Experts recommend the best products and routines for menopause skincare

It’s time for menopausal skincare to take over beauty aisles. The ‘change’ has been shrouded in mystery until recently. However, its physical effects on skin can be quite overwhelming. More brands are now offering dedicated, inclusive, menopausal skincare products that are targeted at the millions of women who are currently in peri- and post-menopause.

You may need to change your routine if your favourite serum or night cream doesn’t work as well. «The changes women experience during menopause mean it’s important that we adapt how we care for ourselves and our skin during this period,» Dr Alia Ahmad, Consultant Dermatologist at Revive Collagen. Focus on self-care and learn about your skin’s texture and needs. Assess your skincare to determine if it is meeting your needs. Clients should know that their skin will change throughout the year, just like the seasons.

Good news! With a carefully planned menu of the top skincare products, including mega moisturizers that calm skin flare-ups and the best face mists to cool down and super supplements, your skin can be replenished at any stage of menopause.

WHY DO I NEED MENOPAUSAL SKINCARE

The average age at which menopause begins is 51. This is based on 12 months without periods. The transition between menopause and peri-menopause takes four years on average. This is when cell regeneration and healing slow down and estrogen levels deplete.

1. Dehydration: Estrogen drops can mean lower hyaluronic acids production, which is the moisturizing molecule that keeps skin plump and dewy. They also have a negative impact on the skin barrier, which helps keep moisture in. Add to that the fact that your skin contains fewer natural oils, and you have a triple-whammy of skin dehydration that results in dry, sensitive skin.
2. Low levels of collagen: A drop in estrogen can also have a knock-on impact on the skin’s bouncy cushion. «Studies show that women’s skin loses around 30% of its collagen within the first five years after menopause, and that it continues to decline by 2.1% each year thereafter,» Dr Ahmed. This can lead to skin becoming less flexible and thinner.

It can be difficult to determine what skin needs because there are so many changes. Dr Ahmed advises that you look for ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acids for skin hydration and moisture and ceramides for skin protection. Antioxidants stimulate collagen and protect skin from environmental damage. It is worth considering including all these actives in your skincare routine.

10 MENOPAUSAL SAVIOURS IN SKINCARE, CHOSEN BY OUR BEAUTY SPECIALISTS

1. PAULA’S CHOSE RESISTANT ANTI-AGING, HYDRATING CLEANSER
Best cleanser for menopausal and sensitive skin

Dr Ahmed advises that he recommends using gentle, non-fragranced soaps to wash the skin. This will help keep it hydrated. Then, gently pat dry your skin and avoid rubbing it.

Menopausal skin requires gentler, more aggressive cleansers, so milks and creams can be a great choice. This gentle cleanser is creamy and light, and lifts impurities and makes-up without affecting the skin’s barrier. Chamomile flower extract and green tea extract have antioxidant properties.

2. EMEPELLE SERUM
The best serum to use for women’s skin

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist, says that estrogen is essential for maintaining skin health. It activates estrogen receptors within key skin cells, stimulating production of collagen, elasticin, and hyaluronic acids to promote healthy skin. This will result in a brighter, healthier appearance.

Dermatologists recommend this serum as part of the only skincare line to contain MEP (active ingredient). This basically encourages the skin’s natural estrogen to work to improve the skin’s dull, dry texture. Dr Wedgeworth says that this process restores lost collagen to give skin a younger, firmer, hydrated appearance. It’s amazing to see the before and after pictures, and those with sensitive skin will be happy to know that it is also fragrance-free.

3. NO7 MENOPAUSESKINCARE PROTECT & HYDRATE-DAY CREAM
The best day cream to use on menopausal skin

Menopausal skin must be hydrated. This is why moisturizing ingredients such as niacinamide are important. They help to maintain a healthy, long-lasting skin barrier. The cream can hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours and contains a protective antioxidant complex as well as SPF30 to strengthen the skin’s defenses.

«We know from our research that menopause can cause skin changes in women, as many of them report increased dryness, dullness and sensitivity.» Dr. Mike Bell, No7 Head for Science Research, says. The No7 Menopause Skincare Range was created to help skin barrier resilience and address some of the most common concerns women have.

