Menopause Skincare Routine: Embrace the Change

Before, during, and after menopause, your skin undergoes significant changes. Hormonal shifts can lead to a decrease in collagen and elastin, resulting in thinner skin, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and sagging. These changes are expected, but you might also experience increased dryness or an imbalance of oils, leading to breakouts reminiscent of adolescence. Now is an excellent time to update your skincare routine to meet your skin’s evolving needs.

Understanding Menopausal Skin Changes

Hormonal shifts during menopause can significantly impact your skin. Decreased collagen and elastin production leads to thinner skin, which is more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and sagging. Additionally, the skin may become drier or oilier, causing unexpected breakouts. Adapting your skincare routine to address these changes is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin.

The Ideal Menopause Skincare Routine

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Youn shares a straightforward menopause skincare routine, which is easier to follow than you might think. Here’s a breakdown of his recommendations:

Morning Routine

1. Cleanse with a Milky, Hydrating Cleanser

Avoid harsh cleansers that strip your skin of natural moisture. Instead, opt for a gentle, milky, hydrating cleanser. This helps clear up adult acne by providing moisture rather than drying agents, which can irritate the skin. Ultra-Gentle Cleanser, which contains hydrating glycerine and triglycerides.

2. Apply a Vitamin C Serum

After cleansing, apply a vitamin C serum to combat free radicals from environmental stressors like UV light. Vitamin C works with your sunscreen to block more damaging light, brighten your complexion, and even out skin tone.

3. Apply Sunscreen

Always apply SPF 30 or higher every day, regardless of the weather. Reapply every two hours if you're outside. Neglecting this step can undo all your skincare efforts. Sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from further damage.

Night Routine

1. Remove Makeup with an Oil Cleanser

Start your night-time routine by removing makeup with a gentle oil-based cleanser, which is effective at removing stubborn makeup like eyeliner and mascara. Follow up with a cream cleanser to ensure every trace of makeup and sebum is gone.

2. Use Cleansers and Products with Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is effective in brightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation that may become more visible with age. Protecting your skin with sunscreen and using kojic acid can help manage these spots. For faster results, consult your dermatologist about laser treatments to eliminate brown and red spots.

3. Add Retinol to Your Nightly Routine

Retinol is a star skincare ingredient backed by numerous studies for its efficacy. It boosts collagen production, tightening and smoothing the skin over time. Consistent use of retinol strengthens and thickens the skin barrier, giving you more luminous skin. However, retinol does not deliver immediate results, so patience is key.

4. Hydrate with Hyaluronic Acid or Ceramide Serum

Menopausal skin often needs extra hydration, especially if you’re using retinol, which can be drying. Follow up your retinol serum with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides to keep your skin moisturized.

5. Use an Eye Cream with Peptides

Eye creams are not just marketing tactics; they provide targeted care for the delicate skin around the eyes. Peptides in eye creams help maintain firmness and reduce fine lines.

Adapting to Changing Skin Needs

Remember, your skin is constantly changing, and keeping up with its needs might require small adjustments or swaps in your skincare routine. Embrace these changes and tailor your skincare to ensure your skin remains healthy and radiant through menopause and beyond.