Menopause and the Skin
A woman’s life is never dull and as the middle years begin, so too does a rite of passage that can bring with it a whole host of undesirable symptoms!
Yet with knowledge comes power and the journey of menopause can be a time of life in which we can grab the reigns and charge forward into a new phase, that is more enlightening and positive than ever before.
Change is never easy and menopause brings with it a multitude of physical symptoms as well as emotional ones.
The hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings and skin that can hark back to our teenage years, is no fun at all!
In this blog we address the topic of menopausal skin – what changes does the skin actually undergo, how do those changes impact the look and feel of the skin and is there anything we can do to minimise those changes.
Menopause and Hormones
Hormones are molecules secreted by glands that are carried by the blood or through the lymphatic system. Hormones act on tissues, glands and organs. While there are many different types of hormones there are three major groups:
- Amino derived hormones
- Polypeptide hormones and
- Steroid hormones
The hormone that plays a major role in menopause is oestrogen, a steroid hormone. Steroid hormones have far more important roles than just on gender and sexual organs. They have a major impact on:
- Bone density
- The Digestive System
- The Circulatory System
- The Nervous System
After some 35 years of menstruation, the oestrogen level declines, which triggers menopause.
Menopause naturally brings about numerous changes to the female body such as hot flushes, lack of concentration, insomnia, anxiety, loss of bone density, dry skin and hair loss to name a few! So, what about the skin? Well it is important to note that the oestrogen secreted by the ovaries plays a protective role for the skin so the natural changes that occur during menopause can have a major impact.
Menopause and The Skin
During menopause, the skin undergoes a myriad of changes including:
- dryness
- loss of density and thickness,
- loss of elasticity,
- irritation and bruises,
- pigmentation and
- slow wound healing.
As oestrogen levels fall the protective role it once had on the skin, falls along with it. Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for making collagen, have specific receptors for oestrogen. Therefore, the decline in oestrogen production leads to the decline in collagen production and to the degeneration of the elastic fibers in skin tissue. This means skin loses its firmness, skin becomes thinner and begins to sag and wrinkles become more pronounced.
Women going through menopause do need to rethink their skincare routine to include mild, creamy based cleansers as well as rich, nourishing moisturisers. Sun protection is paramount of course and lifestyle factors will make a difference to the look and feel of the skin. Focussing on a healthy, balanced diet containing oily fish, nuts and seeds for omega-3 fatty acids. Lentils and chickpeas contain phyto-oestrogens , a natural form of oestrogen found in plants, and could be great menopause busting foods! Exercise is essential to keep the skin glowing, the body supple and the mind balanced.
Menopause and GERnétic
Specific menopause related skincare products are few and far between but GERnétic has recently launched a range called Vital Transfer that is having some astounding effects on menopausal skin.
Vital Transfer is a set of 2 creams, one for the face and one for the body. These creams contain 40 biological active ingredients, dosed for optimal performance. They include plant extracts rich in phyto-oestrogens as wells as amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins
Vital Transfer creams have been designed for mature skins displaying the signs of low oestrogen levels, which might include:
- extreme dryness
- lack of elasticity and
- loss of density
The creams provide each skin layer with the essential molecules needed for their optimal functioning.
A key ingredient used in Vital Transfer is Genistein. This is a phyto-oestrogen found in soy, clover and hops with a structure that mimics oestrogen. It behaves as an anti-oxidant, an anti-inflammatory as well as a collagen producer. With its low molecular weight, Genistein can easily penetrate the skin. As a potent anti-oxidant, Genistein protects against free radical damage. The phyto-oestrogens enable the skin cells to begin producing collagen and elastin again. Skin is able to repair itself and the look and feel of the skin improves.
Vital Transfer is used for both Salon treatments and home care and our clients are loving it. If you want to find out more about how this new range can help you, please contact a GERnétic Salon near you or call us on: 1300 437 638
GERnétic is founded on a holistic approach to skin health. While menopause can be a challenging time, by focussing on a healthy lifestyle, emotional support and quality skincare products, this significant time in a woman’s life, can also be a healthy, positive and beautiful one.