Women officially hit menopause one year after their last period or when the ovaries are surgically removed. Menopause causes a natural depletion in reproductive hormones including a drop in estrogen and an increase in the ratio of testosterone and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to noticeable skin changes including dryness, loss of firmness, and acne. With the right care, these effects can be lessened.

Menopause & Dry Skin

The female sex hormone, estrogen increases collagen and thickness of the skin. During menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels causes the skin to lose some of its ability to retain water which leads to dryness. To combat dry skin, wash your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser morning and night. Dr. Zenovia’s Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser thoroughly removes environmental pollutants, excess oil, and makeup while refreshing and moisturizing the skin with Yucca Root and Panthenol. Follow up with a moisturizer to seal in hydration right after washing your face or taking showers. Ingredients to look for in moisturizers include Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Glycerin. These ingredients reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and fight against Transepidermal water loss. Dr. Zenovia’s Peptide + Ceramide Repairing Moisturizer contains a unique combination of bio-equivalent ceramides, potent humectants, and emollients to help attract, retain, and distribute moisture to fortify the skin’s protective barrier and combat dryness for a glowing, radiant complexion. If you are suffering from dryness and topical products don’t seem to be helping, consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Sensitivity & Irritation

Around age 50, the pH level of our skin changes. The skin becomes more easily irritated and sensitive. Existing skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea can worsen. To help reduce irritation, steer clear of skincare products with fragrance, a sensitizing ingredient. If a rash or skin irritation is not showing signs of improvement, schedule a check-up with a board-certified dermatologist.

Loss of Firmness & Wrinkles 

As we age, collagen production slows down causing wrinkles, large pores, and a loss of skin firmness. This decrease in collagen is also associated with an estrogen deficiency. To reduce the visibility of wrinkles and prevent new wrinkles from forming protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. When you go outside, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Using a Retinol and skincare products with Peptides may also help increase collagen production. Dr. Zenovia’s Advanced Retinol Night Repair Treatment features highly concentrated All-Trans-Retinol Technology to help support collagen synthesis and deeply penetrate the epidermis through a unique micro-polymer delivery system to support cellular turnover.

Hormonal Acne 

As hormone levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, some women develop hormonal acne. Because your skin is thinner during these life stages, using acne products formulated for teens may be too harsh for the skin. To help reduce and prevent future hormonal breakouts, use a cleanser with 5-10% Benzoyl Peroxide several times a week. Dr. Zenovia’s 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cleanser gently removes everyday impurities and excess sebum while providing the skin with vital skin-soothing nutrients. This cleanser is infused with a powerful, yet gentle dose of ultra-micronized 10% Benzoyl Peroxide to eliminate any possible irritation. If you are new to using Benzoyl Peroxide, introduce it gradually into your skincare regimen. If excessive dryness or irritation occurs, reduce application.

Spot treatments with Benzoyl Peroxide may also help target trouble areas such as acne on the jawline and chin. Dr. Zenovia’s 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment is clinically-formulated to specifically target and clear stubborn hormonal acne. Medical-grade Bakuchiol and Aloe Vera work together to help soothe acne-prone, sensitive skin. If at-home treatments don’t seem to be working, book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who may suggest hormonal treatments.

Sun Damage & Age Spots 

During menopause, the skin’s ability to handle oxidative damage like sun exposure is reduced causing pigmentation issues to increase in visibility. Additionally, your risk of skin cancer rises making annual skin exams extremely important. To protect your skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ daily before going outdoors. Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 provides transparent nano zinc-oxide broad-spectrum mineral protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays, free radical damage, and environmental stress for radiant, even-toned skin. Applying sunscreen regularly will help prevent new sun spots from forming.

Annually, book an appointment for a full-body skin exam and see a board-certified dermatologist for screening. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the more treatable it is. A dermatologist can also recommend treatment for age/dark spots. Skin cancer can sometimes look like an age spot so it's important to have it checked by your dermatologist instead of trying to treat it yourself.

Proper skin care is very important as we age. If these tips don’t seem to be helping, reach out to a board-certified dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan. If you are struggling with any of these skin issues during menopause, know that you are not alone, and these effects can be lessened.  

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