Keeping Your Skin Taut and Terrific Through Menopause
Every woman’s story is different when it comes to the menopause, but less oestrogen and progesterone in your body will undoubtedly lead to many changes, including to your skin that you may not like. Fortunately, lifestyle choices and some care can slow these process’ and keep you looking good.
First-up, what are we trying to avoid? Not wishing to depress you, but they are all the signs we summarise as ‘ageing’: loss of skin tone, sagging jawline, ‘elastosis’ (decreased collagen and elastin), more wrinkles, dehydrated dull skin, pigmentation and visible capillaries.
Okay, let’s not dwell but make a plan instead.
My suggested skincare plan
Our aim is to de-stress the skin. Why? Because this will decrease inflammation, increase blood flow, stimulate the cells to repair themselves, and help your skin retain water.
- Manage your own stress – Take regular exercise and try to get plenty of sleep every night.
- Look at your diet – This is the probably the time to increase your oily fish and your greens, and decrease sugars, alcohol and processed foods. If you smoke – stop!
- Drink water – I’m sure my clients think I’m a broken record on this one! Aim for at least 2 litres of water every day. Oh, did I mention? This can include herbal teas (yay – that makes it easier).
- Use a physical sunblock every day – This is going to help you keep the collagen you have now – vital for keeping your skin plump and minimising wrinkles.
- Ditch the nasty products – Sorry, it’s into the bin with the harsh scrubs and products that strip the skin. There’s just no place for them in your routine now.
- Look for these ingredients instead – Choose product ranges that have delivery systems attached to their ingredients, so you know the good stuff is reaching the correct area in your skin. Get good advice, or get a bit scientific for the DIY approach:
- Vitamin A – to stimulate and repair cells. If this is based on stable retinaldehyde, it will be easier for your skin to use.
- Vitamin B – if you have oily skin that is prone to acne.
- Antioxidants – especially Vitamin C, to stimulate collagen and elastin.
- Gentle cleansers (face and body), preferably enzyme-based.
- A weekly enzyme mask – for added nourishment and stimulation.
- Growth factors, peptides and stem cells – to stimulate new cells for anyone over 40.
- Trioxolane – builds strength, immunity and repair; great for inflamed skin.
- Zinc – in your daily skin UV block, and it’s an antioxidant!
- Lightweight makeup. Consider a primer followed by pressed powder, plus some blush and bronzer at times. Ensure you blend it into your throat and décolletage.
I’m right into the science, so feel free to ask me a question.