Menopause and Skin: What Are the Causes, Effects, and Solutions?
Menopause is a natural physiological period marking the end of menstruation in women, generally around the age of 50. This hormonal transition not only impacts fertility, but also has profound consequences for overall health, particularly on the skin.
Our comprehensive article deciphers the link between menopause and skin, exploring the causes, symptoms, visible effects, and natural solutions for maintaining beautiful skin during this period.
What is menopause and what is its physiological role?
Menopause is the definitive cessation of menstrual cycles, following a gradual decrease and then cessation of estrogen production by the ovaries. It is confirmed after 12 months without a period and generally affects women between the ages of 45 and 55.
This phase is accompanied by a major hormonal reorganization and marks a turning point in female physiology.
What are the most common symptoms?
The most common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Chronic fatigue
- Disturbed mental balance: mood swings
- Weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness
- And, of course, significant changes in the skin
Why does the skin react so much to menopause?
The drop in estrogen levels has visible consequences for the skin. These hormones actively participate in the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Their reduced production causes:
- A loss of density and firmness
- A decrease in elasticity
- A breakdown of the skin barrier
Sebum production also decreases, causing increased dryness, dehydration, and greater sensitivity to external aggressions (UV rays, pollution).
The visible consequences of menopause:
- Appearance and deepening of wrinkles
- Increased number of pigment spots
- Duller complexion
- Changes in hair growth (which can lead to hair loss or, conversely, localized growth)
What skincare routine should you adopt during menopause?
How to choose the right facial skincare products during menopause?
During menopause, facial skin undergoes many changes: loss of density, pronounced wrinkles, dryness, thinning, and increased sensitivity. A targeted skincare routine helps strengthen the skin barrier, support collagen production, and restore elasticity.
Here's an ideal routine:
Gentle Cleansing
Use a soap-free cleanser, whether milk or oil, to avoid damaging the skin's surface and maintain the protective barrier. This prevents the feeling of tightness common in cases of dehydration.
Toner or Hydrating Mist
Applying a lotion rich in soothing active ingredients (such as aloe vera or rose) rebalances the pH and prepares for subsequent skincare treatments.
Targeted Serum
A serum rich in antioxidants, peptides, retinol, or hyaluronic acid helps stimulate collagen synthesis, improve firmness, and reduce facial wrinkles. Retinol is particularly effective but should be introduced gradually to avoid irritation.
Rich Moisturizing Cream
A day or night cream containing restorative lipids (ceramides, omega 3 and 6), plant butter, or collagen-boosting active ingredients helps counteract dryness and transepidermal water loss.
Daily Sun Protection
Essential for preventing dark spots, protecting collagen, and preventing the worsening of signs of aging, especially on exposed areas of the face.
Weekly Nourishing Mask
A mask applied once or twice a week provides a real boost to the skin, complementing your daily routine.
This basic routine is suitable for all skin types.
Why is hydration essential after age 50 to combat dryness and dehydration?
Proper hydration helps limit transepidermal water loss, strengthens the skin barrier, and prevents chronic dryness. During menopause, it is crucial to:
- Drink enough water
- Use skincare rich in hyaluronic acid and ceramides
- Apply a hydrating mask once or twice a day
What other tips can help maintain healthy skin during menopause?
How does lifestyle impact the skin during this time?
A stable lifestyle helps improve skin condition during menopause:
- A diet rich in protein, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids promotes collagen production
- Physical activity stimulates microcirculation
- Good sleep and stress management improve quality of life
What beauty treatments can stimulate collagen and firmness?
- Radiofrequency stimulates deep collagen
- Facial massages improve tone
What about dietary supplements?
Among the additional tips for limiting the adverse effects of menopause, dietary supplements can play a valuable role.
By supporting hormonal balance and providing essential nutrients, they help improve overall comfort during this transition period.
A relevant example is the Circles Menopause & Perimenopause Comfort Treatment MENO, formulated without hormones or phytoestrogens, with key ingredients: saffron and black cohosh to calm stress and hot flashes, tryptophan and magnesium to promote restful sleep and regulate mood, and vitamins D and B5 to support joints, hormone synthesis, and fight fatigue.
What skin pain can occur?
Menopause can cause several pain issues: hyperreactive skin, with pain to the touch, burning sensations, or tightness. This is due to dryness, a reduction in the hydrolipidic layer, and an altered barrier function.
Conclusion: What solutions are there to limit the effects of menopause on the skin?
The effects of menopause are numerous, but there are concrete and natural solutions to limit skin problems.
By adopting a suitable skincare routine, a comprehensive approach to health, and targeted actions, every woman can get through this period with peace of mind.
Bibliography, Scientific Sources:
INSERM – Understanding Menopause: https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/menopause/
French Society of Dermatology: https://dermato-info.fr/dossiers/la-peau-et-la-menopause
Mayo Clinic – Menopause Symptoms and Causes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(15)02117-1/fulltext
British Journal of Dermatology – Estrogen and Skin Aging: https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/165/1/27/6851489
Vidal – Skin Care and Hormonal Aging: https://www.vidal.fr/actualites/27049-la-menopause-et-la-peau.html
You might also like :
Comments
