Menopausal and Pre-menopausal SKIN:
SYMPTOMS OF & STEPS TO IMPROVE
In the next two decades 40 million women will go through menopause. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop releasing ova. Menopause normally occurs when a woman is in her late forties or early fifties. What actually happens during menopause is that the ovaries have run out of follicles containing eggs.
A female is born with 700,000 to 2 million eggs, which are contained in the follicles within the ovaries. Many die or atrophy, but at puberty about 400,000 remain. The pituitary gland secretes FSH (follicle stimulating hormone – the hormone that causes the development of the egg) and LH (lutenizing hormone – the hormone that causes the actual process of ovulation or the release of the egg from the ovary), but eventually the ovaries stop responding. When no follicles are left to respond to follicle-stimulating hormone, no estrogen is produced in the ovary, and the preparation of the uterus does not occur.
The drop in hormone levels in the bloodstream causes a variety of physical symptoms. Hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, decreases in vaginal secretions, emotional irritability, bloating, and other signs may occur. Esthetically, a woman may experience symptoms such as thinning of hair, excess hair growth on the face or other body areas, possible increased oiliness or dryness of the skin.
Recent research indicates that the presence of estrogen has a strong influence on collagen formation. As pre-menopause and menopause occurs, estrogen levels drop dramatically and thus the skin’s ability to repair and replace collagen diminishes. This results in more accentuated wrinkles and elastosis. Changes in hormone levels at menopause effect lipid production between the skin cells that make up the skin’s barrier. Sebum (oil) production decreases, causing superficial dehydration on the skin’s surface.
Lack of estrogen may also increase the sensitivity of the skin, possibly hyper-pigmentation and fluctuations in blood flow. Estrogen is responsible for sending many hormonal messages to the skin, and a decrease can affect many functions of the skin, and therefore its appearance.
Pre-menopausal and menopausal women may also experience a flare in acne, something they may not have experienced in the past. Acne at this point is caused by hormonal shifts that include a drop in estrogen, which keeps follicle secretions in check. In addition, unopposed progesterone triggers the sebaceous gland to reproduce more sebum, resulting in a possible acne flare. On the other hand, a decrease of estrogen in the bloodstream may increase the percentage of the male hormone androgen, which turns on the sebaceous glands. This can also result in increased oiliness, hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne lesions.
Hot Flashes and flushing is also another symptom associated with pre-menopause and menopause. Hot flashes are caused by a fluctuation in blood flow resulting from decreased estrogen, which normally helps with smooth blood flow. Without estrogen, there are sudden “spurts” in blood flow, resulting in redness and the feeling of heat in the skin. Flushing and hot flashes can be reduced or eliminated with Natural Hormone Therapy.
Some women experience a condition called “formication”, which feels like continuous tingling and itching. Some have described it as feeling like “bugs crawling on the skin”.
Again, this can be treated with Natural Hormone Therapy.
Esthetic Management of Pre-Menopausal and Menopausal Skin:
The esthetician can play a significant role in helping the pre-menopausal and menopausal client with skin problems. Products must be carefully selected since an esthetician is not only working with a decrease in the lipid barrier that secures moisture, but is concurrently challenged with overactive follicle secretions. As a result, skin can be dry and have acne flares at the same time.
For clients experiencing aging symptoms, products that help improve the barrier function are necessary. Soothing antioxidants can help reduce redness and discomfort and nonfragranced creams can help with dryness and itching. Alphahydroxy acids may also relieve various symptoms. The skin may be more sensitive to any stimulating product, so be careful with these, especially stimulating aromatherapy products.
Steps to Improve Pre-Menopausal and Menopausal Skin:
- Use of Natural Hormone Therapy.
- Consuming natural whole foods, especially precursor foods; mostly fresh, unprocessed vegetables and fruits (unless screened with Candida); whole grains, beans and lentils; plain yogurt and cottage cheese; raw seeds and nuts, hormone-free turkey and chicken, fish such as salmon, tuna and trout.
- Drink plenty of water daily, at least half your body weight in ounces.
- Stay out of the direct sun as much as possible. Wear sunscreen and a hat when you are out in the sun.
- Take plenty of Omega Fatty Acids 3’s, 6’s and 9’s daily such as Evening Prime Rose Oil and Flaxseed Oil. Make sure they are very pure and balanced.
- Advanced Skin Care Programs designed for pre-menopausal & menopausal skin:
Recommended: 3 series of Glycolic Peels and Non-surgical facelifts.
If you have a acne flare, it is recommended to do also, a series of clay masks and
non-surgical facelifts.
Pre-menopause and menopause can be a very challenging time for a woman. It’s a time of a woman’s life that usually presents many changes for her, such as her children growing up and leaving home and perhaps starting a new career. With such changes taking place in her life, she does not need additional challenges with her skin, hair and emotional state.
Therefore, this article was presented in an effort to help minimize these pre-menopausal and menopausal symptoms with detailed information on how a woman can specifically improve the way she feels and looks at this special time of her life. By applying the recommendations in this article, you can experience renewed energy, strength and stamina as well as beautiful, clear and smooth skin again. Actually this should be the best years of your life!
Carolyn J. Dean, Advanced Wellness Consultant and owner of Advanced Day Spa at Tuscany Day Spa can be reached at 951-765-1484. Ask for a free skin evaluation.