Written by Sarah Huerter
Perimenopause and menopause, a phase that can start as early as the late 30’s' in a woman's life, come with their own set of twists and turns. They bring hormonal shifts, a carousel of physical and emotional changes, and, yes, the not-so-talked-about skin transformation. While you've probably heard of the infamous hot flashes and mood swings, the impact on your skin is a quieter, but no less significant, story. As estrogen levels take a dip, your skin undergoes changes you might not have expected: it becomes drier, thinner, and more prone to certain conditions.
The Dance of Hormones
To fully grasp how perimenopause and menopause affect your skin, you need to understand the starring role hormones play in the skincare saga. Estrogen, the leading lady in this story, is your skin's best friend. It's the guardian of collagen, that essential protein responsible for plump, resilient skin. Estrogen manages the skin's oil production, maintaining that delicate balance between hydration and shine.
Impact on the Skin
Dryness: One of the most noticeable changes during perimenopause and menopause is skin dryness. As estrogen takes a little vacation, your skin's ability to hold onto moisture goes on a hiatus. The result? Dehydration, flakiness, and a lackluster complexion that doesn't do justice to your radiant self.
Thinning Skin: Reduced estrogen levels introduce the concept of thin skin, not metaphorically, but quite literally. Your skin loses its cushion, becoming fragile and more susceptible to bumps, bruises, and tears. Fine lines and wrinkles eagerly join the party, leaving their mark as you journey through these life stages.
Collagen Loss: Collagen, the underappreciated hero of skin firmness, decides to take a back seat as estrogen bids it adieu. This loss leads to sagging skin and those notorious deep wrinkles.
Increased Sensitivity: Skin sensitivity rises to the occasion during perimenopause and menopause, making your skin more prone to redness, irritation, and general discomfort.
Adult Acne: Just when you thought you'd left acne behind in your teenage years, it makes a cameo appearance during perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations and increased oiliness in certain areas of your face can trigger breakouts, even if you've never had to deal with them before.
Tallow + Lifestyle Considerations for Perimenopause and Menopause
Tallow is Your Skin's Best Friend: Tallow is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and fatty acids, including A, D, E, and K. These nutrients nourish your skin, leaving it with that healthy glow you adore.
Gentle and Chemical-Free: Tallow-based products are like a gentle embrace for your skin. They steer clear of synthetic additives and potentially harmful chemicals, making them a safe and gentle choice, especially for those with sensitive skin. Learn more about our Body Balm tallow here, Morning Face Balm here, Night Face Balm here!
Sun is a Must: Don't forget to soak in some sun. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for various bodily functions, including skin health. Vitamin D plays a role in skin cell growth, repair, and immune system support. It can help alleviate skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Consume Collagen Rich Foods: Include foods rich in collagen building nutrients such as, bone broth, fish, & eggs. Don't forget the importance of adequate amounts of protein like meats & organs, and healthy fats which is so important for collagen production. If the sound of organs sounds daunting, don’t fret; there are supplements designed to fill those gaps. We have a hair, skin, nails supplement containing liver, tracheal cartilage, and collagen. Check it out here!
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for skin health. Add in some electrolytes and minerals to your water to make it extra special.
Movement: Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, which helps deliver essential nutrients to the skin. Exercise stimulates the production of collagen. And it feels good to get that heart rate up too!
Zen Moments: Stress can wreak havoc on your skin. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Take a few minutes everyday to be quiet and cultivate a calm, peaceful, present state.
Perimenopause and menopause are natural chapters in your life story, each with their unique skin changes. Understand these changes and adapt a skincare routine that suits you. While certain effects are inevitable, with the right care, you can embrace this new chapter with confidence and grace. Your skin still has the power to radiate health and beauty. Let it shine!