Skincare is a very personal regimen. Just because a product is popular, doesn’t mean that it’ll necessarily work for your skin type. Menopausal women, for example, have different skincare concerns compared to someone in their 20s. Having the right skincare is important in looking and feeling your best! If you want to protect your skin this winter, check out my other skincare posts on my blog. Here, today, let’s talk about the right skincare for menopausal women.
What Skin Problems do Menopausal Women Have?
Because menopause causes a decline in estrogen production, the common skin problems faced by menopausal women are:
- Lessened collagen production
- Loose skin
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Sunspots
- Facial Hair
While these aren’t the only problems, some women can also face acne during menopause. Of course, these problems differ from person to person and they’re gradual. This is a common reason that some women opt for hormone replacement therapy during menopause.
The Menopausal Woman’s Skincare Routine
As I’ve mentioned earlier, everyone has a different skincare regimen and as you age, the routine and the products you use might change as well. Products can change not only because of your skin type but because of skin type and the way the elements affect it. Keep in mind, you might have to try a few products to see what suits you the best. What I’m offering is a guide with information. That doesn’t replace a trip to the doctor and dermatologist.
Let’s go step by step, and if you keep reading, I’ll have some product recommendations as well!
- Wash your face with lukewarm water and a cleanser that’s gentle
- Use Moisturizer
- SPF 30
- Repeat step 3 every few hours especially if you’re in the sun for the majority of the day. Most people will never reapply their sunscreen. You have to remember, regardless of whether you wearing makeup or not, you need to reapply your sunscreen! If you want to wear it over your makeup, there are a few brands that have a powder sunscreen or you can use a spray. We’ll get into those later.
- Wash your face before bedtime (makeup-removing wipes alone, do not count!)
Finding the Right Skincare Products for Menopausal Women
To tackle the common skincare issues women face during menopause, you need to find the right skincare product that works for you. Remember, sometimes it’s all about trial and error.
Decreased Collagen Production: Products that have peptides are great for collagen production in your skin. Peptides also lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinols are effective in doing the same.
Skin Dryness: As we age, skin loses its moisture. Keeping your skin hydrated is key. Use products with ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
Spots or Discoloration: Hormonal changes and years of sun damage can cause sun spots or pigmentation to occur. Using products with Vitamin C helps with discoloration. Continued use of Sunscreen with SPF 30 will prevent more spots.
Acne: Acne can happen at any age, so don’t think it’s something we leave behind in high school. If you have adult acne, try using cleansers with salicylic acid or glycolic acid (not if you have dry skin!). The use of Retinols in chemical peels might help as well. If you suffer from serious acne, it might be helpful to contact your dermatologist before trying any products on your own.
Facial Hair: Facial hair can pop up literally from puberty. During menopause, you might notice hairs along your chin and upper lip. Waxing and threading might help, but because your skin might be thinner than when you were a teen, opt for a cream hair remover instead. Laser treatments can help in case you have more stubborn facial hair.
Remember it’s about trial and error. Be consistent with your products to ensure their effectiveness. Give it a few weeks and adjust if needed. Also, it’s vital that you store your products properly! Some find using a skincare fridge keeps their products from denaturing. Keep them away from the sun and check the expiration date! Otherwise, you might find that your skincare has suddenly stopped working!
The Right Skincare Products (Recommendations)
First, I want to preface this by reminding you again, that these are the types of products you should take a closer look at, or consider trying. It’s your skin and your choice. If you’re ever in doubt, consult your dermatologist for more information.
Dry Skin:
- CeraVe PM Moisturizer: Affordable and great for Normal to Oily Skin (contains Hyaluronic Acid)
- Avene Hydrance Serum: Water-based and gentle enough to use during the day and night
- Murad Retinol Youth Serum: Retinol is a great ingredient to maintain skin hydration. Use with SPF
Acne:
- Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid: spot treatment for stubborn acne
- SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser: won’t leave your skin dry (for all skin types)
For more information on Menopausal Acne, read about the best treatments and the right skincare for menopausal women, recommended by Dermatologists here.
Hyperpigmentation:
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner: One of the most affordable and effective toners to cleanse your face. Personal favorite!
- Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution: a combination of Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid
Fine Lines/Wrinkles:
- Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair: drugstore find and one of the best products for anti-aging. Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid
- Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Cream: uses peptides to repair your skin (for all skin types)
There is a variety of SPF available on the market. But one of the best ones for menopausal skin is the La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Correct Sunscreen (SPF 70). If you wear makeup and want to spray your face (as you should top up every few hours), the Supergoop! PLAY 100% Mineral Sunscreen Spray is a great option!
Facial Hair: Facial hair depends on person to person, but instead of waxing or threading (does more damage to menopausal skin) opt for topical hair removal creams or dermaplaning.
Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning tool is easy, affordable, and simple to use at home and on the go! Dermaplaning will not only remove facial hair, but it’ll gently exfoliate your skin and help it absorb your skincare even better!
Remember…
Skincare is very personal. Don’t just follow fads and trends because popular products don’t work for everyone. The right skincare is essential for menopausal women to feel and look their best! Try these recommendations and let me know if you have any products you love!
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