4. KORRES WHITE MENO-REVERSE VOLUMIZING SERUM-IN MOISTURIZER
This is the best lightweight moisturizer to use on menopausal skin

It is a common myth that mature skin requires thick, heavy creams. A richer cream is better for you if your skin feels tight and dry. You can also try a product with more water if your skin is in dire need of a quick boost. Dr Ahmed advises that serums and gels with a lighter formula are good options for skin irritations.

This gel cream’s top ingredient is water. The creamy texture absorbs quickly. It is refreshing in its formulation but it does work hard. Clinical trials have shown that it can increase volume within a week, making skin appear firmer and plumper.

5. INDEED LABS ME-NO PAUSE COOLING MIST
Best face mist for women who are going through menopause

Hot flushes are a common symptom in women over 40. This is great to keep in your bag to ease any skin irritations.

It’s a cooling sensation that is truly remarkable. We’ve never tried anything like it. Cucumber extract is added to the formula to reduce the discomfort of menopausal skin blushing. It also contains two lotus flowers extracts to soothe skin during flare-ups.

6. PEEP CLUB INSTANT EAR RELIEF SPRAY
Dry eyes: The best menopausal skincare

You are not the only one experiencing redness, itching, swelling, redness, or itching in your eyes. Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects approximately 61%.

This spray is great for burning eyes and dry skin. This spray treats the eye as well as the delicate skin under and on the eyelid. This spray is also suitable for contacts lens wearers. To provide immediate relief for tired, heavy and irritated eyes, the spray contains colorless seabuckthorn oil as well as sodium hyaluronate.

7. PRAI BEAUTY SUPER HYDRATING CREME
Night cream that is best for menopausal skin

To counteract night sweats-induced moisture loss, you can use creams containing hyaluronic acids at night. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator for very dry skin. It can hold 1,000 times its weight in liquid water, making it an excellent skincare ingredient.

The luxurious night cream is silky smooth and feels soothing on dry, sensitive skin. This cream is rich in hyaluronic acids, which are extremely moisturizing, as well as glycerin, which helps to reduce tightness and improve skin texture.

8. AVEENO DERMEXA EMOLLIENT CREAM
Best body cream for women who are going through menopause

Dr Ahmed explains that menopause skin can feel more sensitive, and may feel itching, crawling, or stinging. Therefore, one of top recommendations would be to apply emollients generously to your entire body, including your face, and even your feet.

Emollients like oils, butters, and fatty acid help to prevent water loss and soothe the skin. The cream contains emollients such as dimethicone and petroleum jelly that act as a seal to trap moisture in the skin. To double the hydration of the entire body, these ingredients are combined with humectants such as ceramides and glycerin (which draw moisture to the skin).

9. SKINGREDIENTS MOISTURISING AND PRIMING SKIN SHIELD, SPF 50++
Best sunscreen for women who are going through menopause

Dr Ahmed says that prevention is the key. Some skin changes such as sunburns are cumulative, and can be more severe around menopause or after. These are simple tips for protecting your skin all year with sunscreen and protective clothing.

It is easy to use and has a peachy tint. This sunscreen works great as a foundation for your make-up. This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also protects against pollution and blue lights. It also provides antioxidant protection with zinc oxide, an anti-inflammatory powerful ingredient that soothes sensitive and reactive skin.

10. REVIVE COLLAGEN ENHANCED PLUS PREMIUM LIQUID MARINE COLLAGEN DRINK
The best product for women who are going through menopause

Dr Ahmed advises that collagen supplements are highly recommended to support natural collagen production due to the rapid collagen loss women experience during menopause. You shouldn’t choose any supplement. Dr Ahmed emphasizes the importance of choosing the right oral collagen. Dr Ahmed says that Type 1 hydrolyzed Marine Collagen is the most bioavailable and has a 90-95% absorption rate, compared to tablets or powder which only have 30-40% absorption.

Dr Ahmed recommends Revive Collagen. Drinkable liquid collagen is a great option, as it tastes amazing, which is unusual for collagen supplements. It also contains retinol and hyaluronic acids, along with vitamins that brighten and replenish the skin.