A natural phase of physiological turbulence, menopause upsets the skin’s balance and changes the quality of hair and nails. Our expert helps you to go through this delicate period more serenely. Here is how to feel good about yourself during menopause.
Going through menopause with serenity is what all women want when that dreaded moment arrives… With the drop in estrogen and progesterone around age 50, noticeable changes gradually appear.
As soon as perimenopause begins, the skin becomes drier and thinner. Cell renewal slows down, as does microcirculation. The result? The complexion is a little less radiant. Similarly, a lack of estrogen alters the skin’s hydration: it becomes drier, its support fibers (collagen and elastin) slacken, and the oval of the face becomes a little more blurred… Althrough there are things to do to feel good about yourself during menopause.
Nourish and firm the skin
During these changes, adopt a more nourishing and lipid-replenishing routine. To restore the skin’s barrier, opt for skin care products rich in plant oils and butter, containing fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9) and ceramides. Vitamin C and fruit acids (AHAs) are effective in boosting radiance.
While retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid help fight against the degradation of collagen and elastin while improving cell renewal. When the hormonal balance is disrupted, this can sometimes encourage the appearance of acne pimples. Local treatment is usually enough to solve the problem. Retinol and fruit acids also prove to be very effective in eliminating these tiny imperfections.
The right daily care
If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to get into good beauty habits. For facial cleansing, you can continue to remove makeup with water, but with a gentle product. Finish by spraying with thermal water to limit the drying effects of hard water. Then protect your skin in the morning and repair it in the evening.
So, start the day by applying a moisturizing cream with antioxidants or vitamin C, followed by a sunblock fluid SPF 50 that will prevent the appearance of brown spots. At the end of the day, after a thorough cleansing to remove makeup, dirt, sebum and any pollution particles, choose a rich night cream that is both nourishing and anti-aging, containing retinol or fruit acids.
Feel good about yourself during menopause: taking care of your hair
Hair quality changes after menopause. It becomes thinner, which causes a loss of hair density. At the same time, the arrival of white hair, which is drier and thicker, changes the hair. It is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and to start a course of food supplements based on B vitamins, amino acids, and plant extracts to improve their vitality.
As for care, ensure you don’t damage them: wash them with a gentle shampoo and use a nourishing mask regularly. Dark, thick hair may also appear on the upper lip or chin. During this period, male hormones (androgens) take precedence over estrogens. If there are only a few hairs, remove them carefully with tweezers, without breaking them. If there are more hairs, it is better to let the dermatologist remove them with electric hair removal or laser.
Strengthen your nails
The nails also suffer… They become streaked, less smooth, drier, and more brittle because they lack moisture. The best solution to take care of your nails and feel good about yourself during menopause is to apply a cream daily. Use a nourishing formula and massage your hands, nails, and cuticles at bedtime. Hardening or strengthening polishes are not recommended, as they aggravate the problems. Wear gloves for all household, DIY, and gardening work to keep your hands beautiful.
Passing the milestone gently…
Doctors consider that menopause has set in when your periods have disappeared for a year. When this stage is reached, aging becomes more linear and regular. With good eating habits, the transition will be smoother: It is not useless to repeat that it is necessary to have a balanced diet: favor fruits and vegetables for the antioxidants, avoid fast sugars, responsible for the rigidification of collagen and elastin fibers. Eliminate ultra-processed foods that are too inflammatory. Drink enough water, limit alcohol, and stop smoking! Finally, during a visit to the dermatologist, don’t hesitate to ask all the questions that are bothering you! The important thing is also to be well accompanied on the health side.
And hormonal treatment?
It is particularly beneficial against skin dryness because it compensates for the fall in estrogen. But it is a personal choice, which is not suitable for all women. It must be decided by the doctor. There are contraindications, such as hormone-dependent cancers (breast, ovaries…), cardiovascular and thromboembolic risks.