Is it possible to adapt self-care routines and maintain healthy, well-hydrated and full of vitality skin even during menopause? Undoubtedly! And it is precisely the attention dedicated to oneself that will play a central role in the ability to face with confidence the transformations of this new stage... without inhibitions, without hesitation.
To redefine the experience of menopause, help improve women's self-esteem and empower them in this phase of transformation, Vichy launched the #menopause campaign and counts on Fernanda Serrano, Liliana Campos and Sofia Cerveira and SweetCare to support its dissemination.
SweetCare is an online space dedicated to wellness and skincare for over 15 years. Talk to SweetCare's team of expert pharmacists for accurate information and personalized guidance.
In its commitment to consumer education and the promotion of health and beauty literacy, SweetCare activates partnerships with physicians from various specialties.
To help you understand how to adapt skin care routines during menopause, we have the opinion and tips of the experienced Dr. Ana Isabel Pedroso (Internist and Intensivist), with a health awareness project on social networks, where she shares valuable information about well-being during this transition phase.
This article is the answer to your questions. Because menopause does exist. Because it should be talked about, shared, advised, demystified. No beating around the bush, no taboos, no fears.
MENOPAUSE: THE CHANGE IN A WOMAN'S LIFE
Menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, is a significant time in a woman's life, marking the end of the reproductive phase. During this period it brings with it hormonal changes that deeply affect the skin.
This phase is still often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes and irregular menstrual cycles, but today we ask the question: does our skin respond to these changes?
The answer is clear: yes, the skin undergoes changes, but not all of them are adverse. Menopause is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new phase.
It is precisely from this perspective, focused on valuing self-esteem and essential care, that VICHY celebrates World Menopause Month in October. And the NEOVADIOL line , which boasts of 30 years of expertise in the field of menopause, presents itself as the perfect ally to face this challenge with confidence.
Studies show that about 30% of the skin's collagen is destroyed in the five years following menopause. During this period, there is a decrease in estrogen receptors, which affects collagen production and the organization of elastic fibers in the skin.
The result? Loss of firmness, luminosity, appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, there are changes in sebum production, resulting from the imbalance between estrogens and androgens in the skin, which can trigger problems such as acne and the formation of blackheads.
So let's get down to the questions, without fear.
What are the main changes that occur in the skin during menopause and how can I adapt my skincare routine to cope with these changes?
During menopause, several changes occur in the skin due to hormonal variations that directly affect the production of collagen, elastin and lipids.
These changes can result in a number of challenges to the health and appearance of the skin, which will impact self-esteem. However, the skin's natural path doesn't have to be here. Here is a list of the main changes in the skin during menopause and how we can adapt our skincare routine to deal with these changes:
- Dry Skin and Loss of Elasticity: The decrease in estrogen levels (typical of this time) can lead to reduced production of natural oils, making the skin drier and less elastic. To deal with this, it is important to keep the skin well hydrated, for example, using a high-quality moisturizer that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to retain moisture.
- Wrinkles and Fine Lines: The loss of collagen and elastin can lead to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. We should consider the application of products that contain retinoids, antioxidants and peptides that stimulate the production of endogenous collagen to try to minimize them.
- Sagging Skin: As a consequence of the loss of skin elasticity, areas of sagging appear, such as on the neck and face. Using specific neck products and an anti-aging cream can help tone and strengthen the skin.
- Hyperpigmentation: Some pigmentation disorders, such as melasma, can worsen during menopause. Using sunscreen daily will prevent sun damage. You can always consult a dermatologist for other treatment options, such as depigmenting creams or laser procedures.
- Thin skin: During menopause, the skin tends to become thinner and more fragile. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and protecting the skin from injury in general becomes important, as it may have a harder time healing.
- Dietary Care: A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can contribute not only but also to skin health. Make sure you maintain a balanced diet and hydrate well.
- General Care: In addition to topical skin care, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as regular physical exercise, adequate and restful sleep, healthy eating, quitting habits such as smoking, and reducing daily stress.
- Consult a professional: A dermatologist can be an important ally during menopause. They can recommend products and procedures that are tailored to your specific skin needs.
Are there any specific products I should incorporate into my skincare routine to combat the signs of aging caused by menopause?
Each person can experience menopause in a unique way, and skincare should be tailored to their individual needs.
