Building a Skincare Routine During Menopause
Menopause is a significant life transition for women, and given average age of menopause (the first day, 12 months after your last cycle) is 51, women will likely spend up to a third of their lives post-menopause. Let's dive into the key components of a menopause, any beyond, focused skincare routine.
Gentle Cleansing: Embrace Cleansing Oils
Hormonal shifts occur during perimenopause and continue into post-menopausal years, the skin's natural oils diminish, leading to dryness and increased sensitivity as the loss of estrogen is responsible for the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Gentle cleansing is crucial to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent excessive dryness. Harsh cleansers will only strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to increased dryness.
Cleansing Oil: Incorporating a cleansing oil into your routine can be a game-changer. This type of facial cleanser effectively removes impurities and makeup while keeping the skin moisturized. They work on the principle that like dissolves like, making them great for breaking down oil-based substances on your skin without the striping effects from a conventional foaming cleanser. When cleansing, remember to use lukewarm water, as hot water can further dry out your skin. Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel afterward.
Exfoliation: The Importance of a Washcloth
Exfoliation is vital to promote cell turnover, remove dead skin cells, and reveal a fresher complexion. However, during menopause, the skin tends to be more delicate, making abrasive exfoliation methods less desirable.
Washcloth Exfoliation: Wet a soft washcloth with warm water and apply a mild cleanser. Gently massage your face in circular motions, focusing on areas prone to dryness and flakiness. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. This gentle method offers a daily exfoliation, helping to keep your skin smooth without causing irritation.
Hydration: Incorporate a Hydrating Tonic
Proper hydration is essential at any age and becomes especially vital during the menopausal years when dryness and loss of elasticity are common skin concerns. Regular use of a hydrating tonic helps in retaining moisture, plumping the skin, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hydrating Tonic: Choose an alcohol free tonic rich in hydrating ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera. Tonics are wonderful for dry skin as they are a touch free hydration product. Mist the skin as needed, especially when in a drier climate, air travel or during winter months when indoor heat is more widely used.
Sunscreen: Classic and Tinted SPF Protection
Menopausal skin is often more susceptible to UV damage due to decreased estrogen levels, making sunscreen crucial in preventing premature aging and protecting against skin cancer. We are big fans of non-nano zinc oxide providing the broad spectrum protection that is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine, regardless of age.
Classic Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply it daily, even on cloudy days. If it’s light enough to read a book, please wear SPF to protect the skin from UV damage (photoaging) as UVA rays are longer rays that are breaking down collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin and are out at almost equal intensity whenever it is light. Unlike UVB rays, they can penetrate clouds and glass, so even you are indoors, UV is still doing its damage.
Tinted Sunscreen: These sunscreens offer an added benefit by providing a sheer tint that helps even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of redness or discoloration. It's a great option for a natural, no-makeup look while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Serums and Treatments: Essential for Targeted Skincare
Menopause can bring about changes in the skin's structure and appearance, such as increased fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Serums and targeted treatments can address these concerns effectively.
Essential Serum: This is your skin’s daily multivitamin with a concentrated blend of 15 plant and essential oils designed to nourish with an antioxidant rich blend of botanicals and a boost of Vitamin E.
Vitamin C Serum: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant known for brightening the skin, reducing dark spots, and stimulating collagen production. Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your routine to address age spots and promote an even skin tone.
Serum Balm: A serum balm can be a nourishing addition, especially for drier skin during menopause. Balms are rich in emollients and the addition of organic beeswax will lock in moisture and strengthen the skin's barrier.
Incorporating these serums and treatments into your routine can help target specific concerns and provide a boost of nutrients and hydration for your skin.
Building a skincare routine starting in your perimenopausal years and into post-menopause with a thoughtful selection of products that cater to the unique needs of your skin changes can help with the transition. Embrace gentle cleansing, mild exfoliation, hydration and moisturization, sun protection to promote a radiant and healthy complexion during this transformative phase of life. Never underestimate the power of the foundation of a good skincare routine-cleanse, hydrate, protect and go.
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