It’s fair to say that whilst aging is a natural part of life, for women, perimenopause and menopause bring about a unique set of challenges. The hormonal changes during these phases can wreak havoc on the skin, leading to issues from dryness and dehydration to hormonal breakouts. But the good news is that just as we adjust our skincare throughout the different seasons so we are summer secure and winter ready, we can simply adapt our skincare to this new season of life too, helping us to maintain healthy and radiant skin despite nature’s obstacles. So let’s celebrate Menopause Month by getting to grips with how best we can care for and treat our bodies during this transitional time.

 

The terms Perimenopause and Menopause are ones we hear often as we grow older, but what do they actually mean?

Well, Perimenopause describes the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It usually begins in the late 30s or early 40s and can last for several years. This phase is marked by fluctuating hormone levels, primarily a decline in estrogen. Whereas Menopause, which usually occurs around the age of 51, is defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Estrogen levels drop significantly after menopause, causing various physical changes and emotional ups and downs. This decrease in estrogen leads to reduced oil production and skin hydration, leading to overall more dryness in the skin, whilst also affecting the skin’s ability to repair itself and maintain its protective barrier, making it more sensitive. The skin also becomes thinner as a result of the loss of collagen as we age, but this is only heightened because of the low estrogen levels. This decrease in collagen also leads to a loss of elasticity in the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. This hormonal rollercoaster can also see our Androgen levels increase, specifically Testosterone. Unfortunately the increase in testosterone can stimulate sebaceous gland activity, resulting in increased sebum production. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to acne and breakouts. So, whilst things look a little bleak for our skin during these hormonal changes our body is experiencing, implementing a few changes can have us feeling totally rejuvenated.

 

This turbulent season of life can leave us feeling a little defeated – but ensuring overall health in your body and mind can keep your skin looking and feeling it’s best too. Firstly, staying hydrated is key. As night sweats and hot flushes are prominent symptoms of menopause, a lot of water is being lost from our body and thus from our skin – which is why replenishment is crucial. Consume a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Antioxidant rich foods can help fight off pollutants and free radicals by strengthening the skin barrier from the inside out. As we mentioned earlier, skin sensitivity is known to increase during perimenopause and menopause, making the regular and consistent application of sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, to keep your skin protected from the harsh impact of UV rays. Implementing these changes, paired with a skincare routine with your skin in mind is the perfect combination to nourish your skin back to good health, or better yet prevent it from getting to a point of being compromised altogether.

 

The key to curating a routine for healthy, radiant skin, particularly for sensitivity, is finding products that are full of the good stuff antioxidants, vitamins, ceramides – the dream skincare cocktail our skin is ready to drink up!

And equally, avoid all the bad stuff, harsh, moisture stripping ingredients that leave our moisture barrier compromised above all else. As with any effective skincare routine, a good cleanser is crucial. But when it comes to menopausal skin in particular, a gentle cleanser which allows the skin to retain its natural oils whilst still removing impurities ticks every box. Which is why we recommend opting for an oil cleanser. Our No.1 Cleansing Oil is filled with ingredients that work together effectively to combat the many skin concerns that arise prior to and during menopause. The Camellia Seed Oil in this cleanser is rich in oleic acid, meaning it is deeply nourishing to help alleviate dryness and flaking, and yet the antioxidant compound of oleic acid helps protect the skin from free radicals, therefore preserving the skins youth and firmness. The cleanser also contains Raspberry Extract, which is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and quercetin to help neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative stress and premature aging, promoting healthier, more youthful skin. Raspberry Extract has also been known to stimulate collagen production, which can help minimise the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. This beautiful blend of naturally derived ingredients is perfect for sensitive skin that needs a little extra care. To inject a little goodness back into the skin, follow this up with a serum. Choosing the right serum for menopausal skin is essential, as it can address specific concerns such as dryness, thinning, and hormonal changes. Which is why you want to look for serums that offer hydration, promote collagen production, and contain antioxidants to combat signs of aging. Making the Vemel Advanced Protective Serum the perfect product. With Micro & Macro Algae rich in polysaccharides and water-binding compound, this serum is able to help retain moisture in the skin, which is essential given that menopausal skin often becomes drier due to hormonal changes. Whereas the Amaranth CO2 Extract in this serum has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe redness and skin irritation that is particularly prominent during and leading up to menopause. Finally, finish your routine with a deeply nourishing moisturiser, like our Vitamin Rich Face Butter. With Green Algae Lipids, Sea Buckthorn and Pomegranate Sterols, this unique and powerful blend of ingredients is able to reduce transepidermal water loss by restoring moisture back into the skin as well as targeting signs of aging to unveil an overall healthy and youthful complexion.