Skin changes during menopause occur primarily due to hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen plays a critical role in maintaining skin health, and its reduction triggers several changes, including:
Decreased Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Oestrogen stimulates collagen synthesis, so its decline during menopause leads to a decrease in collagen levels. This causes the skin to lose firmness, leading to sagging and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reduced Skin Thickness
With less oestrogen, the skin's dermal layer becomes thinner. Thinner skin is more prone to injury, bruising, and visible signs of aging such as wrinkles.
Loss of Elasticity
The reduction in elastin, another protein essential for skin resilience, makes the skin less elastic. This contributes to sagging, especially around the jawline and neck.
Dryness
Oestrogen influences the production of natural oils (sebum) in the skin. With lower oestrogen levels, oil production decreases, causing the skin to become drier. Dry skin can feel tight, rough, and may flake or itch.
Decreased Blood Flow
Oestrogen supports healthy blood flow to the skin. Reduced blood circulation during menopause can lead to a dull complexion as fewer nutrients and oxygen reach the skin.
Increased Sensitivity
Hormonal changes may make the skin more sensitive or reactive to products, environmental factors, or allergens.
Pigmentation Changes
Menopause may exacerbate hyperpigmentation, such as age spots or melasma, because hormonal fluctuations affect melanocyte activity (the cells that produce pigment).
Slower Healing and Regeneration
The skin’s ability to repair itself diminishes due to reduced cellular turnover. This leads to longer recovery times for wounds or blemishes.
Appearance of Facial Hair
The hormonal imbalance during menopause may also increase androgen activity relative to oestrogen, causing the growth of unwanted facial hair, particularly on the chin and upper lip.
Impact of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Years of sun exposure, smoking, and other lifestyle factors can exacerbate skin aging during menopause, as the skin becomes less resilient to external stressors.
Management and Care
Moisturization: Use hydrating products containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, serums with natural oils
Collagen Boosting: Topical retinoids or peptides can stimulate collagen production.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen is essential to prevent further damage and pigmentation issues.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): May help reduce some skin changes by restoring oestrogen levels.
Healthy Lifestyle: A diet rich in antioxidants, hydration, and avoiding smoking can improve skin health.
Menopausal skin changes are natural, but proactive care can help maintain a healthy and youthful appearance.
Book an appointment to discuss your menopause and how HRT may help. I offer Aesthetics treatments which is a good way to restore lost volume and rejuvenate your face. Botox treatments are affective at reversing the lines caused by ageing
Regards
Amanda
