Skin Changes During the Menopause

How should you care for your skin during the menopause? It is something many women ask when they are about to begin this stage of life. Without doubt, one of the most important changes is the reduction in the production of ovarian oestrogens and in the thickness of the epidermis. But there are also several other changes to deal with.

What happens to the skin during the menopause?

The appearance of the skin during the menopause changes due to a series of factors, the main ones being the following:

• Lower secretion of oil and natural moisturising factors. This is why some women associate the menopause with itchy skin, because the lower the hydration, the greater the dryness and tightness.
• Low oestrogen levels. Hormonal changes make the skin drier, so the best way to avoid itching is to use topical moisturisers and drink plenty of water.
• Increased sagging and loss of elasticity. During the menopause, collagen decreases and, as a result, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. Approximately a 30% reduction can occur in the first five years. The effect this causes is the appearance of wrinkles, something that becomes worse if you have had a lot of sun exposure without adequate protection.
• Acne. Breakouts of this kind are more common than many people might think.
• Dark spots. Oestrogens have a regulating effect on melanin production and unprotected sun exposure encourages the appearance of dark spots due to the hormonal changes experienced. As a result, areas exposed to solar radiation over the years increase melanin synthesis due to the absence of oestrogen. The spots that may appear are brown and usually occur on the arms, face, neck, chest and hands.
• Other changes. During this new stage, vaginal pH increases, which can lead to infections. Likewise, changes in hair density and thickness may also be noticed.

In addition to all these physiological changes, there are other factors, such as genetic predisposition and certain environmental elements (sun, pollution), that contribute to skin ageing.

How can you tackle skin changes during the menopause?

At Farmaciasdirect we have made a preselection of products that are very useful for anyone beginning to experience skin changes due to this new stage of life.

Vichy Neovadiol Serum

Vichy Neovadiol Serum is, without doubt, the step your facial routine needs to combat the signs of the menopause. Formulated with high-quality ingredients, this serum combats the effects of ageing, such as wrinkles, sagging, dark spots and dryness.

Its unique formula deeply moisturises, restores elasticity and improves the skin's radiance.

Endocare Cellage Contorno de Ojos

This Endocare Cellage eye contour is a restorative anti-ageing treatment, as it addresses the signs of ageing around the eyes.

Its advanced formula, based on Vitamin E and Hyaloxyl, combats issues such as dark circles, fine lines and loss of firmness in this delicate area.

You can apply it in both your daytime and evening routine, as it provides an illuminating effect and deeply moisturises this area.

Heliocare 360º Age Active Fluid

To avoid red skin patches during the menopause caused by sun exposure, it is recommended to use a product like this. It has a high sun protection factor (SPF50), is ultra-lightweight and prevents and corrects the signs of ageing caused by photoageing.

In addition, Heliocare 360º Age Active Fluid offers broad-spectrum protection against the four types of radiation (UVA, UVB, IRA and VL) and even against blue light emitted by digital devices. It also features an anti-pollution system and a triple anti-ageing complex.

It is water- and sweat-resistant, leaves a silky, soft finish and blurs the signs of ageing thanks to its soft focus technology.

Avène DermAbsolu Crema de Noche

This Avène DermAbsolu night balm is a regenerating anti-ageing cream that intensely renews and nourishes the skin.

It has been specially designed to combat loss of density and sagging, making it perfect for redefining the facial contours.

It contains bakuchiol and shea butter, but no fragrances. It can be used to improve skin during the menopause because, thanks to Avène thermal spring water, it soothes and moisturises. The skin quickly regains lost vitality and radiance.

These are some of the products that can be used for the skin during the menopause, but our recommendation is to combine them with healthy habits. We mean, for example, avoiding tobacco, as it dries out the skin, reduces blood flow and therefore the supply of nutrients.

Likewise, this should be accompanied by a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical exercise