Menopause is the 2nd big hormonal event in a women’s life, and even if you are nowhere near this stage of life, it is NOT too early to prepare. Like everything else, preparation and knowledge about the process of “your change” will dictate your success in navigating through this natural occurrence.
So do as I say, not as I did. I saw menopause as something natural that I would float through seamlessly – didn’t I have my last baby at home? Super Woman! Not 😉 I mean I got through without a DNC, I let fibroids shrink on their own, I wore sunscreen, got moody, lived through night sweats, fought dryness, etc.
What I did not prepare for was the state of depletion that the declining levels of estrogen left me in. There are supplements to address these changes, but I didn’t see the need at the time. I do now, as a 55-year-old post-menopausal woman…better late than never!
But, I digress…let’s just stick to the skin part of this discussion.
The biggest skin bandit is undoubtedly the sun – which we love! but we must respect its power.
In 2nd position is the process of aging. First of all, can I just mention that I HATE the phrase anti-aging. Is it beneficial to be against aging? We, as women, spend our youth worrying if we are thin enough, pretty enough, sexy enough, toned enough…blah, blah, blah enough already! I like to call it healthy aging instead.
That said, let’s talk about what is going on behind the “skin scenes” in the aging process – and what we can do to have the best possible outcome.
Decline in estrogen levels are the main culprit. This affects every organ skin of the body, including the skin. The estrogen receptors that carry this magic “women juice” are found most abundantly around the genital area (duh), face and lower limbs.
Dryness and wrinkling in peri and post menopause are the most noticeable effects on the skin and impact all women to some degree. But behind the scenes there are some other body systems that are changing:
- The skin becomes less capable of storing moisture.
- Collagen is breaking down.
- The blood supply to the skin decreases.
- The sebaceous glands shrink and produce less oil
- The skin’s deeper fat layers shrink
- Aging skin thins and becomes paler and more translucent
- The skin bruises more easily and is generally more sensitive
- Allergic reactions and body itching may increase
- Risk of skin cancer, rosacia and other skin disorders increase.
Having fun yet? 🙂
Solutions:
- Use a full spectrum block from an early age – or now!
- Use Mineral Makeup , it calms, soothes, protects the skin from environmental factors and provides an SPF factor
- Drink plenty of water
- Don’t smoke
- Exercise regularly
- Start a preventative skin care regime, supervised by a skincare professional that addresses your skin type and issues.
- Eat healthy raw foods regularly. Low-gylcemic index foods, will increase dermal hydration.
- Consider supplements: especially a multiple vitamin, minerals and essential fatty acids like Omega 3
- Use exfoilliants and/or get chemical peels regularly to increase cell turnover.
- Moisturize using a formulation with hyaluronic acid
- Practice regular/daily habits of elimination.
- Develop stress management resources and a support system. Emotions create toxins that affect the skin.
The skin is a living, breathing organ of elimination. It also serves as a protective covering and barrier – what works to keep it fit and healthy is constantly changing.
You have completely new skin cells every couple of months. Those new cells were grown in an ever-changing body, depending on: what you eat, drink, your skincare regime, hormones, the weather, – even your thoughts and moods.
Note: When I do brow maintenance I also consult with my clients about the state of their skin, keeping them in touch with the changes the skin is going through, and how to best facilitate healthy, beautiful skin at any age.
See you at the spa!
