Menopause is a period dreaded by many: the hormonal upheaval that accompanies it is often responsible for unwanted changes. Generally occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, this period is marked by the cessation of menstruation. As your hormones become unbalanced, they cause an array of symptoms ranging from hot flashes to frequent mood swings... to the transformation of your skin. It may seem less supple and drier. Its increased sensitivity can mean more frequent itching or a feeling of discomfort during the day. It is therefore important to adapt your routine to the new needs of your skin. This will reduce the undesirable impacts of menopause. After all, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is better to be adequately prepared.
Menopause: A Chain Reaction
As the years go by, it is normal for the signs of aging to increase. But, when the hormonal changes of menopause occur in your body, the phenomenon is multiplied tenfold. Imagine a small chain reaction. The arrival of menopause signifies a drop in your body’s estrogen levels. Like all hormones, estrogen is responsible for activating various processes in your metabolism. As it decreases, these processes are slowed down as well. Estrogen levels have an impact on collagen production and skin hydration, to name a few.
What role does collagen play in your body?
This precious molecule provides suppleness and elasticity to your skin. Slowed collagen production will result in less plump, more tired skin. The impact of menopause on collagen production is immense. The skin loses an average of 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause, then about 2% annually for the next 15 to 20 years. It is therefore essential to add products to your routine that will stimulate production.
As you age, your cells fall victim to a phenomenon called cellular senescence. It is a deregulation of cells that results in the degradation of their functions. In other words, your cells no longer produce your skin's structuring compounds such as collagen, elastin or hyaluronic acid. This obviously contributes to the loss of firmness and the formation of wrinkles that characterize menopause in your skin.
Did you know that the rate of skin’s regeneration slows over time?
If your skin tone seems duller and uneven, you can blame the slowdown in your skin's natural exfoliation. The buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin causes it to lose its radiance.
Exfoliation is a biological process that signals to the cells that the time to renew themselves has come. By the time of menopause, the time required for cell regeneration will have almost doubled. So, while a skin in its twenties will have a cell turnover cycle oscillating between 15 and 30 days, the cycle of a skin in its fifties can take more than 50 days. The good news is that by choosing the right ingredients, you can help stimulate this natural process of dislodging.
More sensitive and vulnerable skin
The hormonal fluctuations that take place also impact the production of sebum and biolipids. Contrary to popular belief, sebum is not harmful. Instead, it plays a key role in the balance of your skin and forms a protective film on its surface. As its production decreases with menopause, your skin becomes dehydrated and dries out more quickly.
As we age, the skin loses its natural resistance. Its sensitivity to the sun increases and the formation of pigment spots on its surface can increase as well. You may notice greater responsiveness and more redness or inflammation. This is common. You may also develop atopic conditions such as rosacea.
All of these changes can be unsettling, but the important thing is to embrace this next stage of your life and align your beauty routine with your skin's new needs. Think softness, nutrition and supplement.
Our tips for healthy-looking menopausal skin
Start with a gentle cleanse
All routines start with a cleanse. Yours should be no exception. As you age, your pores become loose and impurities settle in them more quickly. Your pores allow your skin to breathe and secrete sebum. It is therefore important that these are not clogged. By using a mild cleanser, you clean thoroughly without causing unnecessary irritation. Aggressive or abrasive products could damage and irritate the more fragile menopausal skin.
Exfoliation, the key to regeneration
When done once or twice a week, exfoliation helps to even out the texture of your skin by removing dead cells accumulated on its surface. Thus released, your new cells will be on the front line, ready to receive and quickly absorb moisturizers and serums. Not to mention that, thanks to them, your skin will look much brighter.
Combine chemical exfoliation with a mechanical exfoliant for increased effectiveness. Our Glyco Pads 10 deeply exfoliate while stimulating cell regeneration. Two functions that your menopausal skin will be happy about. Each exfoliating pad contains active ingredients that brighten your complexion and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.
Choosing the right products
The key to a good beauty routine is the choice of products. During menopause, your skin faces significant nutritional deficits. Your choices should therefore recommend nourishing products such as our Magistrale Ultime Rose illuminating regenerating cream. It contains a synergy of active ingredients that energize your cells to promote their proper functioning. Its pink tint, on the other hand, enhances the radiance of your complexion.
The peptides it contains help to rebalance the production of collagen, elastin and stabilizing proteins in your skin’s dermis to restore its firmness. These small proteins (also known as amino acids) are easily absorbed and stimulate the natural production of protein. Our Magistrale Ultime Rose cream also compensates for the loss of calcium that occurs with age thanks to an innovative encapsulated calcium technology. By helping to replenish your natural calcium reserves, it regenerates the epidermal barrier, making menopausal skin more resilient.
If your skin craves more, our Ultimate Magistrale Serum will be the perfect addition to your kit. Its formula has been specially developed to compensate the decline in cellular function characteristic of mature and menopausal skin. While our Magistral Ultime Rose 3-in-1 cream is designated for the face, eye area, neck, and décolleté, you can choose to add an eye contour treatment to your routine to target the needs of this delicate area.
