A woman’s life is never dull and as the middle years begin, so too does a rite of passage that can bring with it a whole host of undesirable symptoms!

Yet with knowledge comes power and the journey of menopause can be a time of life in which we can grab the reigns and charge forward into a new phase that is more enlightening and positive than ever before.

Change is never easy and menopause brings with it a multitude of physical symptoms as well as emotional ones.

The hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings and skin that can hark back to our teenage years, is no fun at all!

In this blog we address the topic of menopausal skin – what changes does the skin actually undergo, how do those changes impact the look and feel of the skin and is there anything we can do to minimise those changes.

Menopause and Hormones

Hormones are molecules secreted by glands that are carried by the blood or through the lymphatic system. Hormones act on tissues, glands and organs. While there are many different types of hormones there are three major groups:

• Amino derived hormones
• Polypeptide hormones and
• Steroid hormones

The hormone that plays a major role in menopause is oestrogen, a steroid hormone. Steroid hormones have far more important roles than just on gender and sexual organs. They have a major impact on:

• Bone density
• The Digestive System
• The Circulatory System
• The Nervous System

After some 35 years of menstruation, the oestrogen level declines, which triggers menopause.

Menopause naturally brings about numerous changes to the female body such as hot flushes, lack of concentration, insomnia, anxiety, loss of bone density, dry skin and hair loss to name a few! So, what about the skin? Well it is important to note that beyond its role of communication in physiological processes, the oestrogen secreted by the ovaries plays a protective role for the skin.

Menopause and The Skin

During menopause, the skin undergoes a myriad of changes including:

• dryness
• loss of density and thickness
• loss of elasticity
• irritation and bruises
• pigmentation
• slow wound healing

As oestrogen levels fall the protective role it once had on the skin, falls along with it. Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for making collagen, have specific receptors for oestrogen. Therefore, the decline in oestrogen production leads to the decline in collagen production and to the degeneration and fragmentation of the elastic fibers.

Under these conditions the number of arterial vessels diminishes, resulting in an impaired microcirculation.

The consequence of all these changes is a global decrease in the thickness of the epidermal layer and a flattening of the dermal/epidermal junction.

Menopause and GERnétic

Women going through menopause do need to rethink their skincare routine to include mild, creamy based cleansers as well as rich, nourishing moisturisers. Sun protection is paramount of course and lifestyle factors will make a difference to the look and feel of the skin. Focussing on a healthy, balanced diet containing oily fish, nuts and seeds for omega-3 fatty acids. Lentils and chickpeas contain phyto-oestrogens , a natural form of oestrogen found in plants, and could be great menopause busting foods! Exercise is essential to keep the body supple and the mind balanced.

Specific menopause related skincare products are few and far between but GERnétic has recently launched a range called Vital Transfer that is having some astounding effects on menopausal skin.

Vital Transfer is a set of 2 hormoceutic creams, one for the face and one for the body. These creams contain 40 biological active ingredients, dosed for optimal performance:

• 3 plant extracts rich in phyto-oestrogens,
• 5 structural agents and 5 hydric agents
• 3 vaso-protectors
• 12 amino acids
• 12 sources of fatty acids, trace elements and vitamins

Vital Transfer creams have been designed for mature skins displaying the signs of low oestrogen levels which might include extreme dryness, lack of elasticity and loss of density.

The creams provide each skin layer with the essential molecules needed for their optimal functioning. A key ingredient used in Vital Transfer is Genistein. This is a phyto-oestrogen found in soy, clover and hops with a structure that mimics oestrogen. It behaves as an anti-oxidant, an anti-inflammatory as well as a collagen producer. With its low molecular weight, Genistein can easily penetrate the skin. As a potent anti-oxidant, Genistein reduces lipid peroxidation, scavenges free radicals and alleviates the damage these free radicals can cause to the skin’s tissues.

The phyto-oestrogens bind to skin receptors, thereby activating the fibroblasts, keratinocytes and other skin cells to produce collagen and elastin. This boosts skin repair and improves skin quality. The creams can be used in salon treatments as well as home care and are producing incredible results.

GERnétic is founded on a holistic approach to skin health. While menopause can be a challenging time, by focussing on a healthy lifestyle, emotional support and quality skincare products, this significant time in a woman’s life, can also be a healthy, positive one.

I’d love you to experience Vital Transfer for yourself and gain an in depth understanding of how it can help your clients.

We love sharing our passion for the beauty industry with our clients and love seeing their successes. That’s what inspires us daily.

Supporting you in running a successful beauty business is our purpose.

Call us for more information about Vital Transfer: 1300 437 638

FAQs:

Q: What are the common skin changes that occur during menopause?

A: During menopause, several skin changes can occur. Some common ones include dryness, increased sensitivity, thinning of the skin, loss of elasticity, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hormonal changes during menopause can also lead to a decrease in collagen production, which contributes to these changes.

Q: Why does menopause cause dry skin?

A: Menopause can cause dry skin due to a decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps maintain the skin’s moisture by promoting the production of natural oils and improving skin barrier function. When estrogen levels decrease, the skin may become drier, rougher, and more prone to itching and irritation.

Q: How can I manage skin dryness during menopause? 

A: To manage skin dryness during menopause, you can follow these tips:

• Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers specifically formulated for dry or mature skin.
• Avoid long, hot showers and opt for lukewarm water instead.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
• Protect your skin from harsh weather conditions by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

Q: What can I do about wrinkles and loss of elasticity during menopause?

A: While wrinkles and loss of elasticity are natural parts of the aging process, there are steps you can take to minimize their appearance during menopause:

• Incorporate a skincare routine that includes products with ingredients like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, which can help improve skin texture and promote collagen production.
• Protect your skin from the sun by using broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Quit smoking, as smoking accelerates skin aging and contributes to wrinkles.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

Q: Can menopause cause acne?

A: Yes, menopause can cause acne or make existing acne worse. Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to increased oil production, clogged pores, and the development of acne lesions. Women who had acne during their teenage years are more likely to experience acne flare-ups during menopause.

It’s important to note that if you have concerns about the effects of menopause on your skin or are experiencing significant skin changes, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice and recommend suitable treatments.