As more and more women are living longer, there are greater number of women living beyond the age of menopause. There are many problems associated with the fall of hormones associated with menopause. Skin problems can affect many women as they live in the years following menopause. Fortunately, many women can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by looking at their specific skin care needs.
What is menopause?
The term “menopause” is commonly used to describe any of the changes a woman experiences either just before or after she stops menstruating, thus marking the end of her reproductive period. Most women experience menopause around the age of 51 years, but this might occur at an earlier age. Menopause is strongly genetically linked, so you are very likely to fall within a few years either way of the age your mother was at menopause.
Menopause and your skin
Many individuals are aware of some of the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, pain during intercourse, increased anxiety or irritability, and the need to urinate more often, but few women are aware of the skin changes associated with menopause. Menopause causes many changes to the skin. After menopause the body stops making as much collagen. You lose some fat under your skin and your skin’s elasticity drops. That, combined with dryness caused by hormonal changes, can cause sagging — especially around the neck, jawline and cheeks — and fine lines and wrinkles occur. Cleansing can help alleviate some of these problems.
Dry skin
After menopause, your skin gets drier because oil glands are not as activeas before menopause. Some experts recommend that women should try to give the skin more moisture with a heavier cream. Women are encouraged to skip long, hot showers and put on moisturizer while the skin is still damp. That helps boost hydration. Good skin hydration is vital to keep your skin looking healthy.
How to minimize wrinkled skin associated with menopause?
You get wrinkles from too much sun damage over the years, as well as from the hormonal changes of menopause. As your hormone levels decrease with age, this can change your skin quality and make wrinkles worse. Wrinkles may be more obvious when your skin is dry, especially as you age. Use moisturizer on your face, jawline and neck everyday, and look for skin care products designed to help fight fine lines and sagging and that lead to a brighter appearance overall.
Menopause and your hands
The hormonal effects of menopause can affect all parts of the body but the effects on the hands are very noticeable in many women. The backs of the hands can lose moisture, collagen and fat during menopause. That can make veins more obvious and skin more wrinkled. To reduce the look of wrinkles, use moisturizer often on your hands. You should also protect your hands from the sun as much as possible. Some experts also recommend using gloves while doing gardening and other chores.
Diet
As women are living longer, and beyond menopause, the lack of collagen is very noticeable in some women. Collagen gives the skin its youthful plumpness and keeps the skin tight. As your estrogen levels drop, following the menopause, so does the collagen in your skin. A well-balanced diet is encouraged at all ages but more so after the menopause. Eating foods with antioxidants may help make your skin stronger from the inside. Use of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables can help improve your skin condition. If you are not sure what foods to eat have a talk with your dietitian, nutritionist or health care provider.
Relaxation techniques
The effects of menopause can cause many stressful situations for women, but at this time many women have other causes for stress such as children leaving home. Stress can make your skin drier and more sensitive. It can also trigger conditions like psoriasis. If you are stressed out most days, you might even forget your skin care routine. There are many ways to help reduce stress. You might want to try meditation or yoga or some other stress-reduction techniques to help you relax.
Exercise
Exercise does more than just tone your muscles. It helps skin in two ways. First, it relieves stress. Exercise also boosts circulation which begins to slow with age. The extra oxygen and blood flow can help your skin look brighter and healthier. Exercising for just 10 to 20 minutes a day can prove beneficial.
Lack of Sleep
The hot flashes associated with menopause can often lead to lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have many consequences including skin disorders.Getting enough sleep helps your skin look fresh. Sleep can help prevent dark circles under your eyes, and it also gives the rest of your body a chance to recharge. Lack of sleep can change your hormone levels and metabolism in many of the same ways that aging does. Women are encouraged to get at least eight hours of sleep every night.
Conclusion
Many women are living healthy and productive lives beyond menopause. There is no doubt that the lack of oestrogen associated with menopause can cause many symptoms, but many women have managed to deal with these symptoms. The skin effects of menopause occur in many women and, fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done to decrease the effects of menopause on the skin. If you are not sure what to do, talk to your doctor today.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
