As a woman in her prime, suddenly you just can't take care of your skin anymore? A typical sign of the onset of menopause. Hormonal changes affect the skin and mood, which in turn promotes skin problems. This factor is often neglected when it comes to skin care during the menopause. So here we take a closer look at how important self-love is to your skin health right now.
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Menopause up close Part 1: Skin problems caused by estrogen deficiency
The menopause and skin problems on the face and body
We are already used to cyclical hormone fluctuations. If they have been smoothing out gentle waves before, the years of change will see strong ups and downs, followed by the hormonal calm after the storm. During these phases, many women experience skin conditions that are completely new to them .
This goes far beyond a few new wrinkles. We're talking about problems that cause great discomfort: skin that's dry enough to crack, an itchy scalp or even irritation after products you've loved so far. It quickly becomes apparent that you won't get very far here with cosmetics alone. Hormones affect you holistically. The answer should look just as holistic .
This is how hormonal skin problems affect the menopause
Hormones play a major role in the course of your skin development. Whenever something serious changes in their distribution, things get a bit turbulent. That's how it was during puberty and now it's happening again. Only this time the focus is specifically on the female sex hormone estrogen . And this is what happens with this:
The perimenopause...
... (literally the time "around menopause") is characterized by strong fluctuations in hormone levels. Sometimes estrogen is very high compared to progesterone, sometimes very low. It's just as up and down emotionally, physically and in the complexion. Increasing skin irritations are the first signs that the needs of your skin are now changing.
The menopause...
… follows the last period. Now the estrogen level drops permanently . This affects the regeneration and protective function of the skin and can have several consequences. The skin will
- thinner
- drier
- more sensitive
- more sensitive to light
- sagging
A holistic approach to problem skin during the menopause
Easier said than done, I know. The point is: Stress has a huge impact on our complexion. Bad skin, on the other hand, can be quite stressful. A vicious circle is created so quickly. We are only too happy to start experimenting with something new, to which already stressed skin rarely reacts positively. You'll quickly find out: skin care isn't everything, with an emphasis on skin . So overall be good to yourself . There are 5 areas that are particularly important , which we will now take a closer look at.
☝️ Of course, it's also important to understand how your skin's needs change and adjust your care accordingly . That's what Part 2 of this series of articles is all about.
1. Diet 🍎
We absorb many important nutrients for beautiful skin through food. This includes vitamins, antioxidants and trace elements, above all zinc, which are transported into the skin. Since the skin regenerates more slowly after the menopause, a good supply of nutrients is all the more important. But what does it look like in practice? Sometimes nutritional advice is recommended. Some health insurance companies even support such offers. Feel free to ask about it!
Water! The older we get, the less we feel thirsty. A water jug at work reminds you to drink regularly and gives you control over the amount.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids 🐟
Although also a nutritional topic, I would like to emphasize these polyunsaturated fatty acids separately because they are soooo important for the skin. They have a positive effect on a whole range of skin problems during menopause. Among other things, they help to reduce dryness and inflammation to which barrier-damaged skin is more susceptible.
Great omega-3 suppliers are, for example, walnuts, oily fish and linseed oil - this is an excellent source, especially for vegans.
🌟 Our article on omega-3 will tell you how to meet your needs, also vegan .
3. Promote blood circulation 🏃♀️
Nutrient transport to the skin is only optimal with good blood circulation. Fortunately, there is a suitable path for every taste.
- For active people: exercise really gets the circulation going. The WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week – or 75 minutes of vigorous activity such as jogging for the particularly fit.
- For connoisseurs: Visiting the sauna has a very similar effect on the circulation as moderate exercise. In addition, it can be wonderfully switched off.
- For everyone who prefers wellness at home: facial massages and gentle brush massages provide the daily dose of relaxation. They also stimulate collagen synthesis and thus ensure a firmer complexion. You can integrate these little rituals into your morning or evening routine in just a few minutes.
4. Active stress management 🧘♂️
Stress alone can cause skin problems very similar to the physical changes associated with menopause. So when these two factors come together, they reinforce each other immensely. Regular stress reduction is therefore all the more important. Otherwise your skin will now be doubly shaken.
Take time for yourself and find ways to release emotional pressure. This can be time in nature, a break with friends, a hobby that really winds you down, or relaxation techniques. There, too, there is a wide range of health courses from yoga to autogenic training. Take it easy and listen to your daily form .
🌟 Reading tip : In this article you will find out in more detail why stress is poison for the skin and how you can reduce it in a targeted manner.
5. Beauty Sleep 🌜
Sleep is one of the most powerful beauty tools. We reduce stress and the skin regenerates overnight. Unfortunately, the menopause tends to cause restlessness for many people . Control here consciously. Aromatherapy, bedtime rituals , for example, or super-comfortable bedding are helpful – after all, you spend around a third of the day in the feathers. And hey, if it doesn't work at night, there's nothing wrong with taking a nap during the day...
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Are Hormone Drugs the Solution?
"If hormones are the cause of the problem, wouldn't they also be the solution?" you may be thinking. And yes, hormone supplements can actually improve skin condition. You just have to weigh up the price. Hormones have a highly complex effect and also harbor many risks .
Because the positive effect of estrogen preparations on mature skin is a fact, diligent research is being carried out into substitutes . The new active ingredients are now bioidentical. This means that they do not differ in physiology from our own hormones, but promise fewer side effects 1 .
☝️ Hormones and hormone replacement products should only be used in consultation with a gynecologist.
It's possible to have beautiful skin during the menopause
Even if you don't recognize your skin right now, don't worry: there are many points you can start with. With a healthy diet and lots of self-love, you can get problematic skin conditions under control. Of course, the care routine also plays a role. After all, your skin is now making new demands on it. So what does skin care look like after menopause? You will find out in the second part of this series .
Enjoy reading!
Your Anna
