What Skin and Hair Problems Can Menopause Cause?

Typically, when women reach their late forties or early fifties, they experience the life stage known scientifically as menopause. During this period, their bodies produce reduced quantities of important sexual and reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Cessation of hormone production and secretion often results in numerous untoward bodily occurrences. Two significantly impacted systemic components include the skin and hair.

At what age does skin start to change?

On average, women reach menopause by age 51. This means that many such subjects will live more than three decades into their post-menopausal existence.

In addition to the aforementioned issues, declining estrogen concentrations also contribute to problems like flushing, slow wound healing, and possibly even in protecting against sunlight-related damage. Moreover, a decline in skin’s appearance might be influenced by other factors such as an individual’s lifestyle habits, sunlight exposure, stress levels, and living environment.

Fortunately, however, these unpleasant occurrences can be addressed and possibly even reversed. That said, doctors and beauty experts stress that action must be initiated as soon as even the slightest changes are noticed.

How does menopause affect skin and hair?

Those going through menopause might expect to encounter several common skin and hair issues including:

• Excessive growth of facial hair. When hormonal shifts occur, menopausal subjects may not only experience thinning hair on their head but growth in aesthetically unfavorable locations such as the cheeks, upper lip, and chin.
• Sagging and wrinkles. As menopause takes hold, the body’s production of an important protein called collagen also lessens. Collagen plays a crucial role in binding tissues. When the body lacks adequate quantities of it, the skin often sags and loses its tightness and afflicted persons experience looseness and wrinkling.
• Menopausal acne. Lower hormonal levels may increase a woman’s risk of skin irritation and acne-related breakouts. Researchers attribute said occurrence to susceptibility caused by the lack of skin moisture.
• Itching and peeling. Menopause usually causes the skin to become excessively dry. Diminished hormone creation results in decreased concentrations of lubricating oils designed to keep the skin moist. Over time, dryness develops, which could precipitate other unpleasant issues like flaking, itching, and inflammation.

How hormone replacement therapy help with sagging skin

Occasionally, replacing lost estrogen concentrations has shown positive results on the skin. This process, which is medically referred to as hormone replacement therapy has been shown to lessen the impacts of menopause. However, some women use another type of HRT to improve other menopausal symptoms – testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) if estrogen therapy is not effective enough.

That said, however, replacement therapy must be undertaken under the watchful eye of an experienced physician after considering the pros and cons and the prospective patient’s overall health.

How to care for your skin

Menopausal individuals might regain or maintain their skin health through efforts including:

Vitamins and Supplements

1. Professional evaluation and treatment. Any menopausal-related skin symptoms should be brought to the attention of a skin doctor, which is formally referred to as a dermatologist, at the earliest possible point. In menopause’s initial phases, the skin is most receptive to treatment and the examining healthcare provider can offer suggestions on the best possible therapeutic methods.

2. Retinoids. These substances are derived from Vitamin A and have gained favor for their anti-aging capacities. Such products are usually available in creams or gels and can only be obtained through a physician’s prescription. The materials work by increasing collagen production.

3. Hyaluronic acid. This is produced inside the body and is thought to be crucial to skin maintenance. Scientists believe it is so beneficial because of its moisture-stimulating and retaining abilities. Unfortunately, as one ages, their production of said chemical declines. However, it can be replenished through skin products containing it.

4. Vitamins. Vitamins E and C are said to increase collagen production. In addition, they are believed to enhance sunscreen’s effectiveness.

5. Sunscreen. Sun exposure should occur in moderation and not during the hottest times of the day. That said, donning sunscreen rated 30 SPF or higher could limit or prevent any sun-related skin damage.

6. Alpha hydroxy acids. Often abbreviated as AHA’s, these chemicals have been found to prove fruitful in lessening or eliminating unsightly skin occurrences such as wrinkles, fine lines, skin texture problems, and skin tone issues.

Hygienic Practices

1. Gentle washing. The skin should be cleaned on a daily basis. However, menopausal women should not employ foaming cleansers for said purposes. Rather, they should utilize more gentle non-foaming agents.

2. Avoid potential irritants. Soaps and lotions containing fragrances and alcohol might produce pleasing aromas. However, they can be harsh on the skin. Dermatologists strongly recommend using simple and bland cleansers.

3. Apply moisturizer. Moisturizers contain water content and skin-friendly chemicals and nutrients. Moreover, some are even equipped with pathogen-fighting substances.

4. Take warm showers. The shower water temperature should be warm but never hot. Excessively hot water robs the skin of its natural oils often leading to increased dryness and irritation.

Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Though sometimes overlooked, one’s lifestyle habits could have a profound impact on their skin’s health. Therefore, engaging in actions such as obtaining enough sleep, getting adequate exercise, consuming a balanced and nutritious diet.

Limiting or totally eliminating potentially harmful vices like cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake often go a long way towards maintaining skin’s well-being and youthful appearance.

Read Also:

• HOW CAN YOU MAINTAIN YOUR HAIR HEALTH
• A Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Your Skin
• 4 Useful Pandemic Skincare Tips with Nature Republic