Menopause is a hormonal roller-coaster, to put it mildly, and the effect on our skin can be dramatic. These hormonal changes can cause disruption to our skin’s structure, and it can often seem as if our skin has changed overnight. Understanding the ways hormones affect our skin in menopause is key to finding the best skincare solutions. These hormonal skin changes can affect our skin far more than simply ageing and it is low estrogen that has the greatest effect on the condition of our skin.
You will probably be surprised to learn the hormonal changes we experience in menopause can affect the condition of our skin more than simply ageing can. We frequently talk about hormonal skin changes in relation to pregnancy and in puberty, but not the menopause.
Three key hormones are affected by menopause – estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Declining levels of estrogen generally have the greatest effect on the condition and health of our skin. Here are 5 keyways low estrogen affects our skin in menopause and what we can do to reverse its effects.
What is Estrogen ?
Estrogen is produced in the ovaries and is one of the female sex hormones. It begins to rise in puberty, fluctuates during your menstrual cycle but remains at a near-constant level until menopause when levels start to fluctuate and ultimately decline. Estrogen affects the structure of the skin it is responsible for the production of collagen, elastin, natural oils, and hyaluronic acid – all essential for healthy, great-looking skin. When estrogen levels start to decline, the effect on the skin is significant.
- Low estrogen affects collagen levels in the skin. Collagen is the structural protein responsible for skin’s elasticity – 30% will be lost in the first 5 years of menopause. As collagen production depletes in menopause, skin becomes drier, duller, and thinner. Cell turnover starts to slow rapidly, and skin is visibly less plump and radiant.
- Low estrogen weakens your skin barrier. Low estrogen causes the skin’s natural protective barrier to weaken and vital moisture to be lost. External stressors can penetrate the skin, causing irritation and redness. Lacking natural moisturizers, menopausal skin becomes more sensitive, reactive, and prone to irritation. A weakened skin barrier can make common menopausal skin symptoms like dryness and dullness even worse.
- Low estrogen affects moisture levels in the skin. Depleted levels of estrogen also cause hyaluronic acid levels in the body to decline. Despite the acid in the name, it’s not an exfoliant. It’s a sugar molecule produced naturally in the body that can hold up to 1000 x it’s weight in water to keep skin cells hydrated and plump. It functions like a sponge in the body and binds water to the skin which is why it is known as “the moisture magnet”. When hyaluronic acid levels in the body decline, skin becomes parched and dehydrated losing that dewy look.
- Low estrogen affects skin firmness and elasticity. Elastin production is also regulated by estrogen and is impacted by depleted levels in menopause. Another critical skin protein, it provides elasticity and strength to the skin, so when elastin levels decline skin starts to lose its plumpness and firmness and can start to sag.
- Cellular renewal starts to slow down. As estrogen levels decline in menopause, skin’s turnover rate slows down leading to more fragile and transparent skin. Skin starts to lose its glow and plumpness as skin cells are renewed at a slower rate.
What Can help combat the effect of declining estrogen on the skin?
As these skin changes start to take effect in menopause, women find that the products they have used before stop working or, worse still, start to irritate the skin. To combat the effect of low estrogen on your skin, you need a more targeted approach with well-formulated products with the right ingredients to tackle hormonal skin changes.
Boost Collagen Levels with the right skincare. Just any skincare is not enough. Your skin need skincare designed to keep your menopausal skin in mind.
Replace lost hydration
Nourish to relieve skin dryness
Avoid Irritating Ingredients and simplify your skincare routine.
Because your skin is more prone to sensitivity and dryness as you approach menopause, it’s important to avoid anything likely to irritate your skin.WOVERSE has been formulated without any ingredients that are known to irritate the skin such as fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols, and sulphates. These ingredients are in many skincare products, but they are best avoided in menopause or for anyone with any kind of skin sensitivity.
WOVERSE PROAGING SERUM is recommended for its well-formulated ingredients, including peptides that stimulate collagen production, super-hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and the absence of potential irritants like fragrance and essential oils.
As hormonal changes in menopause can make the skin more sensitive, adopting a simplified skincare routine is crucial. WOVERSE PROAGING SERUM serves as a multi-benefit product, addressing various skin concerns without overloading the skin.
Some testimonials from our user’s who evolve there skin by using our Pro Aging Serum.
Great article! I really appreciate the clear and detailed insights you’ve provided on this topic. It’s always refreshing to read content that breaks things down so well, making it easy for readers to grasp even complex ideas. I also found the practical tips you’ve shared to be very helpful. Looking forward to more informative posts like this! Keep up the good work!