach.
Inlight Beauty's choices for this transitional time:
Deep Moisture Balm : rich balm ideal for dry and tired skin in need of extra daily moisture. Star ingredients: evening primrose oil, carrot oil, shea butter, calendula extract, gotu kola extract and lemon peel extract.
Line Softener Intensive : topical balm for mature skin to stimulate collagen production and soften facial lines. Star ingredients: argan oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, rosehip extract, barley grass extract, spirulina extract and horsetail extract.
Body Oil with Arnica : a massage oil to use after showering/bathing to stimulate circulation and promote suppleness. Star ingredients: arnica flowers, apricot kernel oil and evening primrose oil.
Under Eye Revive : a decongestant all-purpose remedy for under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Star ingredients: camu camu, gotu kola, green tea and green coffee.
Arnica & Hyssop Balm : helps reduce swelling and bruising. Star ingredients: arnica flowers, hypericum, hyssop and elm grass.
Menopause is a natural process outside of our control, but nothing to worry about.
Talk to other women to share experiences with, join a gentle menopause exercise class, take care of yourself more than ever: this change can be a positive experience of self-discovery and a dawn of a new beginning.