According to Very Well, the average woman can expect menopause to begin in her late-40s or early-50s, and it typically lasts anywhere from two to 10 years. Your body will go through several changes throughout menopause, and when you come out the other end, you may assume some of these struggles are over. However, much like caring for your body and spirit in other ways after menopause, you must also care for your skin in a different way. Here are a few tips to help your skin look its best after menopause:
Why Does Menopause Affect the Skin?
During menopause, women experience several symptoms, including the classic night flashes, mood swings, and night sweats. A change in female hormones, including estrogen, is the culprit. In the case of your skin during and after menopause, a lack of female hormones is also the reason why you'll notice several distinct changes.
Lower levels of hormones called B-Estradiol, estrogen, and progesterone is a main reason you will notice your skin is aging rapidly and undergoing several other wanted changes. As you progress through menopause and reach the end, severely lowered levels of these three hormones will result in skin that will become far less manageable. Luckily, there are several ways you can help improve the appearance and feel of your skin.
Banish Your Dry Skin
In the years before and during menopause, you might notice your skin is suddenly oilier and prone to acne. This is because the female hormones that were abundant before menopause aren't combating the testosterone in your body, which leads to oily skin, acne, and increased facial hair growth.
However, once menopause ends, your previously-oily skin can become extremely dry. Combating your dry skin doesn't take a lot of extra effort or pricey product. Instead, simply follow a new beauty regimen that includes:
- Avoiding foaming cleansers, which can severely dry out your skin; instead, switch to a cream cleanser, which is milder and will add some much needed moisture to your skin.
- Choosing a moisturizer that features vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which are great for your dry skin, and opting for a moisturizer that features sunscreen.
- Avoiding those long, hot showers you used to enjoy in the past, and instead, cleansing your body with lukewarm water; additionally, make sure to apply a moisturizer to your face and lotion to your skin while it is still wet, which will help your skin stay soft and supple.
Battling Age Spots
In addition to dry skin, there is another common issue that many post-menopausal women will face: age spots. These annoying skin discolorations, which are also known as solar lentigines, are caused by exposure to the sun. Basically, the more time you spent in the sun during the youth, the more prone you will be to forming age spots on your hands, body, and face.
Luckily, there are several ways you can combat age spots, even those larger areas of discoloration that seem to occur on your face and the back of your hands. There are several over-the-counter treatments that feature a product called quinine, which works by gently lightening the skin. For more severe age spots, ask your dermatologist about the treatments available.
For example, your dermatologist may prescribe retinol, a cream that is applied directly to the age spots. Additionally, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and chemical peels are also effective ways your dentist can reduce the appearance of age spots.
Menopause can wreak havoc on your body and skin. If you are suffering with post-menopause dry skin or an increase in age spots, there are several safe ways for you to help your skin appear healthier and more youthful.
