Many of my lovely patients come to me with skin concerns that they have noticed more so during or after the menopause.
There are many ways that the menopause can affect the skin:
As oestrogen levels drop, supportive fat in the face, neck, hands and arms can cause wrinkles to appear.
Lowered oestrogen levels can result in a slowed production and repair of structural proteins (collagen and elastin) in the dermis of the skin. This can lead to loss of firmness, wrinkle formation and the skin can become lax. This lack of repair can be exacerbated if the skin is exposed to UV rays.
The blood flow in the dermal capillaries are reduced during the menopause and less nutrients and oxygen are available. This leads to thinning of the epidermis and a slower cell turnover rate. This can be accompanied by a reduced barrier function leading to water loss and dry skin.
During the menopause, as oestrogen levels decrease, testosterone is more prevalent in the body. Testosterone stimulates sebaceous glands to secrete thicker sebum resulting in oily skin and in some cases, adult acne.
A Personal Perspective on Training
As much as this might seem like a very long list of negatives about the menopause, it’s not all doom and gloom! This is why I choose to use the incredible collagen-stimulating product, Ellanse.
Not only does Ellanse provide volume to the skin and reposition the tissue to appear more youthful (like a dermal filler) but thanks to its unique properties, it will also trigger the natural production of your own collagen.
This means thicker, healthier, glowing skin! The effects are gradual and long-lasting, ensuring a natural, youthful look.
It’s also really important to ensure that you are using good quality products that are suited to your skin. An SPF is always a necessity, regardless of age but it’s even more important during these hormonal changes due to the limited protection that our melanocytes are able to provide for us in the skin.
