As well as the mood swings, insomnia and weight-gain women of a certain age have to contend with, the menopause can also play havoc with skin. Deeper wrinkles, puffiness and dryness are just some of the problems exacerbated by hormonal changes during this time.
‘During menopause, levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone rapidly decline leading to accelerated skin ageing,’ says aesthetic surgeon Dr Jonquille Chantrey. ‘Collagen and elastin levels deplete dramatically, so you get sagging and deep wrinkles.
‘The production of skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid and oil also drops, causing dryness. Plus testosterone becomes more dominant, so some women may suffer from acne and facial hair.’ More than half of British women are unaware of the impact the menopause has on their skin
The drop in oestrogen leads to the slowing down of the body’s oil production, resulting in dry, lacklustre skin. Taking the right nutrients in advance can lessen the impact, explains nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville. ‘In your 30s, start taking omega-3 fish oil supplements,’ she says. Use richer, ultra-hydrating moisturisers.
Try Active Age Defense Rich in Hyaluronic acid to keep the skin supple and hydrated. Also, try taking our Hyaluronan Food supplement, to help maintain skin hydration. You could also to up your Omega 3 levels too by eating oily fish or adding a supplement to your diet.
