Menopause: How hormonal changes can affect your skin 

Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring in the late 40s to early 50s. It is defined as the time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

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The transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, involves several changes in the body due to fluctuating and eventually declining hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. Here are the main changes that occur:

 

Reproductive System

• End of Menstruation

• Vaginal Changes

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Hormonal Changes

• Decreased Estrogen and Progesterone

• Increased FSH and LH: Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) increase as the body tries to stimulate the ovaries.​

 

Sleep Disturbances

• Insomnia

 

Physical Symptoms

• Hot Flashes

• Night Sweats

• Weight Gain

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Skin and Hair

• Dryness - Reduced estrogen levels decrease the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and increased

      sensitivity. The skin may feel tight and rough, and fine lines and wrinkles can become more pronounced.

 

• Thinning - Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness and elasticity by promoting collagen production. With decreased

      estrogen, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making it more susceptible to bruising and injury.

 

• Wrinkles and Sagging - The loss of collagen and elastin, proteins that give skin its firmness and elasticity, accelerates during menopause. This can result in deeper wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of skin tone and firmness.

 

• Reduced Elasticity - The skin’s elasticity decreases due to the reduction in elastin, making it less resilient and more prone to sagging.

 

• Loss of Fat - Subcutaneous fat, which provides volume and cushioning, diminishes, particularly in the face. This can lead to a hollowed appearance and more pronounced facial contours.

 

• Increased Sensitivity - The skin may become more sensitive to irritants and environmental factors, such as wind, sun, and harsh skincare products.

 

• Slow Healing - The skin’s ability to repair itself slows down, leading to longer healing times for cuts, bruises, and other injuries.

 

• Hyperpigmentation - Hormonal changes can lead to increased pigmentation, such as age spots, sun spots, and melasma. These dark patches can become more noticeable on the skin.

 

• Reduced Sebum Production - Oil glands produce less sebum, leading to drier skin and a potential increase in flakiness and itching.

 

• Appearance of Fine Lines - Due to the decrease in moisture and collagen, fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth, can become more visible.

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Menopause is a normal part of life however the symptoms are far from ideal! Our team at The Icon have put together a range of treatments to help address these concerns and have you looking and feeling your best. We offer complimentary consultations to create a tailored treatment plan for your specific needs.