Lifestyle Tips for Skin Health During Menopause
Did you know that each day in the United States, 6,000 women enter menopause, which amounts to 2 million women every year? According to the Mayo Clinic, women are expected to spend 1/3 of our lives in menopause. Then add in perimenopause. That’s a large chunk of our life. Given this timeline, what are some lifestyle habits we can adopt for long-term skin health? Well, that’s why we are here. Most of these things are “duh”, of course, but they are good reminders especially when we veer off course.
Stress Management
Stress is a silent saboteur of skin health, and its impact becomes more pronounced during perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations can amplify stress, leading to various skin issues like increased sensitivity, breakouts, and accelerated aging. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can mitigate stress's negative effects on the skin. By calming the mind, these practices promote overall well-being from the inside out.
Exercise
Regular exercise isn't just beneficial for your cardiovascular health; it plays a pivotal role in enhancing skin’s health. Exercise promotes blood circulation, ensuring skin cells receive optimal nourishment and oxygen. This increased blood flow aids in the quicker replacement of old and damaged skin cells, resulting in improved skin appearance. Whether it's brisk walking, jogging, or engaging in a favorite sport, incorporating movement into your routine can be a game-changer for skin wellness.
The Beauty of Sleep
Quality and consistent sleep are vital for overall health, and the skin is no exception. While we sleep, the body undergoes repair and regeneration processes, and the skin is no exception. Adequate sleep allows the skin to recover from daily stressors and environmental damage. Establish a bedtime routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your skin's natural rejuvenation process. And yes, put down that phone!
Humidify for Hydration
As hormonal changes occur (i.e. lack of estrogen), the skin will experience increased dryness and dehydration. A humidifier can be your skin's best friend. By adding moisture to the air, a humidifier helps combat dry skin, leaving it hydrated and supple. Place a humidifier in your bedroom or other frequently used spaces to create a more skin-friendly environment. This simple addition to your routine can make a noticeable difference in your skin's texture and appearance.
Say No to Hot Water
While a hot shower or bath may feel soothing, it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm water, as it is gentler on the skin and helps it retain its natural moisture. Additionally, consider using a gentle oil-based cleanser like our Essential Cleansing Oil to avoid further drying out your skin.
Neck and Décolletage Care:
A joke we heard once was everyone knows your face begins at your boobs. This joke becomes so true as we age.
The neck and décolletage are equally susceptible to the effects of aging as the face. Extend your daily skincare practices to these areas to ensure complete care. Don’t forget these areas during your morning and nighttime skincare routines. And, don’t forget the sunscreen. Our mineral SPF provides broad-based protection rain or shine.
We have always stressed a holistic approach to skincare. The appearance of our skin is an expression of what’s going on inside our body. Natural skincare products alone can’t make up for lack of sleep, stress, or too much wine from dinner last night. But by adopting these simple daily habits to our life, we can proactively support skin’s health and appearance during perimenopause and menopause.
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