Taking Care of Your Skin During Menopause

During menopause, your body goes through a lot of changes from experiencing hot flashes to having trouble sleeping and everything in between. But did you know that your skin is also affected by menopause?

During menopause, your estrogen levels decrease because your ovaries are no longer making estrogen. Instead, your fat cells will actually begin to make the majority of your body's estrogen.

So why does this matter? Estrogen plays a key part in collagen production, and as your body's estrogen levels decrease so does the collagen in your skin. This can make your skin lose its elasticity and firmness, resulting in sagging skin as well as more apparent fine lines and wrinkles. You may even notice that your pores appear larger due to weaker collagen and elastic tissue.

As your hormones fluctuate, your skin may start to feel thinner or drier, and you may even start to see more blemishes or breakouts pop up. Though menopause is inevitable, there are things that you can do in order to help combat some of the effects it has on your skin.

Protect your skin from the sun.

Applying sunscreen is one of the best and easiest ways you can protect your skin. Sunscreen minimizes the penetration of harmful UV rays, helps prevent discoloration and dark spots, and combats signs of premature aging.

Use retinol.

Retinol can increase skin cell production and collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Use a mild cleanser.

You can help combat dry skin by using a mild cleanser. Cream cleansers are often gentler and more hydrating than other cleansers, so you may want to consider using a cream cleanser if you have severely dry or sensitive skin.

Use a moisturizer.

Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. It not only helps lock in moisture to alleviate dry skin, but it also helps to lock in the benefits of the skincare products you've already applied. A moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin can be especially beneficial.

Eat right.

Eating healthy amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins can help support your skin health. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C into your diet can further help your skin by improving collagen production, fighting free radical damage, and preventing signs of premature aging.