Understanding Menopausal Skin Changes
1. Rapid Collagen Loss
During the first few years of menopause, research shows that the skin can lose up to 30% of its collagen. With falling oestrogen levels, the body’s ability to produce and repair collagen and elastin diminishes, leading to reduced firmness and elasticity.
2. Increased Lines and Wrinkles
Oestrogen depletion leads to higher activity of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs)—enzymes that break down collagen. This increased enzymatic breakdown speeds up the formation of lines and wrinkles.
3. Reduced Moisture Retention
When oestrogen levels drop, the skin’s protective barrier weakens, making it harder to retain moisture. Dryness, dehydration, and slower wound healing become more common, reinforcing the need for intensive hydration strategies.
4. Thinning Skin and Easy Bruising
A thinner epidermis and dermis leave blood vessels more vulnerable. Even gentle pressure can lead to bruising, emphasising the importance of careful handling and protective skincare products.
5. Decreased Antioxidant Defence
Oestrogen has antioxidant properties, so when levels fall, the skin’s natural defence against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and environmental stressors diminishes. This can accelerate the visible signs of ageing.
6. Skin Atrophy (Loss of Turgor)
Oestrogen receptors exist in skin cells to help maintain firmness. As hormone levels decline, the skin loses its natural plumpness and elasticity, leading to an overall thinning (atrophy).
7. Fat Redistribution
Reduced oestrogen levels can change how subcutaneous fat is distributed, particularly around the face, neck, and hands, making hollow areas or wrinkles appear more pronounced.
8. Dryness & Roughness
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are vital to retaining water in the skin. During menopause, changes in these molecules diminish the skin’s ability to hold moisture, resulting in dryness and a rough texture.
9. Hyperpigmentation
Oestrogen influences melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). When hormone levels decline, melanin synthesis can become irregular, leading to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Sun protection and targeted products are key in managing uneven tone.
The Power of a Targeted Homecare Routine
Vitamin A (Retinol) and Vitamin C
- Vitamin A (Retinol): A cornerstone for cell turnover, it stimulates collagen production and helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that brightens the skin, supports collagen synthesis, and combats free radicals. It also aids in improving the look of sun damage and uneven pigmentation.
Including these vitamins in your at-home routine can significantly enhance the skin’s resilience and luminosity.
Antioxidants
Since the skin’s natural antioxidant capacity diminishes with oestrogen depletion, using antioxidant-rich serums and creams is crucial. These help protect against environmental stressors such as pollution and UV exposure, reducing inflammation and encouraging healthier-looking skin.
High-Grade Hyaluronic Acid
Known for its unrivalled moisture-binding abilities, high-grade hyaluronic acid—as featured in Circadia Skincare—can hold many times its weight in water. This helps restore hydration, smooth rough texture, and plump the appearance of fine lines.
Professional Treatments for Collagen and Elastin Support
Many menopausal skin concerns benefit from therapies designed to encourage collagen and elastin production through controlled, precise wound healing. Spacing out these sessions allows skin to fully recover and optimises results. Options include:
- Microneedling: Tiny needles create micro-injuries that prompt the body’s repair process, boosting collagen synthesis.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Addresses pigmentation irregularities and can improve skin tone and texture.
- ECIT Needling: A specialist form of microneedling that refines skin texture and enhances collagen renewal.
- Nanofractional RF: Delivers radiofrequency energy to tighten and resurface skin, targeting fine lines and scars.
- Multipolar RF Skin Tightening: Uses radiofrequency to encourage collagen production, improving overall firmness.
- HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): Targets deeper layers of tissue, tightening and lifting for a more contoured appearance.
Supportive Therapies for Optimal Results
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) improves circulation and reduces inflammation, making it an excellent post-procedure option. It soothes redness and supports quicker, more comfortable healing.
Peptides act as communicators within the skin, encouraging increased collagen production and cell turnover. When paired with antioxidants and other active ingredients, they significantly enhance the skin’s natural ability to repair itself.
Mixology Masks from Circadia
These customised masks contain peptides, antioxidants, and nourishing botanical extracts to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. They are especially useful after in-clinic procedures to calm, hydrate, and revitalise the complexion.
In Conclusion
Menopause may bring about significant skin changes, but with a well-structured homecare routine and carefully chosen professional treatments, you can nurture, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. At Skin Correctives, we offer expert guidance, high-performance homecare, and innovative in-clinic procedures tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to help you confidently embrace this new chapter with healthy, glowing skin.
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