How Does Menopause Effect The Skin?
Posted on: August 11, 2017
The march of time may be inevitable, but it needn't march across your face. Though the effects of menopause on a woman's skin are undeniable, adhering to a daily skin care routine, consulting with an esthetician on specialized products, and eating, sleeping and exercising properly can all keep your skin looking its youthful best.
First, the facts: The lower levels of estrogen associated with aging can cause skin dryness, loss of fat underneath the skin and a reduction in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for giving skin strength and elasticity. This combination of factors is responsible for the telltale signs of menopause: sagging jaw lines, cheeks, and necks along with fine lines around the eyes and above the upper lip.
Fortunately, there are concrete steps that can be taken to mitigate the effects of menopause on a woman's skin and keep it looking fresh and dewy.
Skin care
In short, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Skip regular soap, which is too drying, and switch to a moisturizing cleanser and face cream to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid overly hot, dehydrating showers and always follow up by moisturizing face and body when skin is wet to lock the moisture in. Don't forget your hands. Moisturize them, too, and be sure to wear gloves when washing dishes, scrubbing floors or out in the garden. Wear sunscreen, ideally SPF 30 or higher.
Use the proper products
While using a creamy moisturizer as part of your daily skin care routine will help avoid dryness and minimize the look of lines, it may not be enough. A consultation with an esthetician can help guide you to specialized products, including those containing retinol or hyaluronic acid, to add to your skin care regimen. Retinol helps build collagen and even the appearance of skin while hyaluronic acid keeps skin plump and hydrated.
Diet, rest, and exercise
Healthy living will benefit your skin every bit as much as your waistline. Try eating a diet loaded with antioxidants to keep skin healthy from the inside out and incorporate a few servings of isoflavone-rich soy a week. Regular exercise will get your blood flowing, delivering more oxygen to your skin and other organs. And don't forget to get plenty of beauty rest-at least eight hours a night.