The Layers To Menopause

17th October 2024 By Phoenix Hospital Group

As we discover the many layers to the Menopause, it is important to understand the affect the Menopause has on our skin.

Did you know? – Menopause leads to a significant reduction in oestrogen level, which has several effects on the skin.
Oestrogen is crucial in maintaining skin health, elasticity, moisture retention and collagen production. As oestrogen decreases, the skin may become drier, thinner, and less elastic, leading to common concerns such as increased wrinkling, sagging, and a greater sensitivity to environmental factors.

Common problems include:

  • Dryness and thinning: With reduced oil production, the skin may become dry, rough, or even more prone to irritation.
  • Wrinkles and sagging: Lower collagen levels result in a loss of firmness, contributing to wrinkles and sagging skin.
  •  Increased sensitivity: The skin may become more reactive to environmental factors and skincare products.
  • Acne and breakouts: Hormonal fluctuations can sometimes lead to adult-onset acne during menopause.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Some women may notice uneven skin tone or dark spots, often referred to as age spots.
  • Hair loss: some women find that their hairline starts to recede.
  • Rashes and easily irritated skin: around 50, the PH of skin changes, skin becomes sensitive and women likely to develop rashes and easily irritated skin. If women have an existing condition such as eczema or rosacea, this could worsen.
  • Redness associated with hot flushes from rosacea.
  • Facial hair (hirsutism).
  • Changes to skin around genital area with increasing risk of infections and vulva skin conditions like lichen sclerosis and dermatitis.

Proper skincare, hydration, and sometimes hormonal treatments can help manage these changes, and it is often beneficial to adapt one’s skincare routine during and after menopause to meet these new needs.

Tips:

  • Avoidance of soaps and harsh rubbing of the dry skin to prevent further irritation of the skin.
  • Emollient and bland lubricants to keep area moist.
  • Skip long shower and put moisturiser while skin is dump as that helps to boost hydration.
  • Cutting down alcohol, spicy food and caffeine to help reducing the redness and hot flushes.
  • Apply sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Apply it to all skin that clothing won’t cover. This will help fade age spots, prevent new spots from forming and reduce risk of getting skin cancer.
  • Be in touch with GP to see if you are suitable for hormonal replacement therapy (HRT).
  • Seek a dermatologist advise to treat the skin condition with either medical or laser therapy.

To find out more about our Chelmsford menopause clinic, please click here. For information about our dermatology clinic, please click here.

For more information about our dermatology and menopause services, please contact Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford by calling 01245 801234 or you can call our London team based in Harley Street by calling 020 7079 2100.