Menopause and Skin: Understanding the Changes and How to Care for Your Skin

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, often accompanied by noticeable changes in the skin. These changes are largely driven by declining oestrogen levels, which play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s health and vitality. By understanding how menopause affects the skin and exploring effective treatments, women can embrace this stage of life with confidence and maintain a radiant, healthy complexion.

How Menopause Affects the Skin

Oestrogen has a profound impact on the skin, influencing hydration, elasticity, and collagen production. As oestrogen levels drop during menopause, several skin changes can occur:

1. Loss of Collagen and Volume
   Oestrogen stimulates collagen production, which is responsible for the skin’s firmness and structure. Women lose approximately 30% of their skin’s collagen in the first five years after menopause, resulting in thinner, less elastic skin. (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2020)

2. Dryness and Increased Sensitivity
   Reduced oestrogen levels lead to a decline in the production of natural oils and hyaluronic acid, resulting in dry, flaky, and more sensitive skin.

3. Volume Loss in the Face
   Declining collagen and fat distribution can cause volume loss in the cheeks, temples, and lower face, contributing to sagging and a more tired appearance.

4. Increased Pigmentation
   Hormonal fluctuations may worsen pigmentation, leading to the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, particularly in sun-exposed areas.

5. Fine Lines and Wrinkles
   Loss of collagen and reduced hydration exacerbate fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

6. Slower Wound Healing
   Menopausal skin has a reduced capacity for repair, making wounds slower to heal. (Menopause Review, 2022)

How to Care for Menopausal Skin

Addressing these changes requires a tailored skincare and treatment plan to support the skin's evolving needs.

1. Hydration Boosters
   Use moisturisers containing ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to replenish the skin’s hydration and repair the barrier.

2. Collagen Stimulation
   Incorporate topical retinoids or peptides into your skincare routine to encourage collagen production and improve skin texture.

3. Antioxidant Protection
   Vitamin C, niacinamide, and other antioxidants can help brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and neutralise free radical damage.

4. Sun Protection
   A high-quality sunscreen (SPF 50+) is non-negotiable to protect the skin from UV damage, which accelerates ageing and worsens pigmentation.

5. Dermal Fillers to Restore Volume
   Dermal fillers are an excellent option to address volume loss in the face. By restoring volume to areas such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jawline, fillers help rejuvenate the face and create a more youthful appearance. Modern filler techniques focus on subtle, natural results, ensuring a refreshed, balanced look.

6. Hydration Treatments
   Skin boosters, such as injectable hyaluronic acid treatments, can deeply hydrate the skin and improve texture, reducing fine lines and dryness.

7. Professional Treatments
   Advanced treatments like microneedling, radiofrequency, or laser therapy can address skin laxity, pigmentation, and overall skin quality.

8. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
   Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, stay hydrated, and prioritise regular exercise and stress management. These habits support overall skin health from the inside out.

Emerging Treatments and Innovations

Research continues to shed light on new therapies for menopausal skin, including:

• Topical Oestrogen Creams: Shown to improve skin thickness and hydration, although these should be used under medical supervision. (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023)

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP can enhance skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and promote a more even skin tone. (Dermatologic Surgery, 2023)

• Peptides and Growth Factors: These are gaining attention for their ability to support collagen synthesis and improve skin integrity.

Conclusion: Embrace the Change

Menopause is a natural phase of life that can bring unique challenges to the skin. However, with a thoughtful approach to skincare and targeted treatments like dermal fillers and hydration boosters, it is possible to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. As a cosmetic physician, I aim to empower my clients with personalised care and effective solutions to help them feel confident in their skin at every stage of life.

References

1. Sárközy, M., et al. "Skin Ageing and Oestrogen Decline: The Menopausal Impact on Skin Health." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2020.

2. Kruk, J., et al. "Skin Changes Associated with Menopause: A Review." Menopause Review, 2022.

3. Davis, S. R., et al. "The Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Skin Ageing." Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023.

4. Eklund, M., et al. "Advances in Platelet-Rich Plasma for Skin Rejuvenation." Dermatologic Surgery, 2023.