Oestrogen is a girls best friend! We only realise that when it’s declining in our bodies. This blog is dedicated to achieving fabulous skin during a time which can be the most challenging time for many women.
When this picture was taken in July 2020 after the first lockdown in the pandemic I was 4 months into menopause. I clearly remember asking my husband to run out and get some supplies when we were listening to Bojo on the news in March telling us to stay at home! Until then my periods had been clockwork and I'd never missed one. Thinking back thou I was definitely suffering from the dreaded peri-menopause for a good couple of years before that. For me the greatest issues were sleep deprivation, hot flushes and anxiety. What helped was being able to speak to colleagues/friends for advice and taking also taking HRT. It’s really important to support women in this challenging time which can seem like it goes on for ever! I’m so happy that there is more exposure now and people are talking about MENOPAUSE. There is so much that can help now so it’s important to seek advice from the experts.
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Menopausal changes to skin vary from person to person, however what we do know is that our bodies stop making as much collagen. In the first 5 years of menopause we unfortunately loose 30% of that precious protein! You can lose some fat under your skin and your skin's elasticity drops. That, combined with dryness caused by hormonal changes, can cause sagging, especially around the neck, jawline, and cheeks causing and fine lines and wrinkles. Its not all doom and gloom thou, let's put a positive spin on menopausal skin and get excited about the treatments and products we can use to get glowing skin to boost our mood and wellbeing.
Thicken your skin
As our skin thins with age start using products to like medical grade retinoids (vitamin A). In my opinion vitamin A is the holy grail for anti ageing. Vitamin A reduces and prevents the appearance of fine lines, boosts collagen production, improves skin tone/texture and helps to clear breakouts. Retinoids can cause mild irritation when first used but settles within the first couple of weeks of use. My tip is to start on a low percentage and gradually increase usage and strength over time. Always have a consultation with me to know what will suit your skin type.
Regular chemical peels are also an excellent in clinic option for addressing fine lines and wrinkles as they help to hydrate and plump the skin by stimulating the dermis to become thicker whilst removing the thin dull epidermis. One of my favourites is the AlphaRet Pro Peel 30. It's great for mildly photo damaged skin including signs of skin ageing and skin blemishes. It contains a patented retinoid, AlphaRet and Triple acids (glycolic, lactic and salicylic). A course of 3 Peels recommended, one peel every 4 weeks.
Increase your skins hydration
Many us of will notice their skin becoming drier around the peri-menopause due to the drop on collagen and elastin, so its important to start collagen banking treatments. So what is this beauty term used in medical aesthetics? Well it’s a phrase used to describe ways of preserving your natural beauty rather than reversing time. There are many ways to boost your collagen levels. In aesthetics we normally need a combined approach.
PROFHILO is one of the most popular injectable treatments for the face and neck as patients get their skin plumped and hydrated from within. When injected, it stimulates the skin’s natural synthesis of collagen for plumped and firmed up skin. Pure hyaluronic acid is injected which naturally depletes in menopause so we are just putting back what nature is taking away. A winner in my eyes and it's a treatment I've had for the last 2 years every 4 months.
Microneedling with SKINPEN is fantastic as nothing is injected. SkinPen® Precision works by stimulating your skin’s natural wound healing process, producing elastin and collagen to rejuvenate your skin from the inside.
Use medical grade hydrators. Obagi's facial moisturisers hydrates skin, minimises the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and discourages irritation and breakouts. Powered by hydromanil, these facial moisturisers are specially designed to retain your skin's natural moisture while continuously releasing active compounds that support skin conditioning.
Reduce pigmentation
Pigmentation can also worsen around the time of menopause with the development of age spots. Being consistent with a medical grade skincare plan bespoke to you is essential in my opinion with daily SPF being non negotiable. Laser treatments can also be useful to combat this too. My favourite pigment busting skincare system by Obagi is pictured below.
Reduce sebum/oil production
As our oestrogen levels drops androgen levels become more dominant. This means that acne can be prevalent during this time even if you've not suffered from it before.
The good news is that there are so many ways that you can help the skin and mitigate against the change in hormonal levels. As always, skincare is key. Get a consultation so you can use products that effectively target this. I also advise women to get regular medical facials like hydrafacials or envy facials to eliminate dirt, and unclog pores resulting in healthier complexions.
Improve your skins texture
As collagen levels fall many woman experience more lines, wrinkles and volume loss in the face. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are a great way to restore some lost volume and add structure boosting the skins radiance, contours and hydration.
Lift and tightening the lower face
Many woman will complain about lower face changes in menopause especially with the development of jowls. Radio frequency in aesthetic medicine has gained popularity due to its skin tightening and collagen stimulating benefits. Evoke is a game changing device that is hands-free, comfortable and contours the lower face and chin.
This treatment is great for patients who have started to see the signs of ageing but are not ready for a more invasive non surgical treatment or other surgical intervention. It can also be used as an add-on for patients already having tweakments as no other treatment, such as injectables, will be as good without skin tightening. Radio frequency is the holy grail for skin tightening so it’s excellent for people seeing signs of skin laxity. Evoke is developed to help with jowl and chin fat reduction while remodelling the skin. It therefore lifts the skin and defines the lower face giving an elevating effect. Who doesn’t want a tighter lower face and contoured jawline:))
In conclusion
'The stages of perimenopause and menopause are a stage of a woman’s life to be revered This is when you are entering your highest wisdom according to traditional Chinese medicine. In western cultures it is less common for women to be celebrated during this transition, sometimes equating the experience as uncomfortable or embarrassing.'
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It’s important to lift each other up and support one another through every stage of life, including perimenopause and menopause. Let’s do this and have great skin.. we are entering the highest wisdom after all! 💪💚⠀
With love,
Dil x