The hormone Factor: Perimenopause and menopausal skin
As women approach their 40s and 50s, they enter the stages of perimenopause and menopause, marking significant shifts in hormonal balance. These changes often bring about noticeable transformations in the skin as estrogen declines. Estrogen is the hormone responsible for collagen and elasticity giving the skin a plump, dewy look. Please note, this isn’t just for those in late 40’s to 50’s. Estrogen can be out of balance at any age. This is why testing your hormones regularly proves to be a crucial aspect to help pinpoint any imbalances. Understanding these changes and how to address them with effective skincare solutions can help you look radiant no matter the life season you’re in. Understanding your body is key to navigating these transient changes.
Skin Changes During Perimenopause and Menopause
1. Decreased Collagen Production:
- What Happens: Collagen, the protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and firmness, diminishes during perimenopause and menopause.
- Effects: Skin may become thinner, sag, and develop fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Dryness:
- What Happens: The decline in estrogen levels (the glow hormone) reduces the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
- Effects: Skin may feel drier, rougher, and more prone to irritation. You may notice eczema flairs or dull lackluster skin.
3. Loss of Elasticity:
- What Happens: Reduced estrogen also impacts elastin, another protein that maintains skin’s suppleness.
- Effects: Skin may lose its bounce and resilience, leading to sagging.
4. Changes in Pigmentation:
- What Happens: Hormonal fluctuations can affect melanin production.
- Effects: Age spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone may become more prominent.
5. Acne and Breakouts:
- What Happens: Hormonal changes can trigger increased oil production and clogged pores.
- Effects: Women may experience acne, even if they never had it before.
Solution Driven Routines
1.Estrogen depleted skin routine.
With the basis of a cleanser, moisturizer and spf the most dramatic results will be from incorporating a serum into your routine. I am obsessed with the results of FF3. Adding in FF3 Biointensive GF plumps thinning, age-related sagging and wrinkles by leaving skin feeling and looking firmer and more hydrated. For added Hydration FF3 Hydra is a great option in addition to FF3 GF.
Adding this serum into your routine allows you to keep everything simple. Here is an example routine with the incorporation of FF3.
Routine:
AM:
Moisturizer
SPF
PM:
Moisturizer
The Results!
I am obsessed with my clients 8 Week results utilizing FF3 Technology GF. She is in her 70’s and her skin has shown a tremendous turnaround in a short period of time. Her routine consist of Estee Lauder cleanser, hydra balance, FF3 GF serum, moisturizer, spf. Her treatment plan has been a cocktail of antiaging facials utilizing radiofrequency and cryotherapy. Top photo indicates the client’s skin before treatments and bottom photo is after treatment.
The glow post facial. WOW!
Wellness Solutions
Dietary Changes
• Phytoestrogens: Incorporate foods rich in phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen. Examples include soy products (tofu, soy milk), flaxseeds, chickpeas, and lentils.
• Healthy Fats: Ensure adequate intake of healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, chia seeds, and walnuts, which support hormone production.
• Vitamin E: Foods rich in vitamin E, like nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables, can help mitigate some symptoms of low estrogen.
• Calcium and Vitamin D: To counteract bone density loss, consume calcium-rich foods (dairy products, leafy greens) and ensure adequate vitamin D levels through sun exposure or supplements.
2. Exercise
• Strength Training: Helps maintain bone density and muscle mass.
• Cardio Exercises: Improves cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
• Yoga and Pilates: Enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and improve mental health.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall hormonal balance.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking can exacerbate symptoms, and excessive alcohol can affect hormone levels negatively.
4. Medical Treatments
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Consult a healthcare provider about HRT, which can relieve many symptoms of low estrogen but also has potential risks.
• Vaginal Estrogen: For specific symptoms like vaginal dryness, localized treatments can be effective.
• Non-Hormonal Medications: Certain medications can help manage symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
5. Natural Supplements
• Black Cohosh: Some studies suggest it may help reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
• Red Clover: Contains isoflavones that can mimic estrogen.
• Evening Primrose Oil: May help with symptoms such as hot flashes and breast tenderness.
Navigating the skin changes that come with perimenopause and menopause can be challenging, but with the right products, it’s possible to maintain healthy, youthful skin. Vivant Skincare’s targeted solutions can help address the specific needs of aging skin, ensuring you continue to feel confident and radiant at every stage of life.
For more information on these products and personalized skincare advice. Book a consultation or message me at 786-755-3312.