How Does the Menopause Affect the Skin?

Due to changes in the hormones within the body, the menopause is often accompanied by a raft of bodily changes – including changes to the skin.

Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. You’re officially post-menopausal when you haven’t had a period for 12 months. Before this, you’ll experience a transition phase known as perimenopause, during which your reproductive hormones – oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone gradually decline. This leads to irregular periods and symptoms most commonly associated with this new phase of our life, such as hot flushes, low mood, vaginal dryness, headaches and loss of libido.

But one that many women don’t expect is the impact that menopause has on the skin and how the face ages.

What happens to the skin during menopause?

The most prominent change that happens to your skin during this time is the sudden decline in collagen levels due to plummeting oestrogen levels. In fact, during the first five years of menopause, you can lose 30% of your existing collagen stores.

When collagen diminishes, the skin becomes dry and more sensitive to environmental stressors such as pollution, free radicals and UV exposure. Collagen loss also prompts a loss of firmness, so you’ll notice the skin will begin to sag, and wrinkles will appear more prominent. You may also see a loss of volume in the face as the decline in oestrogen causes the supportive facial fat pads to sink downwards.

You may even, for the first time in your life, experience acne breakouts around the chin and jawline as testosterone drives sebum production. The reasons for this are uncertain.

There is a lot that happens to the skin as you transition through the menopause, but there are many options available to help in the form of both medical-grade skincare, in-clinic treatments and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (Hormone Therapy).

Treatments to support the change

Collagen stimulation is critical, so look to treatments like Profhilo, which stimulates four different types of collagen and elastin in the skin to improve overall skin quality and condition, boost hydration and encourage a smoother, radiant and more youthful appearance.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be used to delicately lift and sculpt whilst replacing lost volume in the lips, cheeks or other hollow areas whilst boosting the skin’s hydration and stimulating collagen production.

Finally, technology-based treatments such as the Morpheus8 or Ultherapy kick-start collagen production deep within the skin, producing a lifting and tightening effect of the lower face, jowls, neck, chest and decolletage.

Don’t forget skincare

The menopause is the perfect time to reassess your skincare regime and add a few crucial ingredients to maintain hydration and stimulate collagen.

Retinol is vital for increasing collagen production and inhibiting its breakdown. It also fades pigmentation and speeds up cell turnover, leaving your complexion smoother and brighter. Hyaluronic acid is a must for increasing the skin’s moisture content, leaving it plump and smooth. Antioxidant serums such as vitamin C will help to preserve existing collagen by protecting the skin from free radicals and pollution whilst brightening the complexion. And always remember to include sunscreen in your morning routine, as the skin is less able to repair sun damage when we enter perimenopause.

Finally, and possibly most importantly, if you’re worried about the changes to your skin, Bio-identical hormone therapy has been shown to increase epidermal hydration, reduce wrinkles and increase skin thickness and elasticity. So, remember to seek advice or speak to a Hormone Therapy specialist who will explore your options with you and discuss your suitability for treatment.