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For many women, menopause feels like uncharted territory, filled with unexpected changes, including those that show up on our skin. For those who have diligently maintained a skin routine over the years, suddenly their glowing, plump complexion feels drier, thinner and more prone to irritation. If your tried-and-true skincare routine has stopped working, you’re not alone.
“Menopause is a transformative stage in life, and our skin feels it too,” says Karen Bester, Medical Trainer at Lamelle. “Understanding how to support your skin during this transition can help you maintain a healthy, radiant glow.”
Why menopause changes your skin
Menopause isn’t just about hot flashes and mood swings – it significantly impacts skin health. Oestrogen, the hormone responsible for maintaining skin’s moisture and elasticity, begins to decline during perimenopause, typically around age 40. Studies show that oestrogen levels can drop by up to 30% in the first five years of menopause, leading to a 2.1% loss of collagen each year. The result? Skin that’s drier, thinner, and less resilient.
“As collagen production slows, skin loses its firmness, leading to sagging around the jawline and cheeks,” explains Bester. “Hydration also takes a hit, leaving many women experiencing tightness, flakiness, and an overall lacklustre complexion.”
Bester adds that while this new chapter in life can be daunting and overwhelming, “the key is to embrace it by finding ways to feel great in your skin again.”
Adapting to a new skincare routine
Your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture changes as your hormones shift, which is why it’s important to switch to products that focus on hydration and rebuilding your skin’s protective barrier.
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerine are game changers for keeping your skin feeling soft, plump and moisturised. Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture into the skin, ceramides seal it in, and glycerine helps lock it all down, preventing that parched, tight feeling. “It’s crucial to adapt your skincare routine with ingredients that support hydration and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Bester. “These changes can really help your skin stay comfortable and resilient throughout the day.”
As menopause progresses, collagen loss speeds up, leading to sagging and fine lines. It’s frustrating when you start seeing your skin lose some of that youthful bounce, but retinoids and ascorbic can help kickstart collagen production, keeping your skin firm and improving its texture. Pair that with growth factors, which restructure the skin, and your skin will look smoother and more vibrant.
Alongside this, the skin’s barrier can become more fragile, leaving it prone to irritation and redness. With Lamelle in office Alchemy treatments Niacinamide is a multitasker that calms the skin, reduces redness, and helps build up that barrier to protect against environmental stress.
Menopause also tends to bring a few more age spots and uneven pigmentation, which is linked to hormonal changes and a long life in the sun, affecting melanin production. This is where pigment inhibiting peptides and decabutin can help—its brightening effects help to tackle dark spots and protect your skin from further damage. You can also turn to ingredients like liquorice root extract and curcumin extract, which help fade those stubborn spots over time.
Lastly, as your skin’s natural turnover slows down, you might notice a duller complexion. But don’t worry, gentle exfoliation is the key to bringing back that glow. Lactic acid and mandelic acid are perfect for mature skin, exfoliating gently without irritating. These mild acids help your skin maintain moisture and leave it looking radiant.
“And while it’s easy to forget, don’t skip the sunscreen! UV exposure can speed up collagen breakdown and worsen pigmentation issues. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is essential, and pairing it with antioxidants like Pycnogenol and Ergothioneine adds extra super anti-oxidant protection, keeping your skin looking its best for years to come,” adds Bester.
Menopause doesn’t mean giving up on glowing, healthy skin—it just requires a new approach. “Your skincare routine should evolve with you,” says Bester. “With the right ingredients and care, you can maintain confidence in your skin at every stage.”
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