Menopause Month: How To Adapt Your Skincare Routine For Menopausal Skin

Take a Look at Your Current Routine

The first step in adapting your skincare for menopausal skin is to assess your current routine. It's important to fully understand what products you're using and what they're doing for your skin. Menopausal skin requires a different approach than pre-menopausal skin, so it's essential to understand what your skin’s current needs are.  

Hydration 

One of the most significant changes to your skincare routine should be to incorporate more hydrating products. Now, you might already have products that moisturise your skin already in your arsenal but it is important to know why they’re needed even more through menopause. 

Menopausal skin loses moisture more easily, due to your oil glands not being as active. So using products that lock in hydration can help keep skin plump and glowing. Consider using a hydrating serum or facial oil after cleansing to provide an extra layer of hydration. Products that contain hyaluronic acid are particularly effective as they draw moisture from the air and help retain it in the skin. 

We recommend the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel which has both hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that will stimulate the body's natural hydration levels and encourage your skin's cells to repair.

Cleansing 

Another change to consider is using a gentler cleanser. Menopausal skin can be more sensitive and prone to irritation, so using a harsh cleanser can exacerbate this. Consider using a cream or oil-based cleanser that's formulated for sensitive skin. 

A Skinstation favourite is the SkinCeuticals Gentle Cream Cleanser. A combination of orange oil and emollients gently removes impurities, whilst calming and soothing sensitive skin. This will be less stripping and more moisturising, which is especially beneficial for menopausal skin.

Exfoliation 

Now, let's turn to exfoliants. You might think that due to your skin generally being a bit dryer during menopause, it wouldn't be a good idea to exfoliate. But this is a crucial step for menopausal skin as it helps remove dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover, which can slow down during this time. However, it's really important to choose a gentle exfoliant as harsh scrubs can cause irritation and inflammation. 

Consider using a chemical exfoliant such as the SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Treatment, which gives the skin a radiant glow whilst also unblocking pores. Incorporating an exfoliant like this into your routine once or twice a week can help keep your skin looking fresh and more youthful.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is always important, 365 days of the year, but it's especially crucial for menopausal skin. As our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, it's more susceptible to those pesky sun rays, which can lead to premature signs of ageing, such as age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if you're staying indoors. The Obagi Tinted Sun Shield SPF 50 is a great sunscreen because it provides broad-spectrum protection whilst evening your skin tone.

What Else Can You Do?

In addition to adapting your skincare routine, it's important to make lifestyle changes that can benefit your skin during menopause. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that's rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help nourish your skin from the inside out.

Exercise can also help improve circulation and promote healthy skin. Although it is difficult, trying to manage your stress levels can help prevent the skin from becoming inflamed and agitated. Consider incorporating stress-relieving practices such as pilates or deep breathing exercises into your routine.

Menopause can be a big shift, but by adapting your skincare routine and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can help your skin to look and feel its best. Remember to be patient with your skin as it adapts to these changes and don't let it stop you from looking and feeling your best self.