In your clinic do you often hear clients say…
Looking in mirror my lines and wrinkles are getting worse
My skin never used to be red, flushed with broken capillaries
My makeup isn’t looking even and settles in these lines
Are you regularly seeing clients with…
More lines and wrinkles indicating a lack of collagen and elastin?
More redness, breakouts and looking flushed more often than not?
Complaining that their skin feels tight especially after showering?
Menopause is a significant life stage for women, not only characterised by hormonal shifts but also by profound changes in skin health. Beyond the visible signs of ageing, these transformations can deeply impact women emotionally, leading to a decline in confidence and self-esteem.
Here we will delve into the intricate relationship between menopause, skin changes, and the often underestimated influence of stress, offering insights for skin professionals to address these concerns and empower their clients through this transformative period.
Tracy, the founder of this blog, knows this struggle firsthand. Her journey from battling acne to navigating the complexities of menopausal skin began when she turned away from a doctor’s dismissal of menopause at the age of 42, deeming herself too young. Tracy’s personal journey inspired her to develop the ultimate guide to menopause for skin professionals, driven by her mission to support women not just to survive but to thrive.
Menopausal Skin Changes:
- Decreased Collagen Production
Menopause leads to reduced collagen levels, contributing to sagging and wrinkles. In the first five years after menopause, approximately 30% of collagen is lost.
- Increased Dryness
Hormonal shifts result in diminished skin moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness.
- Reduced Elasticity
Declining oestrogen levels affect skin elasticity, resulting in a loss of firmness.
- Heightened Sensitivity
Hormonal changes can increase skin sensitivity, potentially triggering irritation and flare-ups of conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, exacerbated by elevated cortisol levels due to stress.
- Altered Oil Production
Hormonal fluctuations may disrupt oil production, leading to changes in skin oiliness and potentially exacerbating breakouts.
- Dehydration
Menopause, coupled with hormonal changes, can cause dehydration, accentuating fine lines. Elevated cortisol levels due to stress can impair the skin’s barrier function, leading to sensitivity and dehydration.
In depth consultations become the cornerstone of understanding menopausal clients. By carefully questioning and actively listening, Skin Professionals can connect the dots and approach their knowledge on menopause. The course emphasises the importance of exploring medication details, stress management, and subtle signs of emotional strain for personalised support strategies.
Many menopausal women find themselves juggling various responsibilities, from caring for growing children to supporting elderly parents, all while managing demanding careers or businesses. This juggling act can escalate stress levels, exacerbating skin changes by triggering inflammatory responses. Stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to the production of adrenaline and cortisol. While this response was adaptive in ancient times, prolonged stress can lead to various health issues, including skin discomfort and unsettledness.
Relaxation techniques play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of stress on the skin. By promoting a “rest and digest” state through activities like meditation, massage, and chakra balancing, skin professionals can help clients manage stress and improve skin health holistically.
Incorporating holistic lifestyle practices is essential for managing stress and promoting skin well-being:
- Nutrition
Consuming a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium, can support stress reduction and overall skin health.
- Clinic Treatments
Incorporating holistic elements like meditation and LED light therapy into facial treatments can soothe the skin and promote relaxation.
- Lifestyle Tips
Cultivating mindfulness, journaling, practising breathing techniques, meditation, establishing rituals, and tracking cycles can help manage stress and improve skin resilience.
In conclusion, understanding the intricate interplay between menopause, skin changes, and stress empowers skin professionals to provide comprehensive care. By addressing these challenges holistically, individuals can navigate menopausal skin changes with confidence, promoting overall well-being.
Encouraging clients to prioritise self care practices will not only enhance their skin health but also elevate their quality of life during this transformative phase. If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of menopausal skincare, consider joining our FREE five-day Mastering Menopause Mini Course.
Written by Tracy Munro – The Mindful Menopause Coach
IHBC | CIDESCO | Certificate in Education | Assessors Award | IAPC&M Qualified Coach
Tracy’s expertise in the health and beauty industry spans three decades, seamlessly integrating skin knowledge with wellness to empower women during menopause and beyond, fostering a positive perspective on this transformative life stage.
