Tips on how to look after Menopausal skin

1. Hydrate

When skin lacks moisture it can also get quite dry, sensitive, and itchy. ‘Oestrogen levels fall significantly after the menopause, usually age 53 years, and this can result in dryness, redness, sensitivity and lack of skin firmness. Extra hydration is required to prevent excess water loss from the skin surface.

2. Use retinol

If you didn’t start a Retinol earlier in life, it’s not too late. Retinols alter the behavior of aged cells so that they act in a more youthful way – regenerating at a faster rate. But they can also be drying on the skin at first, so if you’re a first-time user, start to gradually introduce a retinol-based night cream into your routine 2-3 times a week. Look for formulations with hydrating and soothing ingredients – like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide. These are particularly helpful at mitigating any dryness and sensitivity that are associated with both first-time retinol use and menopausal skin.

3. Try peptides

Peptides are also great for menopausal skin as they will stimulate collagen production and boost the skin’s elasticity. Peptides are fragments of protein, and it’s these proteins that are the building blocks of the skin. They can signal collagen production in the skin – working as messengers between cells, triggering them to build more collagen and elastin, which in turn can boost skin’s youthful appearance.

4. Apply phytoestrogens

The biggest complaint my menopausal patients have is the loss of elasticity and due to hormonal decline affects the skin of the face. Loss of elasticity shows as lines and wrinkles and a downward movement, changing the contours of the face'.

Phytoestrogens – molecules that are found in the reproductive part of the plant, the seed or root – mimic the effects of oestrogen and are effective to help replenish lost elasticity in the skin of the face.

5. Use calming products

With the menopause comes a change in hormone levels which can trigger a hot and clammy complexion. Calming skincare products and face mists can be life saviours when you're having a hot flush or concerned about redness. If you're waking up during the night, it's a good idea to keep a refreshing, hydrating face mist by your bed and use this as a soothing spray to cool flushed skin.

Menopausal skincare for your body

It's not just the skin on your face that can suffer when going through the menopause. 'During menopause, as hormone levels plummet, the skin can become dry, slack, and thin.' Use barrier-strengthening formulas to inject moisture back into your skin and avoid harsh fragrances that could disrupt your skin's natural pH or cause irritation.