It's critical to be consistent with your skincare routine and of course there are specific products that can be incorporated into this routine.
Such as:
- Quality Moisturizer: Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin. Together, they combat the dryness caused by menopause.
- Retinoids: Products containing retinoids, such as retinol, can help stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It's a good idea to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it to avoid irritation.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, help protect the skin from free radical damage and maintain a healthier appearance.
- Peptides: Products containing peptides can help strengthen the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is key. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily to protect your skin from sun damage, prevent hyperpigmentation, and minimize premature aging.
- Cream for the eye area: The cream in this area should be specific. This skin is very sensitive and therefore it should contain ingredients to help reduce dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles around the eyes.
- Neck and décolleté care: Specific products for the neck and décolleté can help combat sagging and aging appearance in this area that is so neglected!
- Specific serums: Some serums are formulated to address specific skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation or uneven texture. You already know that you should consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
- Night creams: These creams can be enriched with anti-aging or well-aging ingredients and are ideal for promoting skin regeneration during sleep.
What are the most effective active ingredients or components to combat loss of density, decreased elasticity and other skin changes during menopause?
To combat loss of density, decreased elasticity and other changes in the skin during menopause, some active ingredients and components have been shown to be effective.
At the top I mention Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful moisturizer. Then I have to mention retinoids (such as retinol) and peptides that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) also helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduces water loss, and improves skin texture. Ceramides, the skin's natural lipids and omega-3 fatty acids, help keep the skin barrier intact, reducing water loss and improving hydration.
Last but not least , Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that can help brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.
How can I protect my skin from damage caused by sun exposure, considering that the skin becomes more sensitive at this stage?
Protecting the skin from damage caused by sun exposure is critical, especially during menopause, when the skin tends to become more sensitive and prone to damage.
We should use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days!
Clearly avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially in the hottest hours of the day, always wearing, for example, protective clothing and sunglasses, hat with brims. Keeping your skin hydrated always ends up protecting you from the heat and sun, so not only use moisturizer but also drink water in the right amounts!
I would like to take this opportunity to stress that excessive sun exposure is one of the main causes of premature skin aging and increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, protecting your skin from the sun should be an essential part of your skincare routine during menopause and at any stage of life.
In addition to skin care, what lifestyle measures such as diet, exercise, and sleep do you recommend to improve skin health and appearance during menopause?
Obviously, work on the pillars of health: physical exercise (with load!), healthy eating, balanced, quality restful sleep! Add adequate hydration (30ml/kg/day!), consume as little alcohol as possible.
Know how to manage stress, using meditation techniques, yoga, or simply taking time to relax and do what you love.
And if there's one measure that will have a huge impact on your skin, including menopause, it's smoking cessation!!! Smoking impairs blood circulation and accelerates skin aging.
The last precious tip is to keep regular medical appointments, as the skin is part of a whole that has to be closely monitored.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is critical for overall health and the appearance of skin during menopause and at all stages of life.
In addition, skincare and lifestyle measures are intertwined and work together to promote skin health and vitality.
As you can see, menopause brings with it challenges, but these can be overcome and mitigated by using products created specifically to meet the demands of this very special phase, in order to minimize the symptoms of menopause and its impact on our skin.
Get to know VICHY here , a skin care brand and pioneer in menopausal skin science, founded and recommended by doctors, that offers health solutions for all skin types and stages.
After the age of 50, the skin's capacity for nocturnal regeneration decreases abruptly due to hormonal aging due to menopause. One of the main causes is due to sleep deprivation! Understanding the needs of menopausal women, Vichy Laboratories presents this night cream as one of its latest innovations,
The eyes and lips are among the first places to have expression wrinkles and where skin aging is earlier and loss of firmness is also present. The hypoallergenic formula of this eye contour has been tested under dermatological and ophthalmological control. The formula is enriched with soothing and regenerating Vichy Thermal Water. Fragrance-free and paraben-free.
Neovadiol meno 5 global anti-aging bi-serum is a product with proven efficacy on mature skin. Vichy has combined two intensive redensifying components, Proxylane and Cassia extract, which reverse the impact of hormonal changes on the skin. It also has niacinamide, combined with Vichy volcanic water, vitamin B3, E and CG, omegas 3-6-9 and glycolic acid. To improve sagging and wrinkles.