Time is up on any old skincare
Skincare – our bathroom cabinets are full of it. If you’re like us, you adjust your routine to match the season, but changing it to suit our hormones as we get older? News to some people.
You may be thinking ‘what’s the fuss about, I’ve got my anti-ageing routine locked down,’ but hormone-based skincare during ‘the change’ requires some pretty scientific know-how.
Skincare school is now in session and we’re showing you the best way to take care of your skin during menopause.
What happens to skin during menopause & why?
As us women go through menopause, our ovaries age just like the rest of our bodies and release fewer hormones, which can have an impact on our skin. Bad news is the skin from your 20s won’t be coming back – the drop in oestrogen reduces production in collagen and elastin levels, making skin thinner, more prone to drying out and more prone to sagging (this one’s noticeable around your cheekbones and jaw). The good news is you can help to look after your skin starting now.
What can I do about it?
“It’s important,” says Janette, “to provide your skin with the hydration and nourishment it needs to keep the barrier of the skin intact and prevent irritation and dryness.” There are lots of ingredients in skincare products to help keep your skin nourished and healthy-looking during menopause and beyond. Here’s what to look out for.
Serums
Designed to deliver ingredients into the skin faster than moisturiser, serums are the superheroes you never knew you needed! During menopause, the skin’s barrier weakens so adding this additional serum step to your routine, according to Janette, “can help keep skin healthy.”
Moisturisers
Janette says: “When it comes to moisturising, opt for products that contain ingredients such as Omega oils, 3, 6, and 9,” as, along with vitamins, these are a great source of nourishment. During and after menopause, oil glands aren’t as active so skin can often dry out.
Cleansers
If you’re confused about using cleansers, it’s all aboard to destination hydration station. Choose a milk-based cleanser like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cleansing Milk, a gentle every day-use cleanser which helps to smooth skin as well as targeting signs of tiredness.
Don’t be a sucker to sun damage
Our skin produces less melanin when our oestrogen levels during menopause drop, so we’re more vulnerable to sun damage. Wearing a sun cream with a high SPF (30 or 50+) can help to prevent damage to the skin. If you’re not up for slathering your face in sun cream every day, get friendly with a daily SPF moisturiser.
And with that, you’ve got the not-so-secret secret to healthy-looking skin in your 50s and beyond – ta-dah!
[divider width=”full”]SOURCE: https://www.boots.com/skincare-beauty-advice/skincare-advice/skin-concerns/skincare-during-menopause
