Glowing through changes: your skin-related menopause questions answered

Meaghers Pharmacy is known by their customers as experts. Not just in medical advice, but also when it comes to beauty: skincare in particular. Which is why their customers have been coming to them more and more with the same question: What is happening to my skin?

Once you’re past adolescence, you think your skin issue days are behind you. But as we enter our perimenopause and menopause, irritations, breakouts and dryness can occur and throw a whole new set of concerns into the mix.

In Ireland, where approximately one in three women encounter perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms, wrapping your head around the potential effects on your skin becomes all the more important.

Learning how the two primary female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, influence skin health during this transitional phase is key.

The hormone roller coaster

We’re ruled by hormones from our first period onwards, in many ways, not least when it comes to how our skin feels and reacts.

Oestrogen and progesterone are skin's dynamic duo, with oestrogen in particular playing a vital role in maintaining skin hydration and collagen production. As we know, hydration and collagen production are the two keys to youthful skin.

However, as perimenopause starts, oestrogen levels dip, resulting in less skin hydration, diminished collagen, and thinner skin. Not exactly skin goals. Progesterone, on the other hand, is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and pigmentation. Unfortunately, it also takes a hit during perimenopause. This decline can leave the skin feeling drier and more susceptible to facial lines and wrinkles. But worry not – solutions are at hand.

Combatting dryness

Dryness during perimenopause is often attributed to the skin's reduced capacity to retain water and a weakened skin barrier.

This dryness can trigger irritation and itching, particularly in arid conditions. Rashes might even make an unwelcome appearance, and if you have existing skin issues, they might exacerbate due to the skin's less efficient protective barrier.

To give your skin a boost of hydration, forego harsh foaming cleansers and opt for a gentler approach. A cleansing oil or balm, followed by a rinse with lukewarm water, is the way to go.

Embrace daily moisturisation with a product that reinforces your skin's barrier function, such as one containing ceramides. To stave off skin dehydration, look for ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Consider pairing a hydrating serum with a rich moisturiser for an extra dose of hydration.

Try it: Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm, €15.50

Try it: Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum, €43

Try it: Vichy Nutrilogie 2 Intense Day Cream for Very Dry Skin, €24.50

How to troubleshoot hot flushes

All of a sudden, it feels like you’ve walked into a sauna and can’t leave. Sweat pours down your face, neck and chest and you can’t seem to cool down. It's an uncomfortable experience, especially when in public or when trying to sleep.

Meaghers Pharmacy’s recommendation? Keep a portable cooling mist close at hand to soothe and hydrate the skin during these episodes. For those who wear makeup, a reliable skin primer can help keep it in place as much as possible.

Try it: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, €10.50

Try it: Sculpted By Aimee Connolly Beauty Base All In One Moisturising Primer, €25

The decline in collagen and how to reverse it

Collagen production also takes a hit during perimenopause. Think of it as the scaffolding of your skin breaking down. Skin will sag and lines and wrinkles will become more pronounced.

To safeguard your skin, consider incorporating a collagen supplement into your routine. Sunscreen should be your daily companion to shield your skin from further damage too, alongside a reliable retinol product, which can give your collagen production a much-needed boost.

Try it: Vichy Liftactiv Pure Retinol Serum, €44.50

Try it: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+ Cream, €32

Try it: Zooki Liposomal Collagen, €31.95

What to do about menopausal acne

Just when we thought we had our blemishes, pimples, and acne under control, perimenopause can encourage somewhat of a comeback. The culprit? The drop in oestrogen, which plays a pivotal role in regulating oil levels in your skin.

For those in need of help in this area, opt for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid as an ingredient. This will help clear clogged pores and allow oil to flow naturally. Harsh acne-clearing products should be avoided, as they can exacerbate dryness.

Instead, consider targeted spot or blemish treatments, or else moisturisers specifically designed to address breakouts until they clear up.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M, €21.50

Try it: Skingredients Sally Cleanse two per cent Salicyclic Acid Oil Control Cleanser, €33

Try it: Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution SOS Sulphur Paste, €19.95

Perimenopause may present its challenges, but with the right skincare routine and expert advice, your skin can glow once again.

If you need more personalised perimenopause or menopause advice, the team at Meaghers Pharmacy is just a click or call away. Whether it's meaghers.ie or the social channels, its skincare experts are here to support you.