Our goal is to shed light on how you can prepare your skin for the changes that can occur during menopause, a time that can be stressful for your body and mind. Even though menopause is a natural process that affects all women, it can still be a sensitive topic, leading many to suffer in silence. You might feel alone during this journey, but you sure don't have to face it alone. The Neutriherbs nerds are here to offer advice and support every step of the way!Â
What is Menopause?Â
Menopause  is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs and her menstrual cycles come to an end. Menopause is typically diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It usually happens in a woman's late 40s to early 50s, but can occur earlier or later. Menopause is a normal part of aging and is not considered an illness, but it can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms for some women.Now, what you’re here for…How does Menopause affect your Skin?Â
Menopause marks the end of menstruation and is typically experienced by women around their mid to late 50s. However, menopause can occur earlier, with some women experiencing it in their 30s. Menopause can have a significant impact on the body, both psychologically and physiologically, with hormonal fluctuations causing changes in the skin. The decline in hormones leads to reduced sebum production, making the skin less oily and more sensitive. This can result in issues such as dryness, itchiness, redness, wrinkles, and changes in texture and appearance. Collagen  loss during menopause can cause sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles, while a drop in estrogen can lead to extremely dry skin and acne. Furthermore, androgen levels remaining stable can increase sebum production and cause blocked pores, leading to acne. Despite the frustration that may come with these changes, they are typical during menopause.
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What can you do about it?
As you age, your wisdom and confidence may increase, but unfortunately, the same cannot be said for certain hormones in your body. Specifically, during menopause, lower levels of estrogen can greatly affect the appearance of your skin, causing it to thin, sag, and wrinkle more easily. However, by tending to your skin's unique needs through proper skin care, you can alleviate some of the age-related effects on your skin.
Moisture! Moisture! Moisture!Â
As dryness is a common symptom of Menopause, it is recommended to switch to products that provide more moisture. When estrogen levels decrease, the epidermis of the skin thickens, which leads to a decrease in oil production. This causes the skin to become drier, and small tears may develop, allowing moisture to escape while irritants and allergens can penetrate the skin. Due to this, the skin becomes more susceptible to irritation
The Fix: This involves using a cleanser that has a creamy texture (which will be visibly creamy when dispensed), and avoiding foam or gel-based cleansers, which can further dry out the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a GREAT hydrator and is naturally found in your skin. This ingredient “pulls water in from the environment to hydrate skin, making it temporarily plump up like a grape. Luckily, we have some products on hand that can help you with that. Our Hyaluronic Acid face mask and serum  are extremely moisturizing. Vitamin E is another great ingredient for adding moisture to your skin care routine. Our Vitamin E cream   is a light-weight and moisturizing option.Â
Combat Wrinkles and Fine lines
Dwindling collagen is another symptom of menopause and this process is what causes the dreaded wrinkles and fine lines.Â
The Fix: Reach for topical retinoids (prescriptions or OTC retinol serums), which stimulate collagen production and replenish cell turnover, making the skin smoother. Our Retinol Range makes this even easier for you! We also suggest applying a topical vitamin C serum and taking an oral vitamin C supplement (500 mg twice a day).
Protect your skin with a Sun Safe RoutineÂ
Estrogen has an unexpected role in safeguarding the skin against UV damage. Without this natural protection, you might observe an increase in skin discoloration. While dermatologists emphasize the use of sunscreen for everyone, it becomes even more crucial during menopause.
The Fix:Â Therefore, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 Â to exposed skin areas before leaving your home in the morning. Along with this, applying topical antioxidants is also essential for preventing the formation of new dark spots and reducing existing ones.Â
We also suggest using the tried-and-tested antioxidant, Vitamin CÂ , before applying SPF in the morning.
Other suggestions...
Menopause and the stress that comes with it can make your skin drier and more sensitive. It can also trigger conditions like psoriasis. And if you're stressed out, you might even forget your skin care routine is important to take care of yourself , maybe even spoil yourself with some skin care routine must-haves  like our tools, serums and masks! Try yoga, meditation, and other stress-reduction techniques to help you relax. Also, don’t forget to bulk up on your beauty sleep.