The Ultimate Guide to Menopausal Skin Changes
Understanding Menopause Skincare: A Guide to Nurturing Your Skin During Hormonal Changes
Menopause marks a significant chapter in a woman’s life, and while it brings many physical and emotional changes, one area often overlooked is how it impacts the skin. As hormone levels fluctuate, so do the skin’s needs, and suddenly, the products and routines that used to work may no longer feel as effective. Let's look at how menopause affects your skin and what you can do to keep it healthy and lustrous.
1. Decreased Estrogen - Estrogen is a hormone that plays a big role in maintaining skin health. It stimulates the production of collagen and natural oils, keeping the skin firm, plump, and hydrated. During menopause, the drop in estrogen levels causes noticeable changes:
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Thinning skin: As collagen production decreases, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile.
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Dryness: With lower oil production, menopausal skin often feels dry and tight, requiring more moisture than before.
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Increased sagging and wrinkles: The loss of collagen and elastin leads to sagging skin, particularly around the jawline and neck, and deeper wrinkles.
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Hyperpigmentation: Hormonal changes can result in the appearance of dark spots or melasma, which makes the skin look uneven.
- Acne: A lower estrogen and progesterone level can cause the skin to produce more oil, which can lead to spots similar to those you get as a teenager.
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Slower wound healing: Menopausal skin heals more slowly from injuries, as cell turnover slows down, requiring more time for recovery from cuts, scrapes, or blemishes.
2. Loss of Elasticity and Firmness -The drop in collagen leads to a loss of elasticity, which can result in sagging, especially in areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, and along the jawline. This process, combined with a slower rate of cell turnover, can make skin appear more tired and aged.
Studies show that women's skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause. After that, the decline is more gradual. Women lose about 2% of their collagen ever year for the next 20 years. As collagen diminishes, our skin loses it firmness and begins to sag.
3. Increased Sensitivity - Menopausal skin can become more reactive, meaning that ingredients or products that previously worked may now cause irritation. The skin’s barrier function weakens, making it more prone to dryness, redness, and sensitivity.
4. Changes in Hair Growth - Hormonal changes not only affect the skin but also hair. Many women notice thinning hair on the scalp while dealing with an increase in facial hair, particularly around the chin and jawline.
As you navigate the skin changes that come with menopause, it is important to find a skincare routine that not only addresses your concerns, but also gives you complete confidence in the product you choose.
MGC Derma specialises in high quality, patented AQUIOL™ and Bio-Coll@gen™ formulations. Each of our 4 ranges offers dedicated products formulated to meet the specific needs of menopausal skin. These products work to reduce inflammation, rashes and itching, improve hydration and firmness, and support the skin's natural barrier function.
Skincare Tips for Menopausal Skin
Addressing the unique needs of menopausal skin requires some adjustments in your skincare routine. Here’s what you can do to support your skin through these changes:
HYDRATION IS KEY
Dryness is one of the most common complaints during menopause, so focus on hydration. Look for serums and moisturizers rich in ceramides and fatty acids to lock in moisture.
PRO TIP: Adding a serum rich in fatty acids before applying your moisturizer will give your skin an extra hydration boost.
Try our super-hydrating serum BOTANICAL BLEND DEEP REPLENISH with Urea, Argan Oil and Shea Butter. Follow with the REJUVENATING MOISTURIZER rich in Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Vit. E and advanced Anti-Aging Complex.
This simple 2-step routine will keep your skin hydrated and supple for long hours.
SUPPORT COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
Boosting collagen production is essential for maintaining skin firmness, and while retinoids have traditionally been used for this, they can often cause irritation—especially for thinning or sensitive skin. A gentler and more effective alternative to retinol is our revolutionary Bio-Coll@gen™. Unlike retinol, which can be harsh on thinner and more sensitive menopausal skin, Bio-Coll@gen™, exclusive to MGC Derma, is a natural protein that integrates smoothly into the skin's existing structure, stimulating the production of type III collagen without causing dryness or irritation. Its ability to improve skin elasticity by 25% and reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 18% makes it an ideal choice for mature skin, offering visible results with a much lower risk of adverse reactions.
