Battling dry, sensitive skin during menopause? Here's how to soothe your skin during colder months
Menopause can be a challenging time for women, with symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, night sweats, headaches, and joint pain often taking center stage. However, one often overlooked yet significantly affected organ during this hormonal shift is the skin. As autumn and winter arrive, the skin's struggle intensifies due to the colder temperatures and lower humidity levels, making it crucial to understand how to care for menopausal skin during these months.
The skin undergoes a series of changes during menopause. The natural decline in estrogen, a hormone primarily produced in the ovaries, triggers a cascade of reactions. This hormonal imbalance leads to a reduction in natural moisturizing factors, causing skin thinning, dullness, and laxity. Additionally, the slowing of blood circulation during menopausal changes diminishes cell turnover and the skin's ability to repair itself, resulting in deepened fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, dryness, and uneven texture and tone. Age spots and pigmentation may also become more prominent.
Autumn and winter exacerbate these skin issues. Colder temperatures and lower humidity levels can dry out the skin, leading to irritation and further dehydration. Indoor heating intensifies this cellular-level dehydration, making it a double-edged sword for menopausal skin. The combination of menopause and colder weather can make skin care a never-ending battle.
To soothe menopausal skin during autumn and winter, it's essential to adopt a holistic approach. Lifestyle factors such as a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, and good sleep hygiene are fundamental. Additionally, investing in heavy-duty skincare products specifically formulated for menopausal skin changes is crucial.
One highly recommended product is the Hada Labo Tokyo Premium range, a Japanese skincare brand's premium lineup designed for women over 40, addressing midlife skin concerns. The Hada Labo Tokyo Premium Lotion Intense Super Hydrator contains seven types of hyaluronic acid, which can retain 1000 times their weight in water and deliver hydration to deeper skin layers. This product is particularly useful during menopause, especially in autumn and winter, as it helps combat dryness and sensitivity.
Another product, Hada Labo Tokyo's Premium Extreme Skin Regenerator Super Cream, is designed for night use and also contains the seven types of hyaluronic acid. It's a multitasking formula that deeply nourishes and fights wrinkles while you sleep, leaving your skin plump and hydrated upon waking. Dr. Janine David, a GP and women's health specialist, recommends skincare products that layer multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, reinforce the skin barrier with emollients or ceramides, and support collagen with gentle retinoids for effective midlife skin care.
For an extra boost, Hada Labo Tokyo's Premium Facial Sheet Masks with Super Hyaluronic Acid provide a quick and effective way to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and glowing. These masks are perfect for combating particularly dry days and are a valuable addition to any menopausal skincare routine.
In conclusion, while menopause can bring various challenges, understanding the skin's unique needs during this time and adopting a comprehensive skincare approach can help soothe and support menopausal skin during the colder months.
