How Your Skin Changes During The Three Phases Of Menopause
The experience of menopause will look different for everyone. But there are three phases of this life shift that are pretty much set in stone, and they initiate some considerable change in your skin.
If you’ve got a uterus I can, unfortunately, guarantee dryness is on the horizon once you hit 50(ish).
Here’s what to expect pre, during, and post-menopause.
Perimenopause
This is the first phase, often coming about in your mid-forties, and lasts for anywhere between three and four (long, tiring, confusing) years. Periods become very irregular at this point as your estrogen levels start to plummet. And trigger a full-body response.
You can expect hot flashes to kick in here – so you might find your skin gets quite red. Sometimes women experience rosacea at this point too. And breakouts aren’t uncommon; skin that was previously, reliably balanced might start to see dry or oily patches.
Menopause
I’ve lied to you, just a little, with that whole ‘phase’ messaging. Because menopause is technically a single day. The day that marks one whole year since your final menstrual cycle.
Skin-related shifts are a little less dramatic here. You’ll likely notice your skin (body and face) starts to look thinner, less plump, and this is because there is a very strong relationship between collagen production, skin thickness, and lack of estrogen. Cell turnover slows riiiight down, and a decrease in humectants found naturally in the skin can exacerbate dryness even more.
Post-Menopause
Once you enter this phase it’s where you’ll stay. By this point estrogen levels will have stablised at a low level. And the menopausal symptoms you’ve so gracefully endured for the good part of a decade should get milder (phew), and eventually go away entirely (‘bout friggen time).
So! Grab a cuppa and settle in. Your skin type as you knew it has changed, and your face, at this very point, is a very good indicator of what kind of ‘concerns’ are likely to remain.
What are the best products for menopausal skin?
Retinoids.
Whichever form of vitamin A works best for you. This active is going to help repair skin, stimulate collagen production, fight fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin tone. As long as the product/formula you choose doesn’t dry you out or cause any irritation, it’s fine to use for an extended period of time.
Peptides.
This total skin saviour has some fierce anti-ageing benefits. The building blocks for protein and collagen, peptides promote firmness and elasticity to help restore some of that plump and bounce back into your skin. A routine must-have if you want to slow the signs of ageing.
Glycerin.
The unsung hero of the skincare world, perhaps? Glycerin is a master at moisturising and it is entirely non-irritating. A replenishing ingredient that is most effective at reducing moisture loss by holding water within the surface of the skin, to prevent further dryness. Nice.
Hyaluronic Acid.
A hydration must-have for every skin type. This water-nabber, hyaluronic acid, is a molecule that attracts, binds, and holds moisture in the skin. If your face is feeling thirsty, worn-out, generally sad, this ingredient is going to restore some of the dewiness and plumpness you’ve been craving.
Aside from that, you need to wear sunscreen. Every single day. Even during winter.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