At night, your skin enters its natural repair phase, making it the perfect time to nourish and rejuvenate mature skin. For your evening routine, try our ULTRALIFT Sleeping Facial Firming + Anti-wrinkle with Bio-Coll@gen™, Stem Cell Complex, and Algae Complex. This potent blend works synergistically to support the skin’s repair processes.
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Bio-Coll@gen™ helps restore lost collagen, boosting elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
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The plant Stem Cell Complex aids in cellular regeneration, supporting the renewal of aging skin.
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Algae Complex delivers essential hydration and antioxidants, helping to calm and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
CHOOSE GETLE EXFOLIATION
We all know how important it is to exfoliate, right? It's the best way to get rid of all those pesky dead skin cells, and to help your skin cells to turn over more quickly. But for menopausal skin, you really have to be gentle.
That's where our SKIN POLISH SCRUB comes in as nourishing treat for your skin! This lovely exfoliating and hydrating scrub will leave your skin feeling soft and supple. Infused with hemp fibres and papain, it gently breaks down dead skin cells, while cranberry acid brightens and smooths your skin, leaving it radiant. This potent 11-ingredient formula is perfect for sensitive skin and ideal for use as a mask. Leave it on for longer for the best results. Your skin will feel soft, refreshed and hydrated!
REPAIR SKIN BARRIER
As the skin becomes more fragile, choosing the right ingredients can make all the difference. Strengthen your skin's natural barrier against dryness, itching, irritation and sensitivity with our REVIVE RANGE. Infused with barrier-boosting ingredients this lovely product deeply hydrates and repair the protective layer, lock in moisture and soothe irritation.
Menopausal acne and dark spots can be a real pain, especially when you're trying to take care of changes in skin texture and sensitivity. Your skin is going through a lot right now, and we're here to help. We've put together a gentle skincare routine that'll help you tackle pesky blemishes and brighten up uneven skin tone.
USE ANTIOXIDANTS TO PROTECT THE SKIN
Free radical damage speeds up the aging process, especially during menopause. Incorporate antioxidants like AQUIOL™, Grape Stem Cells, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Argan Oil to help protect your skin from environmental damage and improve overall radiance.
SUN PROTECTION IS A MUST
Protecting your skin from sun damage is essential at any age, but during menopause, it becomes even more crucial. The skin becomes more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation and damage from UV exposure, so a broad-spectrum sunscreen should be your daily staple.
Try our 365 DAY SKIN GUARD moisturizer with a powerful SOLIBERINE® UV + Blue Light protection technology.
DON'T FORGET YOUR HANDS
Hands are equally vulnerable to the effects of aging, especially during menopause. The skin on your hands gets thinner and your daily tasks often expose them to all kinds of environmental nasties. For hands that need extra care and relief from dryness, itching, and even arthritis discomfort our CALMING HAND CREAM will bring your busy hands hours of comfort.
IMPORTENT SKIN CHECK-UPS
Make sure you get any non-healing spots or sores, new or changing moles, or any other growths on the skin reviewed by your GP or a dermatologist; if you have had a lot of sun exposure or enjoyed outdoor hobbies over the years then consider an annual skin check to pick up any potential issues early.
Caring for Yourself, Inside and Out
While skincare plays a big role in maintaining healthy skin during menopause, don’t forget that overall lifestyle choices impact your skin too.
Self-care Tips for Healthy Skin:
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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Eat skin-friendly foods: Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts in your diet.
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Get quality sleep: Skin repairs itself during sleep, so aim for 7-8 hours of rest each night.
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Exercise: Physical activity boosts circulation and helps keep skin looking vibrant.
Embrace the Change
Menopause may bring skin challenges, but with the right skincare routine and self-care habits, it’s possible to maintain glowing, healthy skin. Understanding how your skin changes and adjusting your products to meet its new needs can make a significant difference. By focusing on hydration, collagen support, and protecting your skin from environmental damage, you’ll be well-equipped to nurture your skin through menopause and beyond.
