As we transition into the menopause, the hormonal changes that accompany this transition lead to a change in our skin, too.  According to Oculoplastic Surgeon and Facial Aesthetics Doctor, Maryam Zamani and Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Amélie Seghers, taking a holistic approach is the most effective strategy for targeting skin that's impacted by the menopause. Here they share the three pillars for treating menopausal skin.

Be mindful of the ingredients in skincare products

“With the decline of intrinsic hormones with menopause, there is a substantial and rapid decline in collagen production as well as changes of the skin in general. After menopause, our skin experiences a slowdown in oil production and cell turnover.

"An effective routine for menopausal skin incorporates products that employ humectants, emollients and occlusives like glycerine, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These help to replenish and retain cell moisture. A key ingredient for brightening a dull complexion and diminishing sunspots is Vitamin C, which supports with fighting against free radical damage that causes oxidative stress and skin ageing while brightening skin. Adding a retinoid is essential to brighten the complexion while helping to increase cell turnover and promote the proliferation of collagen and elastin.”
Dr Maryam Zamani

Understand your hormone levels

“A lot of the skin changes seen in menopause and perimenopause are the result of lower levels of oestrogen. But oestrogen is not the only hormone playing a role. Progesterone is also thought to contribute towards preventing collagen breakdown (progesterone has an inhibitory effect on tissue degrading MMPs) and when levels drop in perimenopause, this can contribute to loss of firmness of the skin. Some women experience an increase in testosterone levels, resulting in acne.

"The role of bio-identical hormonal therapy targeting each of these hormones should be discussed when patients are also suffering from other menopausal symptoms which are less responsive or non-responsive to dermatological treatments. For example, there is an accelerated postmenopausal loss of bone leading to the well-known osteoporosis, but what is less well known is that the same loss of bone in the jaw and chin can lead to jowling. Of course, as always, bio-identical hormonal therapy combined with more targeted skin treatments can lead to even better results.”
Dr Amélie Seghers

Consider skin texture and facial structure changes

“There are concerns at every age. I generally like to evaluate specific concerns the patient presents with. These concerns will fall into three camps: ‘skin optimisation’ – addressing skin elasticity, skin tone, skin texture, pigmentary and vascular changes to the skin. ‘Volumetric changes’ in the face can happen with time (descent of the facial fat pads, resorption of fat pads or increase in volume of fat pads).

"Lastly ‘structural or bone changes’ need to be considered as this can affect how the skin sits on the bone (jowling, excess skin, loss of definition). Tweakments can be adjusted or altered to focus on the issue at every level and often require a multi-factorial strategy. Think injectables, lasers, radio frequency microneedling and more.”
Dr Maryam Zamani