Managing menopause and peri-menopause symptoms can be frustrating for a lot of women. Besides hot flashes and body weight changes, for many women, their skin is affected as well. 

As hormone levels change during this stage of life, it’s not uncommon to experience dryness, wrinkles, acne breakouts, redness and other skin issues. It doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a 10-step skin regimen! But you may want to take a few extra steps to make sure your skin is healthy enough to deal with the inevitable hormonal changes.

Additionally, when you’re looking to change or add products to your skincare regimen - look for skincare products made by and for women 40+ (we are more attuned to your concerns!) And be sure to add or change out products one at a time, so that you can see how your skin reacts to each one.

Here are some tips on how to protect and nourish your skin during this transitional period. 

DRYNESS

In menopause, the skin actually loses some ability to hold water, so skin can get quite dry. 

What you can do

• Wash with a mild cleanser. Soap is very drying, so use a mild cleanser or just a clean, damp face cloth to wipe away the day’s dirt and grime.  
• Moisturize every day with an oil-based product so that your face stays hydrated throughout the day. Apply your face oil after bathing when your skin is damp and warm to lock in moisture. And reapply throughout the day when your skin feels dry. *Note: Avocado oil is both an emollient and an occlusive so you’ll get hydration AND keep it longer!
• If you feel you need an extra moisturizer – look for one with hyaluronic acid which is naturally found in the skin and plays a role in skin health and apply it before your face oil.

COLLAGEN

In menopause, skin quickly loses collagen. Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause. This is important to know because collagen helps keep the skin elastic and firm which will help prevent wrinkles from forming.

What you can do

• Make sure you are getting enough collagen in your diet. 
• Consider taking it in supplement form – such as a collagen peptide powder or capsule.
• Using skincare with ingredients that are high in antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and E protect the collagen in your skin against UV damage. 
• Use skincare with avocado oil. One 2013 study found that the essential fatty acids and oleic acid in avocado oil can promote collagen synthesis, which is the process of creating new connective tissue.

HORMONAL ACNE

Levels of female hormones drop before and during menopause, causing some women to develop teenage-like acne.

What you can do

• As tempting as it is, avoid acne products that dry your skin. Drying your skin can worsen acne.
• Use a face oil with ingredients that balance sebum production – this will tell your skin to not overproduce sebum that clog pores.

RASH AND REDNESS

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. Unfortunately, they can be very uncomfortable and cause a heat that rises from your neck up to your face. Tingling, prickly skin sensations that cause redness can also accompany hot flashes in those with sensitive skin.

What you can do

• Stay cool - wear layers you can easily shed is key to feeling more comfortable during a hot flash
• Keep a glass or bottle of ice water nearby for when you feel one coming on
• Use a face oil with ingredients that calm the skin and reduce redness and inflammation like – avocado oil, grape seed oil, rosehip oil and sea buckthorn seed oil. 
• Apply sunscreen daily before going out in order to protect your skin from the sun.

SLOWER HEALING

Menopause can affect healing in several ways. It can cause wounds and grazes to heal more slowly. This means that a blemish on your face or a dry spot can take longer to restore itself.

What you can do

• Hands off - avoid picking anything on your skin. That will just irritate it further and delay the healing process.
• Avoid any object touching your face - including your own hands! Dirt, germs and allergens can irritate your skin causing blemishes.
• Use skincare with avocado oil. One 2013 study found that the essential fatty acids and oleic acid in avocado oil can promote collagen synthesis, which is the process of creating new connective tissue.