Perimenopause can bring about skin changes that you may won’t be too excited about. Caused by fluctuating hormone levels, your skin may feel drier, more sensitive, less balanced and you may experience breakouts, hyperpigmentation or rosacea. Taking care of your skin during perimenopause is extra important to ensure you stay on top of these shifts and give your skin what it needs. You need to target the issues you’re experiencing and work to balance your skin as much as possible. To help you do that, we’re sharing our best tips to deal with skin changes during perimenopause.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional period that naturally occurs in the years before you reach menopause. Perimenopause occurs during the 40s for most women, but some notice changes as early as their mid-30s.
During this time, estrogen levels rise and fall, periods grow longer and shorter, and you’ll notice menopausal symptoms start to come on, such as hot flashes, mood swings and skin changes. When you haven’t had a period for 12 months, your estrogen is at its lowest and you’ve officially hit menopause. This is when the perimenopause stage is over.
Skin Changes During Perimenopause: The Facts
It’s normal to experience skin changes during perimenopause as your hormone levels are changing. Your ovaries produce unpredictable amounts of estrogen, testosterone, DHEA and androstenedione, which leads to major changes in your skin and hair. You may experience the following:
- Breakouts (especially before and during your period)
- Skin that was previously balanced may start to get dry or oily patches
- Skin becoming less plump, leading to an increase in wrinkles
- Skin is drier as it loses moisture and hydration
- Some people experience rosacea and skin flushing
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Hyperpigmentation and discolouration
When to Worry About Skin Changes During Perimenopause
If any of the skin changes you notice are severe or are disrupting your life, work, sleep or hobbies, get in touch with your doctor. Tingling, rashes or burning sensations in the skin can be a sign of something more serious going on, so make sure to let a medical professional know as soon as you can if you experience this. If you notice changes in spots, such as a new or expanding growth, spot or mole, a sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal after several weeks or a mole with an odd shape or irregular borders, seek out a dermatologist promptly.
6 Tips to Deal with Skin Changes During Perimenopause
1. Eat for Your Skin
The best diet you can follow for your skin during perimenopause is a colourful, Mediterranean based diet with lots of water, few processed foods and limited sugar. Also consider substituting dairy milk with alternatives like coconut or oat milk. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, seafood, beans and nuts. A Mediterranean diet contains a naturally low glycemic index, which is key since a high glycemic index increases inflammation, hormones and oil production.
2. Incorporate a Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which is amazing for the skin and has incredible anti-aging benefits. It’s primarily used to treat aging skin concerns, as well as acne, so if you’re noticing breakouts, retinol is a must. Retinol increases the production of collagen and stimulates the production of new blood vessels in the skin, while improving colouration. It helps neutralize free radicals and creates a “plumping” effect that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.
3. Use Peptides
Peptides work to rebuild and repair damaged skin cells and signal skin to produce collagen, slowing down the aging process. They also boost the skin’s elasticity, which is super important as skin becomes thinner and starts to sag. Try products such as the Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C and Tri-Peptide Serum or the Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum.
4. Always Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important products you can use on your skin. Wearing sunscreen is one of the best things you can do to protect your skin from wrinkles and thinning skin. Using sunscreen daily helps slow down the skin’s aging process, including spotting, discolouration, and loss of elasticity due to sun exposure. Look for a sunscreen identified as “broad-spectrum”, which means it blocks out both UVA and UVB lights.
5. Look Into Estrogen-Deficient Skincare
The skincare line Emepelle was created specifically for your skin’s needs during perimenopause and menopause. It uses MEP Technology to help address collagen loss and restore the natural function of your skin. It effectively helps improve dryness, dullness, laxity, atrophy and the appearance of fine lines for more youthful, healthy looking skin. Their products include a restorative night cream, an eye cream, and a serum.
6. Make Sure to Exfoliate
You may notice that your skin looks duller throughout perimenopause. Exfoliating dead, dull skin is key to keeping your skin looking bright and youthful. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are super beneficial as they help slough off dead skin to reveal the brighter looking skin underneath. This AHA exfoliant will help revitalize the skin’s surface and help keep skin hydrated by removing dead cells and prepping the skin’s surface to receive moisture.
These tips and remedies can help you through perimenopause skin changes with ease. Take care of your skin and try these tips and products.
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