The Benefits of Waterless Skincare for Dry Menopausal Skin
One of the biggest things you can do to take care of menopausal skin is to incorporate waterless skincare in your routine. Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman's life, accompanied by a multitude of physical and hormonal changes. Among the most common and bothersome issues faced during this stage is dry and sensitive skin. The reduction in estrogen levels significantly impacts the skin's capacity to retain moisture, leading to dryness, itchiness, and discomfort. Not only is this one of the most common symptoms of women experiencing perimenopause and post-menopause, it tends to come on quickly as estrogen levels are depleted. Fortunately, there is a solution for this problem: waterless skincare products, offering immediate relief and long-term nourishment. In this article, we will explore why waterless skincare is the ideal solution for menopausal dry skin.
Waterless beauty is, in its most basic definition is a product that not contain water as its primary ingredient. Often times, if you turn over your product box and take a look at the ingredients list “Aqua” or water, is the first ingredient. And, just like the label you would read on a package of food at the grocery store, ingredients in your personal care products must be listed in the order in which they appear in the formulation. For a typical lotion, cream or gel product, water/aqua can account for 70% or more of the product.
Emollient Properties: Moisturizing Oils for Thirsty Skin
Skincare products made without water stand out due to their rich emollient, or moisturizing, properties, making them highly effective for menopausal dry skin. Unlike their water-based counterparts, these products contain a higher concentration of emollients, often derived from botanical oils. Many conventional moisturizers can be comprised of more than 70 percent water with the balance being emulsifiers, waxes and preservatives with a small percentage of emollients. Emollients are substances that help soften and soothe the skin by trapping moisture and forming a protective layer. Plant oils are excellent emollients.
Menopausal dry skin requires more than just a superficial moisture boost. It craves lasting nourishment to regain its vitality. Waterless products excel in this regard, offering prolonged moisturization compared to water-based alternatives. The emollients present in these products create a barrier that locks in moisture, preventing the skin from losing hydration throughout the day. This results in healthy, moisturized skin that not only feels better but also looks better, promoting a radiant complexion because when your skin feels good, it looks good as well.
Sustainability: Less is More, Better for All
The sustainability aspect of waterless skincare extends beyond the product itself. Traditional skincare products typically consist of 70-90% water content, resulting in the need for larger packaging. In contrast, skincare products made without water, with their higher concentration moisturizing emollient ingredients, can be packaged in smaller containers, leading to reduced material consumption. This not only saves on packaging but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By opting for waterless skincare, you're not only caring for your skin but also contributing to a more eco-friendly and sustainable planet. When you have a concentrated product, you use less.
If you are curious about how these products can work for your menopausal skin, try using a waterless cleansing oil that does not contain any surfactants (foaming agents when activated with water when removing) as they will clean the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. This results in the feeling of soft, clean skin without feeling dry or tight after removal with a warm washcloth. Concentrated oil-based serums are also beneficial as they can be customized to the level of moisturization that your skin requires on a daily basis. If you are feeling dry, simply use an additional pump of the oil serum to boost your level of moisturization. Given the skin can also be affected by environmental conditions like heat and cold, it’s nice to have the option of customizing your skin care routine each and every day rather than use a cream or lotion that only has a small percentage of emollient ingredients.
Menopause can be a challenging phase in a woman's life, marked by variety of physical changes that include a reduction in collagen and elastin in addition to increased TEWL (trans epidermal water loss). Dry menopausal skin can be particularly bothersome. Waterless products offer rich emollient properties that provide immediate relief and long-lasting hydration. Additionally, their sustainable and eco-friendly nature makes them a responsible choice for both your skin and the planet. Waterless skincare is not just a practical solution; it's a holistic approach to addressing the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause. So, if you're facing these changes consider making the switch to waterless skincare and experience the difference for yourself.
While there are many benefits to waterless skin products, the top is the concentrated amount of emollients in these products. Our favorite skincare products that don't have a drop of water in them are the Essential Serum and Essential Tinted SPF 30. Both are excellent at moisturizing the skin and packed with antioxidant rich plant oils, which help fight the signs of aging and protect the skin barrier.
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