Menopause is a huge milestone—it’s a natural part of life, but let’s be honest, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While menopause marks the end of the reproductive years, it also brings hormonal changes that can seriously shake up your skin. Here’s what’s going on and, more importantly, what you can do to keep your skin looking its best.
Hormonal Changes: The Root of It All
When menopause hits, estrogen levels take a nosedive. This hormone is what keeps our skin plump, hydrated, and firm, so when it decreases, it’s no surprise that we notice some changes:
Dryness: Less estrogen means less natural oil production, which can leave skin feeling dry and a bit rough.
Thinning Skin: The skin can lose thickness as collagen production drops, making it more fragile and prone to fine lines.
Loss of Elasticity: With less collagen and elastin, skin doesn’t have the same bounce, leading to sagging around areas like the jawline and neck.
Slower Cell Turnover: Your skin may lose its glow as the natural shedding of dead cells slows down.
Increased Sensitivity: Hormonal shifts can make your skin more reactive to products and environmental stressors.
Common Skin Concerns During Menopause
1. Fine Lines and Wrinkles
With the decline in collagen and elastin, fine lines and wrinkles start showing up—especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Years of sun exposure can speed this up, too, making it even more noticeable.
2. Sagging and Loss of Volume
If your face is looking a bit more hollow or less defined, that’s down to bone loss and shrinking fat pads. Less elasticity in the skin adds to this, making sagging a common concern.
3. Dryness and Itchiness
The skin’s barrier function can weaken, leading to moisture loss, dryness, and even itchiness. Nobody wants that uncomfortable, tight feeling!
4. Increased Pigmentation
Hormonal changes can sometimes bring out dark spots and pigmentation, especially in areas that get a lot of sun. It’s yet another reason to keep up with sun protection.
How to Care for Menopausal Skin
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Moisture is everything. Look for products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and essential fatty acids to keep your skin plump and full of water. EFA supplements are a game changer in this area, see below!
2. Support Collagen Production
To fight thinning and fine lines, invest in skincare that boosts collagen. Vitamin A and Vitamin C are must-haves to help keep your skin firm and smooth.
Note: Not all Vitamin A's & C's are created equal, you need a product with a good delivery system to ensure optimal results. Vitamin C will oxidise with direct sunlight and will be useless unless delivered into the skin correctly. Vitamin A is a potent ingredient that should be carefully prescribed by a professional and gradually introduced to the skin, build up the strength over time.
3. Protect Against Sun Damage
Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. Menopausal skin can be more vulnerable to UV rays, so go for a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ to protect against future damage. Anti-oxidant and blue light protection are a bonus!
4. Target Pigmentation
Brightening serums are your friend. Look for ingredients like niacinamide or Vitamin C to fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time. Ask our therapists about tyrosinase Inhibitors to stop your skin from producing these dark spots.
5. Consider Professional Treatments
Don’t hesitate to explore in-clinic treatments. Skin needling is a multi tasker and can specifically target all of these concerns, HI-FU for skin laxity offers a gentle lift and sculpting the face. Laser Resurfacing can address fine lines and wrinkles and our Candela Laser instantly removes excess pigment resulting from sun damage. DMK Enzyme Therapy improves overall skin health and can make a world of difference in boosting collagen, firming the skin, and smoothing out texture.
The Power of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
EVERYONE SHOULD BE TAKING ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS!
EFA supplements, particularly those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), offer a unique approach to improving skin thickness and resilience from the inside out. These powerful components support the skin’s structure, leading to a healthier, more vibrant appearance.
1. Rebuilding the Lipid Barrier
EPA and DHA are essential Omega-3 fatty acids that play a key role in maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier—the protective layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When this barrier is well-supported by Omega-3s, the skin retains hydration more effectively. Hydrated skin looks plumper and thicker because it’s holding onto the moisture it needs to stay smooth and resilient.
2. Supporting Dermal Structure
Both EPA and DHA contribute to cellular health, impacting the dermal matrix which is the support structure within the skin. These fatty acids strengthen cell membranes, enhancing the skin's firmness and elasticity. With regular supplementation, EPA and DHA can support a thicker and more resilient skin matrix, reducing the appearance of fine lines and boosting the skin’s overall structure.
3. Reducing Inflammation and Promoting Healing
EPA, in particular, is known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce chronic inflammation, a common contributor to skin thinning and aging. By calming inflammation, EPA and DHA allow the skin to repair more efficiently. This reduction in inflammation enables skin cells to focus on regeneration, leading to a stronger, healthier dermal matrix.
4. Boosting Natural Collagen Production
EPA and DHA don't directly produce collagen, but they do create an environment that supports natural collagen synthesis. These fatty acids nourish the skin with the fats required for optimal cellular function, strengthening cell membranes and reinforcing the lipid barrier. This makes it easier for the skin to produce collagen, leading to increased skin thickness and improved texture.
5. Increasing Skin Elasticity and Resilience
Omega-3s, especially DHA, are known for enhancing skin elasticity. This means the skin is better able to bounce back from environmental stressors and daily wear and tear. Improved elasticity not only thickens the skin but also makes it less vulnerable to the signs of aging, helping it look and feel firmer over time.
Aging Gracefully—On Your Terms
Let’s be real—aging is a privilege, and it’s something to embrace. But that doesn’t mean we have to put up with the changes we don't like! With the right care, and a little help from modern skincare, we can feel our best at every stage.
At DRML Skin Clinic, we’re here to support you with tailored advice and treatments. We’ve got you covered—because ageing doesn’t mean giving up on great skin, it means owning it your way! We'd love to support you on your journey toward fabulous, call us for a complimentary consultation.
📞 Call us on 1300 056 657
📧 Email us at info@drmlskinclinic.com.au
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