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 occur naturally in the skin and hair. It depends on 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 missing.
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 develop wrinkles, wounds heal more slowly, hair becomes dull and dry, and joints and ligaments become stiffer. Therefore, it is important to take care of the skin from an early age instead of trying to repair it when the damage has 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% 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 reach menopause. The skin becomes more sensitive, which means that irritations are also more likely to occur.
This is why it is important to choose the right skin care products to counteract these changes.
Dr. Spiezia mentions that "Sebaceous glands shrink after menopause; and less oil is secreted. Skin inevitably dries out and needs more hydration. To keep skin healthy and slow aging, it's important to replenish 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, blueberry, spirulina, carrot extract, to name a few.”
TIP:
- Moisturize your skin daily and use a natural SPF under your make-up – this can help prevent further thinning and protect your skin from sun damage.
- Use a rich, water-free moisturizer on face and body – especially after showering/bathing and a night balm that works while you sleep, when skin is most relaxed and can slowly absorb nutrients.
- You may see bags appearing under the 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 becomes more prone to bruising, then apply arnica-rich products to bumps. This amazing plant is well known to help 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 hormonal decline during menopause, other factors can cause thinning hair through 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 such as avocado & argan oil, repairing nettles and horseradish, and fenugreek which is acclaimed for strengthening hair follicles.
-Reduce animal proteins in your diet and increase 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 picks for this transition period:
Deep Moisture Balm : rich balm ideal for dry and tired skin in need of extra daily moisture. Star ingredients: evening primrose oils, 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 horseradish extract.
Body Oil with Arnica : a massage oil to use after a shower/bath to stimulate circulation and promote flexibility. Star ingredients: arnica flowers, apricot kernel oil and evening primrose oil.
Under Eye Revive : decongestant panacea 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 elk grass.
Menopause is a natural process beyond 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 the dawn of a new beginning.