Menopause and Skin
I feel like for the first-time people are actually talking about menopause. I see a lot of celebrities and thoughtful women on social media bringing more attention to the fact that it must be talked about.
It seems like it’s always been a taboo topic, something to feel embarrassed about. Women have had to suffer alone during this massive life and health change.
I wanted to share some information on how menopause affects the skin. If you are in this phase of life, then you may have already noticed changes in your skin.
During and after menopause, there is a significant decrease in estrogen in the body. Estrogen is the hormone that is the main driver of collagen production.
Estrogen is connected to fibroblasts, which are the receptors that produce collagen. Fibroblasts are the precursor to collagen, so products and facial treatments to stimulate fibroblast activity are beneficial.
Collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin. Collagen provides the structure and elasticity in the skin. Elastin maintains the form of the skin and allows it to “snap back” after being stretched.
When estrogen slows down, collagen and elastin in the skin decreases. This results in skin becoming more lax, wrinkled and dry. Along with collagen production slowing down, the dermal layer (second layer) of the skin — which contains collagen, fibroblasts, blood vessels and hyaluronic acid — thins by 1% each year. You likely will notice your skin density is becoming thin and pigmentation and even hormonal acne showing up as well.
Thankfully, there are a lot of options to help stimulate and increase collagen in the skin and body. Collagen supplements can help with everything from cartilage, internal organs, hair and nails.
Supplements may help skin firming to a degree. For significant results on the face and neck, topical treatments do need to be applied.
And no, Botox, filler and retinol should not be your first go-to for skin firming. Retinol creams can often be irritating and create skin flaking and inflammation.
During menopause, the skin is already becoming thin and dry. Retinols can actually cause more harm by making the skin more vulnerable to sun damage and free radicals that can accelerate aging.
There are natural alternatives to achieve skin firming. Botanical and natural ingredients in skincare formulations provide amazing results without irritation. Make sure you have a moisturizer to replenish your skin with lipids and ceramides.
I also provide a wide range of services that stimulate collagen production without injuring the skin.
Here are some products that promote collagen and elastin and contain natural alternatives to retinol.
Roccoco Botanicals:
Vitaskin modulates collagen production with Kakadu plum (a natural form of vitamin C), Vigna Acontifolia (botanical with retinoid-like properties) and Colloidal Gold which can reduce wrinkle depth by 55% in four weeks.
Lupine 3D Architecture Cream contains 19 active ingredients of Australian Native botanicals. Lupine Seed Extract stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis. It volumizes skin by increasing adipocyte (fat) proliferation with Kigelia Africanum Extracts. This cream helps to firm skin and is ideal for menopausal skin and lipid dry skin. NOT ACNE SAFE.
Holiday Luster Serum is a limited edition marvel blending Persian Silk Tree, Bacillus Ferment, Olive Leaf, and Wine Extracts. This luxurious serum offers instant wrinkle reduction, neck firming, and skin lifting. Boost your cellular energy, protect collagen, and revel in the antioxidant power for a youthful glow. Reduce redness, fight fatigue, and hydrate with nature's best. Ideal for all skin types.
Cellular Defense is enriched with four types of Vitamin C that provides photo-protective qualities to skin cells. This potent serum visibly smooths and softens the appearance of expression lines and boosts skin hydration.
Globiotic is an intensely hydrating and microbiome-balancing serum that blends pre- and probiotics to improve overall skin health, enhancing skin brightness and repair for an optimally functioning skin barrier.
Osmosis Beauty:
Stem Factor uses patented Human Stem Cell Conditioned Media and Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media to stimulate fibroblasts, which encourage collagen and new cell development and skin repair.
Renew delivers nine holistic, scientifically validated collagen stimulators such as retinaldehyde (a safe and effective form of Vitamin A that is not sun sensitizing) and seven potent antioxidants far beyond the surface layers to create real, lasting changes.
Correct also contains .5% retinaldehyde and is better to get started with. Retinaldehyde is a natural form of Vitamin A that is a precursor to retinoic acid (retinol). It is stored in the skin and easily available. Retinoic acid cannot be stored in the skin and therefore creates irritation.
Catalyst AC-11 contains powerful, patented amino acids that boost the Vitamin C results to repair DNA and enhance collagen and elastin production.
These are just a few natural and botanical ingredients you’ll find in Roccoco and Osmosis product formulations.
They are amazingly powerful and potent products that will allow you to age beautifully and naturally without creating irritation. Stay tuned for a follow-up newsletter with facial treatments that will reverse the signs of aging without discomfort or downtime.