Menopause officially begins one year after your last period when your ovaries stop releasing eggs, leading to decreased hormone production. Menopause is marked by a number of shifts in your body, one of these being in your skin. As estrogen levels plummet, your skin can dry out, wrinkle, and become more sensitive. There are a lot of changes that happen to your skin during menopause, but the right care can help improve its appearance.
Here are some of the common skin problems to look out for during menopause and how you can lessen their effects:
Facial Hair
During menopause, you may notice more hair on your face and less on your scalp. Even though your estrogen depletes, your body continues to produce the same amount of testosterone, and this imbalance can cause secondary male sex characteristics. You can wax, pluck, or tweeze unwanted facial hair, depending on growth rate.
Wrinkles
Where your body stores fat changes during menopause. You develop more tissue in your thighs and stomach, while the fat under your face and arms is lost, and so is elasticity.
You also lose about 30 percent of your collagen stores in the first five years of menopause, causing your skin to lose its volume and wrinkle. Look for products that fight fine lines and help firm your skin, like Estro’s Phytoestrogen products that help restore estrogen-deficient skin.
Redness
During menopause, you can experience hot flashes, where your face suddenly gets red, flushed, and sweaty. Your skin gets more sensitive to temperature, and the lack of estrogen can cause itchiness and sensitivity.
Rosacea is also more common in the menopause and can be flared up by hot flashes. Try to reduce additional stress and anxiety to prevent random hot flashes and skin redness.
Excess Oil
The imbalance of hormones during menopause means more testosterone circulates your body than estrogen. This can lead to thick sebum creating the appearance of oily skin and even acne.
To remove excess oils, invest in a good face wash that’s gentle on your skin, like Estro’s Bio-Soothing Cleanser. Cleanse morning and night to remove any grime and oil that could have accumulated throughout your day or during sleep.
Pigmentation
As estrogen depletion directly affects melanin production, the pigment that protects your skin, dark spots can appear in areas where your skin has been damaged by the sun over the years.
This can happen all over your body, not just on your face. You can slow down and prevent hyperpigmentation by investing in a good SPF sunscreen and reducing sun exposure.