I’m Mia Liefso, owner of Bradford Skin Clinic. I’m an experienced, certified Medical Skin Therapist who has earned several diplomas within the industry including Medical Aesthetics, Skin Therapy, and Laser Technology. Before deciding to branch off into Medical Skin Therapy, I worked in the Gynecology field where I gained in-depth knowledge of women and the hormonal effect on the skin and body. It’s no secret that menopause has some negative effects on the skin. I first saw that when I worked in the gynecological field. In fact, that was one of the factors that made me decide to change the direction of my career. I just knew that I could make a visible difference for women as they move through one of life’s greatest transitions.
Menopause is a complex process, and you never know what to expect. You may get lucky and menopause will consist of no more than an end to your monthly cycle, or you may go through a few years of complications. Whichever category you fit into, remember that menopause is driven by the hormones and that means that it affects much more than just your female body; it also has an effect on your skin.
Menopause is a major hormonal shift, which will cause the ovaries to slow down. Many of the changes that take place during menopause, can be attributed to a decrease in B-Estradiol levels. Your ovaries will also secrete more androgens, which, in the absence of estrogens, can lead to many symptoms.
It is common for women to notice changes in the skin’s physiology. As B-Estradiol levels decline, skin aging is accelerated. Progesterone and estrogen production also slows down to result in more skin changes, such as:
Hot Flashes
Low estrogen results in a more active sympathetic nervous system, which causes the body temperature and heart rate to increase. In addition to that, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) produced by the pituitary gland changes has also been linked to hot flashes.
Age Spots / Hyperpigmentation
Estrogens regulate the production of melanin, which keeps it under control. When menopause arrives, areas of skin that has previously been exposed to the sun will experience an increase in melanin synthesis, resulting in brown spots.
Increased Risk of Sun Damage
Estrogen also controls melanocytes, the cells that manufacture melanin. During menopause, the melanocytes degenerate and reduce. The skin appears to be lighter, and is therefore more prone to damage from the sun. That’s why it is very important to protect your skin from further damage by applying sunscreen every day.
Thinning Epidermis
Estrogens partially control the maintenance and growth of the blood capillaries in the skin. During menopause the blood circulation through the skin’s dermal capillaries diminishes, which means that it receives less oxygen and nutrients, which causes skin thinning and a slower turnover rate.
Elastosis
When estrogen levels drop due to menopause, fatty deposits tend to be deposited on the buttocks, thighs and abdomen, while the neck, breasts, arms and facial skin lose supportive fat, causing it to start sagging.
Facial Hair
As testosterone reveals itself, many women develop facial hair, particularly on their chins.
Oily Skin
B-Estradiol stimulates a fluid anti-acne effect during the reproductive years, but when the estrogen levels decrease, testosterone becomes revealed. It stimulates a thicker sebum which makes the skin look more oily. It may cause some women to develop adult acne. The good news is that there is hope for the effects of menopause on the skin.
Menopause is no time to slack on skin care. Here’s how you can take care of your rapidly skin.
Choose a creamy, hydrating cleanser that will replace moisture in your skin.
As the oil glands become less active, it is important to use a heavier cream. Also, avoiding hot, lengthy showers and applying moisturizer while the skin is still damp will help boost hydration.
Although wrinkles and skin cancer during menopause date back to the sun damage from your 20s, 30s and 40s, it is important to still protect your skin, as it has less natural protection. Use an SPF 30+ daily.
Now is the time to embrace a healthy lifestyle by:
Let’s face it, age spots, sagging skin and wrinkles can all add insult to injury during menopause. Visit Bradford Skin Clinic today to find out how we can help you.
Since women going through the change are so close to my heart, I have ensured that the treatments in the skin clinic cover every complaint you may have during this time of your life. Our treatments can treat anything from fine lines and wrinkles, dry skin and unwanted hair. Call today and let us help you face this challenging time of your life with a glow that is not caused by hot flashes.
