Perimenopause Skin Changes
Throughout our lives, our skin provides an outward manifestation of hormonal changes taking place within, whether through puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
The effects of the menstrual cycle and menopause on our skin are fairly well documented, yet there is very little discourse concerning perimenopausal skin changes, despite this stage taking place over a significant period of time, sometimes as long as ten years.
In today’s journal, I cover the basics of perimenopause, perimenopause skin changes and the best products and treatments for perimenopausal skin.
What Is The Perimenopause?
Perimenopause simply means “around menopause”, and marks the time transitioning towards menopause (read more on menopause itself within this journal entry). While the “official” age of perimenopause is 45, many people begin to experience the effects from their late 30s and early 40s.
Perimenopausal changes happen gradually and can last a number of years – anywhere from two to ten – as the volume of eggs being produced by the ovaries gradually declines and oestrogen levels decrease.
Since oestrogen plays a vital role in keeping skin youthful, elastic and healthy, perimenopause can mark the beginning of a significant shift in your skin’s metabolism and appearance.
Oestrogen stimulates the production of moisture-retaining sebum and skin building block collagen, as well as supporting the healing of wounds and calming inflammatory skin conditions.
During perimenopause, the reduction in oestrogen can manifest on the skin as increased dryness, breakouts, sensitivity, pigmentation and redness, as well as in fine lines and deeper set wrinkles.
Does Perimenopause Cause Itchy Skin?
In short – yes, perimenopause can make the skin itch.
As mentioned, estrogen is vital in maintaining skin’s moisture levels, helping to produce ceramides (which support the skin’s structure), hyaluronic acid (a super skin-hydrator) and sebum (to coat, moisturise and protect your skin). Without these, water can all too easily evaporate from the skin, leading to dryness, scaliness and itching.
My Recommendations For Face And Body Skin Care in Perimenopause
As your skin is already in flux during perimenopause, my top tip is to keep your face and body routines fairly simple. I recommend gentle topical treatments and tweakments that not only support in replacing collagen, elastin and hydration as oestrogen levels decline, but that protect your skin’s microbiome and barrier.
Best Perimenopause Products For The Face
I recommend using fewer products that are specifically targeted to treating your skin concerns.
Make sure to cleanse (rinsing with lukewarm water) and moisturise twice a day with products rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid and ingredients that boost collagen production (such as peptides, vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide).
It’s best to avoid very strong acids or abrasive scrubs, as these can exacerbate inflammation.
For gentle cleansing, I like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser and Sisley Radiance Foaming Cream. As a moisturiser, I favour Augustinus Bader The Cream, Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Daily Moisture Lotion or CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion.
If you are experiencing inflammation, Allies of Skin Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster and Medik8 Intelligent Retinol can help.
Best Perimenopause Products For The Body
As above, keep your body care routine simple and easy to maintain during perimenopause.
Make sure to select a gentle cleanser that supports the skin (rather than stripping it) to avoid dryness and the dreaded itch. Our MOON SWIM Hydrating Body Wash is enriched with a potent blend of vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and ashwagandha to leave your skin its softest, smoothest and most hydrated yet.
Follow with a replenishing body butter to maintain moisture. SUNDAY SOFA Rejuvenating Body Butter is clinically proven to quench dry skin’s thirst for up to 48 hours and increase skin elasticity thanks to its innovative formulation of rambutan leaf, hyaluronic acid and adaptogen Siberian ginseng.
For extra collagen-building points, our DAYDREAMER Firming Body Serum is powered by a unique biomimetic peptide-sapphire complex alongside 17 active and botanical ingredients to deliver boosts of collagen and elastin synthesis where they’re needed most.
Best Perimenopause Tweakments
Again, when looking to tweakments, prioritise those that can help replenish elastin, hydration and collagen.
Morpheus8 marries microneedling and radiofrequency to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer, smoother skin.
Profhilo is a highly purified injectable hyaluronic acid treatment which is delivered directly into the dermis to hydrate from the inside out, resulting in smoother, plumper and more glowing skin. Profhilo also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin over time.
Best Lifestyle Switches For Perimenopausal Skin
Topical treatments and in-clinic tweakments will offer support during perimenopause skin changes, however don’t underestimate the difference small lifestyle adjustments can make.
Ensure you are getting enough sleep (aiming for 8 hours a night), try to reduce stress (through movement, meditation, massage or acupuncture) and exercise regularly (to promote circulation for a healthy glow).
It’s also important to drink plenty of water to help maintain skin’s hydration, and eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Important nutrients during perimenopause skin changes include vitamin D, protein, calcium and B vitamins. Also consider including phytoestrogens in your diet: foods that mimic the role of oestrogen in the body, such as flax seeds, legumes, tofu, dried fruits, sesame seeds, garlic, peaches and berries.
Discover further expert insight on skin care and self-care via my journal.
