Let’s get one thing straight: menopause is not a disease or an expiration date. There are so many misconceptions about menopause that some of my clients are genuinely surprised that they still look and feel great after going through the “change.”
There’s no question that your skin will change after menopause, but you can take control and manage the changes. In my previous blogs, I have already covered the fundamentals of how to care for your skin at every age: Never leave your house without putting on sunscreen, eat a healthy diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants, stay active and follow a customized skincare regimen.
My long-term clients are happier with their skin in menopause than my clients who came to me after they had gone through menopause. I wish I could take credit, but the women who are happier with their skin made healthy lifestyle choices and followed a skincare regime. Botox and fillers can only do so much.
The good news is it’s never too late. Let’s look at why skin changes after menopause. For starters, collagen production slows down after age 25 and it declines more rapidly after menopause. This decrease can cause wrinkles and sagging skin.
Estrogen plays a key role in collagen and elastin production. The hormone also helps the skin retain moisture and heal from wounds. During peri-menopause, or the years leading up to menopause, the ovaries make less estrogen. After menopause, hormone levels plummet and most women notice changes in their skin texture and turgor.
Some of my clients have concerns about jowls and crepey skin. Others ask me what they can do to give dull, tired-looking skin a boost. They are relieved when they learn that I can help them, and that they can help themselves.
Routinely getting minor treatments such as photofacials, microneedling, PRP treatments or chemical peels can dramatically improve skin quality. They all stimulate collagen production and cell turnover.
Investing in high-quality skincare products with hyaluronic acid, retinoids and vitamin C will also make a difference in skin quality. Exfoliants such as glycolic or lactic acids can help reveal the fresh skin cells, but start slowly if you haven't used these before.
Mature skin needs even more protection from sun damage and environmental pollution. You want to keep those free radicals at bay. Use a vitamin C serum and slather yourself in sunscreen before setting foot outside.
Nutrition also plays a vital role. Antioxidants, found in foods such as berries, orange vegetables, dark leafy greens and dark chocolate, are molecules stable enough to bring a rampaging free radical to a screeching halt and neutralize it, reducing its capacity to damage cells.
There’s so much you can do to improve skin quality after menopause. Some people feel that women over 50 are invisible; I don’t believe that is the case. Madam Vice-President is just one example of a woman at the peak of her powers. Many of my clients started to live the life they’ve always wanted in their 50s.
To get the most out of this stage of your life, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about managing any bothersome symptoms or health concerns. When it comes to your skin, I am here to help you look like the best version of yourself.
Remember, if you start coming to me for treatments in your 30s or 40s, I’m going to make recommendations with your future face in mind. I can’t tell you how fulfilling it is to see my clients in their 50s and 60s glowing with confidence.
As always, I’m here to help. I hope to see you soon.
