‘Too young’ for the menopause but your skin is behaving differently? Maybe it’s time to treat it peri-menopausaly?
I’m 39, so not in the typical menopause bracket (that’s not to say it’s impossible though, premature menopause and early menopause effects between 1% and 5% respectively, of the population) but with the average age for menopause onset being between 45-55 there is a strong possibility I could be in the peri-menopausal phase.
Peri-menopause has many different effects on the body and mind but for now, let’s talk skin. As we approach the menopause your collagen production starts to slow down, you lose some fat under the skin and the elasticity drops. Fun times. The hormonal changes also create dryness in the skin which can cause not only fine lines and wrinkles, but also sagging around the neck and the jawline. Mother Nature is one twisted Muvva – we spend years disliking our periods and then, when they finally do stop, she gives us something else to contend with!
You don’t need a diagnosis for peri-menopause but like with all skincare, prevention is better than cure, so, if you find your skin is acting a bit differently to normal, here’s some protective measures you can take, to challenge Mother Nature head on…..
One of the best and most lifestyle accommodating moisturising products I’ve tried in recent years is Glowlixir. A facemask containing the all-important collagen and moisture boosting shea butter, Glowlixir also contains one of my favourite but somewhat lesser known anti-ageing ingredients, glycerin. Glycerin is fantastic for locking in moisture without clogging the pores. Also on the ingredient list is peppermint oil to combat blemishes (another peri-menopausal symptom and/or result of needing to replace so much more lost moisture). All-in-all a very well thought out recipe which can be used fully around the eye area and used as a makeup primer (no need to wash off after use!). It showed real testament to me when it got me/my skin through a party trip to Las Vegas followed by an 11 hour flight to Shanghai! My skin should have been parched but I arrived back at Heathrow glowing! Consider changing your beauty basics to something more gentle; when we break out (as can happen during peri-menopause) our instinct is often to reach for the oil-fighting, zit-zapping cleansers and toners but this can more often than not aggravate the already confused skin. Instead, focus on protecting the barrier function of the skin – this is what keeps moisture in and bacteria out. I have been trying gentler cleansers for a while now but as an avid makeup wearer, I haven’t always been satisfied with their cleansing abilities! Recently I tried the Herbal Essentials range centred around the magic ingredient of Himalayan Spring Water which has been proven to boost cell renewal in the epidermis. Before this special water reaches the base of the Himalayas it picks up minerals on its travels though the glaciers and rocks, such as magnesium, calcium and potassium, all hugely beneficial to per-menopausal skin to calm and protect the skin, whilst helping to renew cells and reduce collagen breakdown. Each product feels so soothing to use but also really packs a punch! There are 4 different groups to tackle different issues, but I chose the Radiance range to help correct pigmentation marks and give me a much-needed glow boost! It has to be said, these products will be suitable for most skin types and ages but I’m just finding them extra beneficial for me at this skincare-stage of my life! As I said previously, prevention is better than cure and there are ways of introducing ‘next stage’ products into your routine before you really ‘need’ them. One such product I’ve sneaked into my regime is Vichy Rose Platinum Nuit this is the latest edition to their Neovadiol menopause range (can I just say, I love how this is not a taboo subject anymore and women aren’t feeling ashamed about a natural life process!). This night cream also contains calcium to retain the bounciness in our skin, as well as vegetal sugars to plump and tone the skin. My plan was to use this cream every 3rd night or so, due to it being specifically for menopausal skin – however, I am now using every ounce of willpower I have not to use it every night! It helps prevent sleep lines (hello décolletage!) and gives such a youthful plumpness and radiance to the skin, that I am desperate to use it continuously! I am going to take my own advice for once and limit usage until I really need it but for anyone who is in the throes of menopause, I highly recommend you check out the whole range!
Moisturise (obvs)
Soothe (pleease)
Protect (always)
