Perimenopause, Menopause and Your Skin | The Healthy Beauty Project -by Todra Payne

by Angelique Caffrey

Remember when you were in sixth grade and you experienced a sudden influx of hormones?  The pimples… the mood swings… the feeling of “How did I get here and what happens next?””

Well, guess what?  It’s going to happen again during perimenopause and menopause (the cessation of ovulation and menstruation), and that means you’ll be dealing with skin-related changes.

Certainly, no one’s overjoyed by this (Who wants to relive those awkward teenage years?). However, the upshot is that it’s possible to turn the tables this time around and sail through the hormonal changes beautifully, especially if you evaluate what you’re putting in your body, including the ingredients found in your skincare products.

First, let’s look at what happens to the body as menopause approaches.

At the onset of perimenopause (which can start up to ten years before full-blown menopause occurs), a woman’s estrogen and progesterone levels, among other hormones, begin to change.  Not surprisingly, the skin starts to behave differently, as it becomes drier, loses elasticity and thins (Some women also report skin irritation and discomfort). By the time full blown menopause, the skin can be significantly different in feel and texture than in earlier years.

Obviously, none of us want to feel unattractive, so a race to the nearest beauty counter is usually at the top of the to-do list.

Unfortunately, this can add to the problems. Many beauty products have ingredients that mimic estrogen in the body.  Thus, hormones that are already unstable become even more so. But there is good news, too. Understanding how to treat your skin (from the inside out) can make a huge difference in how you feel and look during this transitional period.

Here are some tips to keep your skin beautiful and healthy, no matter what’s going on with your hormones.

If you’ve not already began using natural beauty products, now’s the time to experiment with various lines. Some, like La Isha, are designed specifically for the needs of women entering their 40’s and beyond. Seek out these first, as they’re formulated to combat the issues of aging skin –with healthy ingredients.

Become label savvy – just because something says it’s natural, doesn’t make it so. Learn which chemicals and natural ingredients are suspected estrogen mimickers (like parabens and possibly Japanese Honeysuckle) and avoid products that contain them.

Avoid unprotected sun exposure. This is wise at any age, but collagen is produced slower in aging skin than it is in younger skin. And just five minutes of unprotected sun exposure can cause a lot of damage.  Always remember to use a non-toxic sunscreen.

Commit to stop smoking. One cigarette is said to create billions of free radicals, filling the body with toxins and aging the skin.

Watch your diet. Fast food, artificial sweeteners and sugary snacks are “useless foods” that don’t add value to the body. And often show up on the skin as a dull, dry coating. Healthy skin should look touchable.

Moisture Booster from La Isha

Seek out foods with high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants battle free radicals and help cells heal themselves. You’ll want foods high in the following:

Vitamin C (rice bran oil, dark leafy veggies, broccoli, bell peppers, citrus fruits).

Vitamin E (raw almonds, raw sunflower seeds, paprika)

Coenzyme Q-10 (broccoli, raw peanuts, wheat germ, meat sources)

DMAE (fish)

Carotenoids (carrots, sweet potatoes, kale)

Above all else, remember that “bad” skin doesn’t have to be a “given” during perimenopause and menopause.  Armed with healthy beauty products and diet, it’s possible to have beautiful, glowing skin for life!

How are you dealing with your skin during perimenopause?  Have you made healthy changes to accommodate the new variations in estrogen and progesterone levels?

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