Did you know that almost half of women experience challenges with their skin during the menopause?[1]
The menopause and perimenopause can throw skin into a spin. Skin changes during the menopause in several ways, all related to other changes happening in the body. When this happens, our skincare regimes can need a shake-up. Understanding what skincare is best for menopausal skin and why skin changes during the menopause is one small way to ensure wellbeing in a time that can be unnerving. The skin researchers at Advanced Nutrition Programme™ explain the details of menopause and some of the skin changes you can expect to see and their product recommendations for beautiful, glowing skin during this period.
What happens to the skin during the menopause?
Most often spoken about as a reproductive hormone, oestrogen has a lot of different roles in the body and is closely involved in many processes in the skin. This means that when oestrogen levels start to fluctuate during the perimenopause, and fall after the menopause, it may have a knock-on effect on skin. Some of the key changes that happen include, thinning skin with lower collagen levels, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, sensitivity, and problem skin.
Dry skin, itching, sensitivity, and compromised barrier function
Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in ensuring the skin stays hydrated and comfortable. Normal skin produces its own hyaluronic acid, but the amount that we produce drops as we get older. One of the reasons behind this is thought to be related to oestrogen decline. Scientists believe that oestrogen stimulates skin to produce hyaluronic acid – so when there is less oestrogen in the body, less hyaluronic acid is produced. As a result, skin may appear dry, less plump and lacking in hydration [2]. Oestrogen also helps to maintain the skin barrier. The upper skin layers create a waterproof barrier of the skin that locks moisture in and keeps unwanted irritants out. However, when levels of oestrogen drop, the barrier becomes weaker, leading to a decrease in hydration levels in the skin [2]. Skin can become dry, cracked, and uncomfortable, with itching and irritation common. In some cases, some women also experience tingling, rashes, or numbness when their skin becomes dry. The brands researchers have selected their hydrating hero Skin Moisture Lock™ to help with, dry and dehydrated-looking skin. Featuring hyaluronic acid with ceramides – another moisture locking ingredient for plumper, youthful skin.
Additionally, the brand recommends Skin Omegas+. Their hydrating and soothing properties come packaged with an array of additional benefits for skin health* and wellbeing. For menopausal skin, they are helpful for tacking the dryness, dullness and sensitivity that can occur, supporting the skin barrier.
Alternatively, there is the brands smart skin box Skin Moisture IQ, which contains both Skin Moisture Lock™, Skin Omegas+, Skin Vit A+ and Skin Vitality.
Collagen changes
Did you know you lose 30% of collagen in the first five years of the menopause [2]? So, there’s a good reason for looking after our skin’s collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps to provide the foundation for our skin – creating a structure that keeps it plump and resilient. Lower collagen and elastin levels cause the skin to become thinner, less firm and make fine lines and wrinkles appear more visible. Vitamin C is an ingredient known to play a role in the normal production of collagen**. It acts as a “cofactor” for collagen production – meaning that there must be vitamin C present for collagen to be able to be produced. The brand recommends Skin Collagen Synergy their science-led supplement system to help support your own internal collagen formation*, delivering renewed resilience. Providing 32 targeted ingredients to help support collagen production* and future-proof your skin.
Additionally, they recommend Skin Ultimate, their intelligent supplement system containing five capsules to soften and smooth ageing skin. Containing COQ10 and maritime pine bark for a more even skin tone. As well as supporting skin firmness and elasticity.
Problem skin
Frequently considered a teenage skin concern, problem skin can become a common complaint for menopausal women. Changes to the skin’s pH, and to the levels of oil produced by the skin are also thought to contribute to the increased likelihood of problem skin during the menopause. Advanced Nutrition Programme™’s Skin Clear Biome™ and Skin Accumax™ are recommended for problem or stressed skin. Skin Clear Biome™ supplement was formulated to nurture the close connection between a happy gut and clear skin. Skin Accumax™ is recommended by thousands of skincare professionals worldwide with its patented formula achieving numerous accolades worldwide.
Menopause and the gut
There is a specific group of bacteria in the gut that helps process and transport oestrogen through the body, so when oestrogen levels begin to change, the formation and diversity of our gut bacteria also changes. Your gut changes with age and the important thing are to maintain a healthy, diverse microbiome. Maintaining a diverse, healthy microbiome is vital to overall wellbeing and skin health* and promoting microbiome diversity is important to support your gut, skin health* and overall wellbeing. Skin Youth Biome™ next generation supplement innovation targets the seven signs of ageing and supports collagen formation** for youthful, radiant, brighter skin. If you’re looking for skin support during the menopause, shop Advanced Nutrition Programme™ now to achieve beautiful, radiant skin.
*Vitamin A contributes to the normal maintenance of skin ** Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation
Sources: 1. Half of UK women suffer with dry skin during the menopause. Professional Beauty. September 2020. 2. Estrogens and ageing skin. April 2013.
