Around your forties — or sometimes even earlier — your skin may begin to change. One woman might suddenly experience dry, itchy skin, while another notices wrinkles or pigmentation spots that weren’t there before.
The skin is our largest organ and plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. These changes can start in the years leading up to your final period — perimenopause — and may continue even after menopause.
“What’s happening to my skin, and what can I do about it?” In this blog, we explain why your skin changes, how the sun contributes to these changes, and how to best care for your skin.
I didn’t expect to get pigmentation spots on my hand so early. I thought: I’m not old yet, am I?
During menopause, your progesterone levels begin to drop, and your oestrogen levels fluctuate and gradually decline. This hormonal imbalance also impacts your skin.
The production of collagen — the protein responsible for firmness and elasticity — starts to decrease slowly from the age of 25. Around menopause, this process accelerates, primarily due to the declining oestrogen levels.
As shown in a scientific study, these fluctuations lead to a loss of skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration. Consequently, you may notice changes in your skin. These changes vary from woman to woman, but common issues include:
Various treatments can help support your skin. These range from dietary and lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy. What works best for you?
The sun can boost your energy levels and alertness and helps your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and a healthy immune system. However, during menopause, your skin loses firmness and hydration, making it more vulnerable to sun damage than before.
According to a review study, exposure to UVA and UVB radiation is one of the leading causes of premature skin ageing. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which can lead to wrinkles, pigmentation spots, and sagging skin.
With the right care, you can help protect your skin. Here are three simple yet effective steps:
Your skin tells the story of your life, from youthful radiance to the strength of experience. Menopause presents challenges for your skin, but with the right care, you can give it what it needs. Protect it from the sun and support it from within with proper nutrition, rest, and hydration.
Lia van Pruijssen is a skin expert and Dermalogica specialist with 25 years of experience. She guides women through menopause towards healthy, radiant skin. Her advice and treatments are based on scientifically proven insights and are highly effective. With the right care and attention, the skin can adapt and even rejuvenate.
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