Your skin is connected to your body, and generally what’s happening to the body is happening to the skin. During the first 3 years of menopause, you will lose 25% of your collagen, which affects your skin, tendons and ligaments as collagen makes up their connective tissue. When we think of how depleting levels of collagen affect our bodies, it causes the thinning and drying out of skin. This is because collagen absorbs a huge amount of water, so when collagen diminishes, skin loses its water. Collagen and elastin are produced by the same cell fibroblasts, which make up blood vessels and the dermis of the skin, so they are affected by the drop in oestrogen in the same way.
You will notice that the skin becomes dryer, thinner and that pores may appear larger. This is a result of your skin beginning to sag, there is a pull on your skin making the pores appear larger than they actually are. Look for anti-ageing creams with phytoestrogens combined with retinoids and antioxidants for the biggest benefit to the skin. It’s worth remembering that you can also help your skin from the inside out with dietary supplements. Phytoestrogens work faster than other anti-ageing ingredients as they are plant-derived ingredients that mimic human oestrogens – therefore they can help reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity and skin texture.
So what should you use on your skin?
Sheila’s natural and organic moisturising face cream for mature/dry skin (£44) uses various oils which are recognised for their anti-aging, scar healing, anti-wrinkle and anti-inflammatory qualities – an essential skin product for any woman who has gone through or is experiencing menopause.
Beauty Bases’ Skin Republic hydrating face mask sheet (£4.99) repairs past damage and existing cells are rejuvenated, super-charged, nourished and protected. Skins elasticity is enhanced by ingredients rich in vitamins, micro-elements and amino acids which repair and nourish your skin. Witch Hazel is an astringent and antioxidant that helps protect the skin and reduce redness, helping to maintain a youthful appearance.
Murad Resurgence Renewing Eye Cream (£67) reduces dark circles and illuminates the eye area as it contains wild yam and soybean that dramatically increase firmness, elasticity and hydration.
The camomile balm by Sheila (£13.60), with its blend of oils, butters and beeswax – chosen for their gentle healing properties, sooths cuts, abrasions and weather beaten skin, eases the symptoms of cold sores and chapped lips and essentially, relieves all ‘sore bits’.
Murad Resurgence Intensive Age-Diffusing Serum (£65) is a daily serum designed to tighten the skin, and with continued use, will reveal smoother and more resilient skin. Youth building peptide Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37 reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles while phytoestrogens like clover flower extract improve elasticity, firmness and suppleness for a plumper complexion. (Amazon Link)
Ekia’s skin care combination range of cleansing oil (£21.00) and toner (£21.00) with its signature blend of Dragon’s Blood Sap and anti-ageing ingredients, gently cleanses, tones and nourishes the skin to reveal a more youthful, brighter complexion. (Amazon Links)
Before applying make-up, a good primer is essential. Pro-Age makeup collection Look Fabulous Forever’s, fabulous prime (£21.00), smoothes the skin and fills in open pores and fine lines leaving the skin looking soft, matte and visibly younger – also ensuring that your makeup stays looking fresh all day.
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