Menopause is defined by a decline in estrogen and progestogen, which affects skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier function. Reduced estrogen leads to lower levels of natural moisturising factors (NMF), causing dryness, thinning, and increased sensitivity. This hormonal change also weakens the immune system, making the skin more prone to irritation and inflammation.
Think of pre-menopausal skin as a perfectly fitted tablecloth and post-menopausal skin, the table shrinks leaving the tablecloth too large.
Menopause impairs the acid mantle (the skins barrier) which can lead to……….
loss of collagen: Â Blame plummeting oestrogen levels for the drop in collagen, the scaffolding propping up your skin. (We lose 1% of mature Type 1 collagen yearly during menopause, accelerated by lifestyle choices such as stress and poor diet).
TEWL: Â As oil glands become less active, the decrease in lipids weakens the barrier and moisture escapes, dehydrating the skin, hair and nails.
pigmentation: Â Fluctuating hormones leave skin vulnerable to melasma, which can be suppressed but never disappears entirely. Make friends with SPF.
dullness: Â If you notice lumps and bumps, blame lazy cell turnover: dead skin builds up, stretching pores and making skin look dull. As circulation slows down, the skin is starved of oxygen and nutrients.
redness: Drier skin is more prone to sensitivity due to a weakened skin barrier – hello, rashes, itching and irritation. Hot flushes and changes in body temperature can also trigger rosacea-like symptoms.
acne:  Hormonal fluctuations lead to painful spots along the jawline and neck but don’t use teenage acne treatments, they will dry and irritate thinner, menopausal skin.
Peri-menopause and Menopause – the difference
Perimenopause:
May show early signs of aging, such as fine lines and dryness, plus skin conditions which otherwise may not have previously had like rosacea, hyperpigmentation and acne.
Menopause:
Marks the end of the reproductive years when a woman has not had a menstrual period for at least 12 consecutive months. At this point, estrogen production drops dramatically. Symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances, as well as changes to the skin such as dryness, thinning, and decreased elasticity. Understanding the differences between perimenopause and menopause is important in determining the best treatment approach for managing the symptoms associated with each phase.
Menopause symptoms can be induced or worsened by:
- some medications
- smoking / vaping
- substance abuce
- poor lifestyle choices
lifestyle choices that canreduce symptoms:
- Exercise in cool temperatures
- Avoid hot baths, showers
- Eat a balanced diet rich in   omegas and greens
- Avoid spicy foots, hot beverages, alcohol and caffeine.
- Avoid hot baths, showers, saunas etc
- Reduce stress
- Perform regular moderate exercise
- Ensure you get at least 8 hours sleep a night.
- Reduce or cease smoking, vaping, substance abuse.
- Use skincare specifically compounded for menopausal skin
Symptoms of menopausal skin can be reduced if we make good choices!
Easy Skin Do’s and Don’ts…..
The most important ingredient in looking after your skin during menopause is to repair and maintain the barrier. The wort thing you can do is use products or have treatments that strip, peel or over exfoliate the acid mantle your skins 1 line of defence
NEVER use Micellar Water! It is like paint stripper for your skin. Avoid make up wipes of any kind. Â Your skin will be better off simply using a microfibres cleansing cloth and water and/or your cleanser
DON’T:
- Mix and match product ranges. You don’t know how they will chemically react to each other in your skin!
- wear make-up that doesn’t let your skin breathe
- get advice from un educated or untrained influencers who are paid to promote a different product each week
- over exfoliate with harsh chemical or manual exfoliants
Do:
- avoid sun and use SPF
- supplement your skincare routine with ‘good quality’ oral omegas
- use a cleanser and toner free from alcohols and emulsifiers
- remove your makeup EVERY night before bed
- keep consistent with your skincare routine.
- have a skin consultation with your Charlie Beauty Co skin specialist. Our online consultations are 100% redeemable on your skincare purchases in-store. Why gues what you need when we can compound your at-home routine for your individual skins need
dermaviduals Menopausal Skin Solutions
Tired menopausal skin loves a creamy blend of protective Coenzyme Q10 and collagen-boosting Isoflavone. If your skin is dry, we can restore the oil balance with Kiwi Seed Oil, rich in omega six and packed with vitamin C to support collagen function. And every skin deserves Lotion N, vitamins A, E & C for the ultimate collagen stimulation. Your skin is worth!
Ulderlying redness & hot flushes: Â Butchers Broom serum toning and smoothing for the care of reddened skin. ECGC an intensive renewal serum that boosts skin density and barrier function.
Blemishes & Acne: Spots from age 45 and onwards result from epidermal damage (blame overuse of retinol, peels, and acids) and rogue hormones. Â Blemished skin often shows low zinc levels, so we love adding this active ingredient to prevent future blemishes and heal current ones, especially along the jawline.
dehydration:  We recommend Isoflavone as a neat pre-serum to supercharge your menopausal blend with nourishment. It tricks the skin into thinking oestrogen is present – a menopausal must-have. Regular moisturisers can struggle to keep oestrogen-deficient skin hydrated all day. If your sensitive skin is lipid-dry, we will add the super-hydrators Lotion N & Hyaluronan NAG serum. And always Vitamin A (Retinol Palmitate) to repair & regenerate.
Where to from here......
Skin is what we do! We are hear to help clients get great results sooner, that will last for longer. Our promise to you is that we will be as committed as you are to achieve your skin goals. Â See the dermaviduals range HERE