Have you woken up and thought, Why is my skin all of a sudden so dry? Or Why the hell am I getting pimples at nearly 50 years of age?? Is anyone else HOT??
Well, I’m hearing you, and I’m here to tell you, you’re not alone! What if I told you it’s all due to the fact you are a wonderful woman??! I know, you’d tell me to get knotted, right?? Because right about now, this “woman business” is feeling like a big fat heap of BS!! As if puberty, pregnancy, giving birth, etc. isn’t enough to endure as a female, now we meet with the icing on this gender cake, and it’s called MENOPAUSE!!
I personally think it’s almost comical that the word MEN is even a part of this horrendous chapter in our lives. Or maybe I’m just clutching at straws, trying to find something to laugh about as we navigate our way through these momentous changes we are facing.
So, obviously, I’m no doctor—but I do know skin, and a bit about women, after years of them being the majority of my clientele.
Here’s what I know, and how I can help.
Menopause can lead to several changes in your skin due to hormonal fluctuations, primarily the decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining skin elasticity, moisture, and thickness, so when levels drop, these changes are often noticeable. As if you're not feeling crappy enough with mood swings, weight gain, heavy or breakthrough menstruation, etc., to add to the mix, almost overnight, your skin can dry out, wrinkle, breakout, become sensitive and dramatically change. What you usually use to maintain good skin health doesn’t seem to cut it anymore.
Here are some common effects of menopause on the skin due to reduced estrogen levels and hormonal fluctuations:
1. Dryness– Less sebum production leads to dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
2. Loss of Elasticity– Reduced collagen causes sagging and decreased firmness.
3. Thinning Skin – Skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to damage.
4. Wrinkles and Fine Lines – Lower collagen and elastin result in wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and neck.
5. Increased Sensitivity – A weakened skin barrier causes heightened sensitivity to skincare products, sun, and temperature changes.
6. Pigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone – Hormonal changes can lead to age spots and uneven skin tone, worsened by sun exposure.
7. Acne – Hormonal imbalances may trigger adult-onset acne, especially around the chin and jawline.
8.Decreased Wound Healing – Slower skin healing from cuts or abrasions due to hormonal fluctuations.
AGHHHHHHHHH!!! HEEEEEEELP!! OMG!! That’s a lot, right? Does that explain a little bit more WHY things seem like they are definitely going south—and make you feel a little less like it’s all in your imagination?! You are definitely NOT imagining it, but what can you do to help smooth the process and the lines that are now a permanent fixture on your face?
Here are some of my recommendations below:
1. For Dry, Thin, Sensitive Skin:-
Focus on products that hydrate, soothe, and promote collagen production. Top picks include: Skin Joy Daily Strength Serum (collagen boosting), SkinJoy Lactic Acid Cleanser (gentle exfoliation), Mayerling Cream Cleanser (nourishing), Mayerling De-Ageing Face and Neck Cream (targets multiple concerns), and Skin Joy Night Repair Serum (nourishing for dry/flaky skin).
2. For Breakouts and Oiliness:-
Use products that hydrate without clogging pores and balance oil production. Top picks: Skin Joy Super Hydrating Serum (hydrates without increasing oil), SkinJoy Lactic Acid
Cleanser, and Mayerling ADEC Cream (light moisturiser).
3. General Recommendations for Most Perimenopausal / Menopausal Skin Types:-
Vitamin C serum is crucial for stimulating collagen and elastin and protecting against pigmentation. SPF is essential to protect skin from sun damage and prevent pigmentation or further skin issues.
4.Non-negotiables:
Mayerling Vita C Serum and Skin Joy SPF moisturisers (in particular Skin Perfecting Trio for its added hydration and complexion-evening benefits).
These recommendations are designed to help navigate the skin changes associated with hormonal shifts, offering hydration, anti-aging benefits, and protection.
So there you have it! Unfortunately, I have no miracle cure to help accelerate this tricky time in your life, nor do I have an instant end to it. What I can tell you is, seeking advice from your GP for any new or strange symptoms you may be experiencing can definitely help. AND changing things up in your skincare regime can not only find you SKIN JOY but can maybe restore a little bit of inner joy and pep in your step as you ride yet another crazy wave of womanhood!
Hang in there, sisters.
You’ve got this!
Yours In Skin Joy, KJ xx
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