All hormonal changes leading up to and during menopause affect our skin, making it drier, less firm, and less radiant. Let's explore what we can do to give our skin some extra love and keep it healthy and glowing.
The 3 basics of any skincare routine (especially during menopause):
1. Gentle Cleansing: Start your facial care routine with a gentle but effective cleanser both morning and night. In the evening, double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one. Look for cleansers without sulfates or strong fragrances to avoid irritation, as your skin may be more sensitive now. We want to cleanse while respecting the skin's natural barrier.
2. Intense Hydration: Menopause typically causes our skin to become drier, or maybe not, but it's likely more dehydrated. So, make sure to hydrate it properly. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide to help retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Remember, you can have oily skin and still be dehydrated at the same time; our skin utilizes water and lipids differently, and it's important to have a balance between the two.
3. Sun Protection: Don't underestimate the power of sunscreen. If you don't have a DAILY sunscreen year-round, it's time to get one. Choose one with an SPF of 50 (yes, 50, every day of the year) and broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Find a texture you like, whether it's more fluid or denser. Personally, I have several and use one or the other depending on whether I'm wearing makeup that day, but never start the day without sunscreen.
The extras:
1. Firming Serum: Consider adding a firming serum to your nighttime routine to address loss of elasticity and firmness during menopause. Look for ingredients like copper peptides and retinol (I personally prefer retinal), which can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. If you're starting with retinol or any of its derivatives, remember to start slowly, as it may irritate your skin. Begin by using it on alternate nights and avoid the eye and mouth area.
2. Antioxidant Treatment: Antioxidants are essential for protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Incorporate an antioxidant serum or cream with ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, or green tea extract to keep oxidation at bay. This type of product is best used in your morning routine, between cleansing and sunscreen application.
3. Gentle Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal. Choose from physical, chemical, or enzymatic exfoliants. Physical exfoliants with granules or "sand" are not recommended. Chemical exfoliants, like those containing glycolic or lactic acid, are a better option to avoid irritation and reveal smoother, brighter skin. Enzymatic exfoliants work similarly to chemical ones, "dissolving" the bond between dead skin cells to promote renewal. Don't exfoliate daily; 3 or 4 times a week is sufficient.
4. Eye Cream: The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, especially during menopause. Look for an eye cream containing ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin K to hydrate, soften, and reduce the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles. I never considered needing an eye cream until now, and now I can't live without it.
5. Weekly Face Mask: Dedicate a special moment to your skin each week with a specific face mask. There are thousands to choose from, whether hydrating, brightening, or exfoliating. I usually do this on Sundays, alternating between hydrating and exfoliating masks, depending on how my skin feels and my mood.
Remember, every skin is unique, so don't be afraid to try different products and textures. Adjust your routine according to your needs and preferences. It's better to start with a simple routine that you'll stick to than one with 20 steps that you'll forget half the time.
The goal is to find 5 minutes at the beginning and end of the day to pamper yourself. You'll see results in a few weeks if you're consistent. You won't have the skin you had at 20, but you don't need it. It's about feeling good in your own skin throughout your life.
I'll continue to research active ingredients, textures, and products to keep you informed. Do you have any skincare products that you find indispensable?