Throughout our lives, there are times when we experience changes and challenges with our skin. As women move into their 40s and 50s a significant influence on the skin is menopause (as well as perimenopause).
Over 50% of women surveyed recently by a well known skincare brand stated that menopause or peri-menopause and the associated changes they were experiencing had left them with decreased confidence in their appearance. Many more struggled with symptoms such as adult acne, skin dryness, sagging, inflammation and increased wrinkling.
Switching up your skin care products, or introducing targeted in-clinic treatments to address concerns, can lead to increased self-confidence and a reduction in menopausal skin issues.
Check out our list below for a few ideas on getting back your gorgeous glow!
1. Loss Of Firmness And Elasticity During Menopause
Studies show that women lose about 30% of the collagen in their skin during the first five years of menopause. Over the next 20 years, women lose about 2% of their collagen annually.
To combat collagen loss, it's helpful to include peptides such as Cu Complex Copper peptide ferment to encourage tissue repair and regeneration and hyaluronic acid to create a plumping effect and allow cellular repair. A great source of both is Vitae Super Serum. Supplementation to provide our bodies with the building blocks for increased collagen production can also be helpful. One of our favorites is Herbaland Vegan Collagen Booster.
In-clinic, legacy harnesses the healing power of magnetic fields while gently heating through controlled radio-frequency to remodel tissues, stimulating firming, skin tightening and collagen production. LEDs help stimulate skin-plumping collagen and strengthening the skin tissue. Micro-current retrains the facial musculature to "pull" everything back into place and firm the facial structure.
2. Menopausal Acne And Breakouts
You may have had great skin your entire life, but menopause throws hormones into an unbalanced state which can lead to an increase in both blemishes and *hair growth.
Menopausal skin tends to be drier, less oily and often sensitized, so a more gentle approach to exfoliation is required. Products containing salicylic acid or lactic acid are usually an excellent option to keep pores clear of skin-dulling debris.
In-clinic, AC Dual or LED treatments can help kill inflammation-causing bacteria, and encourage skin healing. The Unicorn LED mask can be a great choice for an at-home option. *Laser hair removal is effective to combat hair growth, as long as the hair hasn't yet turned grey or white.
3. Fine Lines And Wrinkles
A loss of collagen, combined with less fat and elasticity in the facial skin leads to the formation of new lines and increased wrinkling.
In-clinic, heavy-set dynamic wrinkles respond well to botox. LED therapy or "Cold Laser" is suitable for reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production, our body's own "filler."
A suitable anti-aging moisturizer such as Vitae Skin Renewal can help plump out fine lines and wrinkles while introducing ingredients to super-charge collagen production.
4. Rosacea And Sensitivity
The hormonal shift that accompanies menopause can often lead to increased sensitivity, as well as red bumps and spider veins. Skin can sometimes become "hot" and experience episodes of flushing and blushing.
Products such as Definisil Anti-Redness Serum are helpful as they contain high levels of skin-soothing ingredients such as Arnica.
In-clinic Led therapy helps to calm inflamed, angry skin, after which IPL (intense pulse light) is wonderful for removing visible blood vessels from the skin's surface.
5. Dry Skin During Menopause
Estrogen is a powerhouse hormone that stimulates the production of skin-smoothing collagen and nourishing oils. As estrogen production diminishes, so does oil production and our skin's ability to maintain moisture due to a weakened lipid barrier. The result? Dry, itchy, reactive skin.
Hydration is key. First, we need to determine whether the skin is dehydrated (water-deprived) or oil-dry (poor production of sebum). Hyaluronic acid is an option for dehydrated skin, while squalene and avocado oil are a couple of options for mature, oil-deprived skins. Determining water vs oil will help us select the correct skin care products for an optimized result. It's also essential to eat more fatty acid-rich foods, containing good fats.
6. Skin Dullness
During menopause, cellular turnover of the skin slows, leaving a build-up of dead skin cells, which dulls our complexion.
Dull skin can be brightened using a gentle exfoliant such as salicylic and lactic acids for a vibrant glow!
At Glow Luxe Skin Care, we have options for both internal and external factors related to menopause. To find out more, call 250.590.5459 and schedule your complimentary consultation today.