Interested in learning how to revitalize your skin and hair care routines during menopause? As your body transitions through menopause, you may realize that your normal routines just aren’t cutting it anymore. However, with the right routines in place, it’s possible to maintain a glowing complexion and healthy hair during this stage of life. Let’s dive in.
How Menopause Affects Skin
During menopause, the body experiences a decline in estrogen levels. This can affect the skin in several ways such as loss of elasticity as well as thinning, increased dryness, hyperpigmentation, and even acne. Let’s take a look at each one individually.
1. Loss of Elasticity and Thinning: Estrogen plays a big role in collagen production, which in turn helps the skin stay firm and elastic. Beginning in perimenopause, estrogen decreases, and collagen production drops. This leads to thinner, saggy skin and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Increased Dryness: The skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases as hormone levels change. This leads to dry, flaky skin. The natural oils that once kept skin flexible diminish, leading to the skin feeling tight and rough.
3. Hyperpigmentation: Many menopausal women notice uneven skin tone or an increase in age spots. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and the heightened sensitivity to sun exposure at this stage.
4. Acne or Breakouts: As if there wasn’t enough going on during menopause, we find ourselves breaking out like we used to as teenagers. Changes in androgen (the sex hormones responsible for puberty) levels cause an increase in oil production that leads to acne.
How Menopause Affects Hair
Hair can be affected by hormonal shifts in menopause as well. Some examples are thinning, dry, brittle hair, as well as changes in texture.
1. Thinning Hair: Lower estrogen levels causes hair to grow more slowly which leads to thinner hair over time. Some women even experience hair loss and notice bald patches, especially at the crown or along the hairline.
2. Dry and Brittle Hair: Just like the skin, hair loses its natural moisture during menopause. This increases dryness and hair becomes prone to breakage.
3. Texture Changes: You may notice your hair’s texture slowly changing over time. Curly hair may become straighter, and straight hair may become wavier and coarser.
The good news is, we don’t have to sit back and just accept this as our new normal. We can create a skin and hair care routine that accommodates these changes and nourishes our changing bodies.
How to Revitalize Skin and Hair During Menopause
Creating a Nourishing Skin Care Routine
To maintain healthy, glowing skin during menopause, you’ll need to focus on 3 key things. Hydration, protection, and nourishment. Here’s how to build a routine that works:
Gentle Cleansing
We all have unique skin with unique needs however there are a few general rules to choosing a great cleanser. Choose a sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils and has ingredients like glycerin to protect and moisture, ceramides to hydrate and repair damaged skin, and aloe to soothe and moisturize.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
As I mentioned earlier, hydration is key during this transition. Choose a rich, oil-based moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter to lock in moisture. If your skin is particularly dry, consider adding a hydrating serum with peptides.
Incorporate Retinoids
Retinoids (AKA vitamin A derivatives) are a great way to boost collagen production. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To avoid irritation, start slowly and pair it with a good moisturizer to prevent dryness.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable
Your skin is more prone to sun damage and hyperpigmentation during menopause. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is crucial. UV rays can harm sensitive skin even on cloudy days. Look for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide to reduce the amount of toxins we use in our daily routines.
Exfoliate Regularly
Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, leading to smoother, brighter skin. Avoid over-exfoliating as it can lead to irritation.
Nourish from Within
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health of our skin. Focus on eating lots of fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants. Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds also help nourish us from within. Finally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out. The more we can do from the inside the less we have to combat from the outside. Food is truly medicine. Spend time here and figure out where you can clean up your eating habits.
How to Creating a Revitalizing Hair Care Routine
Just as your skin needs extra care, your hair will benefit from more attention during this phase of life. Here’s how to maintain luscious locks:
Choose a Gentle Shampoo
Look for a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping natural oils. Shampoos with ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or keratin can help moisturize and keep hair feeling soft. You can also experiment with washing your hair less. This is very individual so do what feels right to you.
Condition Often
Conditioning is vital for menopausal hair and should be done after every wash to add moisture and protect your hair from becoming dry and brittle. Consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week if added conditioning is needed.
Limit Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can exacerbate dryness and lead to breakage. Experiment with air-drying your hair whenever possible. For those occasions when you must style with heat, use heat protectants to add a layer of protection.
Scalp Care
Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. Gently massage your scalp with nourishing oils like coconut, jojoba, or rosemary oil to stimulate circulation and promote hair growth.
Protect Your Hair
Wearing a hat in the sun helps prevent UV damage that can weaken hair over time. It may not seem like much but when you live in a hot, sunny climate it can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts:
As you know, menopause brings many changes. However, with the right skin and hair care routines, you can look and feel your best throughout this life stage. Prioritize new routines that support your changing body and remember that menopause is a time to embrace and celebrate your natural evolution. The more you learn to care for yourself, the more vibrant and confident you’ll feel—inside and out!
Looking for new skin and hair care products? Products that are chemical free and do an amazing job at reducing the chemicals we use daily in our homes and on our bodies? Norwex has got you covered. A couple weeks ago I wrote a blog called Ditch Toxic Chemicals with This Simple Home Detox and I highlighted some amazing Norwex products. Norwex can do the same for your skin and hair care routines too. If you want to find a consultant in your area use the search box to locate a consultant near you.
Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
