Are my skin problems related to the upcoming menopause?

In the period before menopause, a woman's body undergoes a number of changes leading to a decrease in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and androgens. This results in the end of ovulation and menstruation as well as many other symptoms, including skin ones.

The skin is our largest organ and it reflects all changes occurring in our body. It is often a mirror of what is happening inside. So if our body is undergoing such major hormonal changes, our skin will clearly show it.

How do hormones affect the condition of the skin:

ESTROGENS regulate the secretion of sebum in the skin, accelerate the healing process, have a positive effect on the density and structure of the skin, stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, making the skin elastic and firm.

PROGESTERONE- stimulates the sebaceous glands, making the skin oily and may worsen acne.

ANDROGENS- influence the balance of the protective barrier and stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce sebum.

Low levels of these hormones may manifest themselves in worse microcirculation, irritation, redness, dryness, itching, burning, sagging skin, changes in facial oval, hormonal acne or inflammation. In addition, the skin regenerates slower and its levels of collagen, elastin and hydration decrease.

In women with vascular, dry and sensitive skin, symptoms may become more severe and rosacea may develop during menopause.

While the level of some hormones gradually decreases, one of them, unfortunately, increases - cortisol, the stress hormone. It is responsible for sleep problems, anxiety and mood swings, but also for skin inflammation.

How to take care of your skin during menopause?

To take care of your skin in this difficult period, start not with proper skin care, but with taking care of your whole self: for your inner peace, for your needs, for time for yourself, for exercise in the fresh air, for self-acceptance. All this will help you reduce cortisol levels.

Remember to use sun protection, drink plenty of water and take care of sleep hygiene.

In cosmetics, look for ingredients such as: omega 3 or 6 acids (e.g. shea butter, oils e.g. from rice bran) that compensate for losses in the lipid layer, hyaluronic acid, glycerin of plant origin, d-panthenol, allantoin, ceramides, as well as ingredients that gently exfoliate such as glycolic acid and active ingredients stimulating renewal processes (vitamins C, E and A)

A very important stage of proper care is gentle cleansing, which will not disturb the protective layer of the epidermis. Avoid strong detergents such as SLS or SLES. Choose a natural oil for removing make-up and cleansing your face.

Use a gentle gel, foam or soap based on natural cleansing substances.

Tone your skin and moisturize, moisturize and moisturize.

Twice a week, it is also worth using an exfoliating product that will unclog the pores of skin, stimulate its regeneration and make it smoother so it absorbs active ingredients better. It can be a delicate enzymatic peeling, AHA fruit acids or African black soap.

And the last but most important thing - love yourself every day!!!