How Can The Menopause Effect Your Skin?
Did you know that almost half of women experience challenges with their skin during the menopause?
In the UK the average age for the menopause is 51. The years running up to this point are referred to as perimenopause, this period often starts around age 45 but can begin 10-15 years before the menopause itself.
A recent study summarised the effects of menopause on the skin as follows:
Skin becomes thinner with less collagen, decreased elasticity, increased wrinkling, increased dryness and reduced vascularity. The skins protective function becomes compromised, ageing is associated with impaired wound healing, hair loss, pigmentary changes and skin cancer.
This primarily occurs from the drop of oestrogen as this hormone is involved with many of the functions that keep our skin healthy.
MENOPAUSE LINKED TO: DRY SKIN, ITCHING, SENSITIVITY AND COMPROMISED BARRIER FUNCTION
Oestrogen helps to stimulate the normal production of hyaluronic acid – a substance that plays a vital role in ensuring the skin stays hydrated & comfortable. This works in the skin by holding a 1000 times its weight in water it binds in moisture keeping the skin plump.
Oestrogen also plays a role in maintaining the barrier function of the skin. The upper skin layers create the waterproof barrier that locks in moisture and keeps unwanted irritants out. Molecules such as ceramides and omega fatty acids are involved with maintaining this barrier.
When oestrogen levels drop, the barrier becomes weaker leading to a decrease in hydration levels. Skin can become dry, cracked and uncomfortable with itching and irritation more common. Some women also experience tingling, rashes and numbness as a result of these changes.
By replenishing levels of hyaluronic acid and ceramics through topical and oral skincare is key. Studies found that the combination of these two substances that are found in the [Advanced Nutrition Programme] Skin Moisture Lock improves hydration by 60%. Replenishing the skins supply of vitamin A topically and orally assists in reviving the skins hydration levels as it promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. The intake of omega fatty acids are the cornerstone ingredient in managing dry skin and helping to maintain a healthy, effective skin barrier.
Not only beneficial for the skin, omega fatty acids have been shown to reduce the severity of hot flushes.
Here at KVLSKN we recommend:
Advanced Nutrition Programme:
Skin Moisture Lock, Skin Omegas+, Skin Moisture IQ, Skin Vit A, Skin Youth Biome, Skin Vitality
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-omegas/
https://kvlskn.com/product/skin-moisture-iq/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-vitality/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-youth-biome/
Environ:
Skin or Youth EssentiA Range, Focus Care Moisture+ Range
https://kvlskn.com/product/environ-skin-essentia-vita-antioxidant-avst-moisturiser-1/
https://kvlskn.com/product/environ-youth-essentia-hydra-intense-cleansing-lotion/
https://kvlskn.com/product/environ-focus-care-moisture-vita-antioxidant-hydrating-oil-capsules/
MENOPAUSE LINKED TO: THINNING SKIN, FINE LINES & WRINKLES
Type 1 and type 3 collagen levels begin to fluctuate during the perimenopause and decline by as much as 30% in the first five years after menopause. After this they continue to decline by 1.13% per year with skin thickness declining by 2% per year. These changes occur because of falling oestrogen levels in the skin. With elastin levels declining too, this equates to thinner, less firm skin, exaggerating lines and wrinkles. By incorporating vitamin A and C, peptides and antioxidants into your skin care regime minimises the impact.
The supplementation of vitamin C by mouth as well as topically boosts the manufacture of new collagen, making wrinkles less noticeable. It also protects against oxidative stress, of which during menopause these defences are lower. It helps to strengthen capillaries which during menopause the blood vessel health can begin to decline.
The job of peptides in skin care is to send messages from one cell to another to make more collagen so these are also vital for skin health.
Combining topical and oral vitamin A with all of the above ingredients can help to restore the skins barrier function, thickening the top layer for strong, healthy, firm skin.
Here at KVLSKN we recommend:
Advanced Nutrition Programme:
Skin Ultimate, Skin Vit C, Skin Collagen Synergy, Skin Youth Biome, Skin Vitality
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-ultimate/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-collagen-synergy/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-youth-biome/
Environ:
Youth EssentiA Range or Focus Care Youth+ Range
https://kvlskn.com/product/environ-youth-essentia-antioxidant-defence-creme/
https://kvlskn.com/product/environ-focus-care-youth-hydro-lipidic-3dsynerge-filler-creme/
https://kvlskn.com/product/environ-focus-care-youth-serience-night-serum/
MENOPAUSE LINKED TO: ACNE
This skin concern is common in menopausal women. The result of the changing ratio of hormones can increase the likelihood of developing acne, changes to the skins pH and to the levels of oil produced by the skin will also contribute. This change in the pH can result in the skin becoming more sensitive and aggravating existing conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or rosacea.\
Each case is individual, but problem skin can be supported by vitamins A, C and E for comfort and clarity. Additionally there is evidence that beneficial bacteria can be helpful for problem skin.
Here at KVLSKN we recommend:
Advanced Nutrition Programme:
Skin Accumax, Skin Clear Biome, Skin Vit C, Skin Omegas+, Skin Vitality
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-accumax/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-clear-biome/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-omegas/
Environ:
Focus Care Clarity+ Range or Focus Care Comfort+ Range.
https://kvlskn.com/product/environ-focus-care-clarity-vita-botanical-sebu-ace-oil/
https://kvlskn.com/product/environ-focus-care-comfort-vita-enriched-colostrum-gel/
MENOPAUSE LINKED TO THE GUT HEALTH:
Developing research shows that there is a close connection between oestrogen and the gut microbiome. Fluctuating levels of oestrogen can disrupt and alter the formation and diversity of our gut bacteria. Maintaining a diverse, healthy microbiome during a potential period of disruption is vital to overall wellbeing and skin health, thanks to the gut/skin axis.
It is also thought that the gut microbiome may play a role in supporting bone homeostasis. Bone density is one factor that declines dramatically post menopause and this can progress into osteoporosis, so in addition to its skin and wellbeing benefits, a healthy gut biome may also benefit bone health in menopausal women.
Here at KVLSKN we recommend:
Advanced Nutrition Programme:
Skin Youth Biome, Skin Clear Biome, Biome Powder, Glutamine Powder
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-youth-biome-discovery/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-skin-clear-biome-discovery/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-probiotics/
https://kvlskn.com/product/advanced-nutrition-programme-glutamine-powder/
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:
When it comes to menopause, skin care is not about erasing any hint of a change or trying to turn back time but about ensuring the skin ages in a healthy way, supported by topical and oral skin care.
MENOPAUSE LINKED TO:
–SLEEP… when levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop sleep is disrupted. Hot flushes, emotional turbulence and other discomfort can also impact on sleep.
–MOOD… feelings of depression and anxiety are commonly associated with the menopause as oestrogen levels fluctuate.
–MEMORY… when hormone levels drop memory problems or brain fog can occur effecting the sharpness in thinking.
–EXERCISE… weight bearing exercises help build strength and maintain muscle and bone mass, combined with high intensity exercise which increases metabolic rate and cardiovascular fitness can both maintain the strength and resilience in the body as the bone density and muscle mass decrease dramatically in post menopausal women.
We have included some useful links to where you can find more on the menopause.
https://crackingthemenopause.com/
https://www.balance-menopause.com/wellness/
If you would like any further information on how to adapt your skin regime or would like a skin review in connection with the menopause then please get in touch via email. Or you can book directly through the link below.
https://phorest.com/book/salons/holisticbeautylounge