When oestrogen decreases in menopause, the ageing process increases, which leads to drier skin, skin laxity, dullness, increased wrinkles and, in many cases, pigmentation plus adult acne.
Aesthetic practitioner, Dr Mehvish Khan, is an advocate of preserving collagen to maintain youthful looks rather than trying to reverse it after it has depleted.
The owner of MK Aesthetics in Wexford shares her top recommendations on treating menopausal skin and reports that collagen banking is the secret weapon to combat aging skin.
Read more: Beauty Bay shoppers say €6 anti-ageing retinol serum leaves skin 'tighter, refreshed and renewed'
Oestrogen decline: symptoms and treatments
"Oestrogen plays a key role in skin physiology and its reduction can impact the skin on many different levels," Dr Khan says. "Menopause officially begins a year after the last menstruation period, around the average age of 51.
"Because oestrogen has a direct impact on fibroblast activity, the reduction of this important hormone in menopausal women will result in a decline in the production of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans."
This results in thinning of the skin, skin laxity, the appearance of wrinkles, vascular fragility, decreased cellular turnover time and slower wound healing, according to Dr Khan.
During the first five years of menopause, 30% of the skin’s collagen is lost followed by 2% every year for the next 20 years, she adds.
Collagen banking
The term “collagen banking” refers to the idea of boosting and maintaining collagen production in our earlier years so that the body will have more of it stored for later when our collagen supply and production takes a hit, i.e. menopause, Dr Khan explains. "This way we can delay some of the effects menopause will have on the skin.
"Some examples of collagen stimulating treatments are HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), microneedling, PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) and injectables such as Ellanse, Profhilo and Polynucleotides. SPF, peptides, vitamins C and A are also vital for the preservation of youthful skin."
Progesterone decline: symptoms and treatments
Progesterone works synergistically with oestrogen and is especially important in regulating sebum production within the skin and reducing inflammation, Dr Khan says, adding that it is often referred to as “the pregnancy hormone” because it causes that dewy glow seen in pregnant women.
"As this hormone declines in menopause, the skin becomes dry and lacklustre. Treatments such as peels and regular facials will help to keep the skin looking healthy and hydrated.
"Injectables including Profhilo and other skin boosters will provide a lovely glow, whilst use of skincare, like a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, must be emphasised."
The decline in levels of progesterone and oestrogen can also cause thinning hair. In more severe cases, women can suffer from female-pattern balding in areas around the crown or hairline and temples which can be very distressing, she adds.
"Decrease in the blood circulation to hair follicles, stressful events, nutritional deficiencies and genetics can all play a crucial role in hair loss too. Minoxidil, PRP, HRT and Multivitamins can all help to improve hair loss.
"Testosterone increases relative to the oestrogen and progesterone decline can cause an increase in the growth of hair on the face. Laser treatments or electrolysis may be needed to control this."
Adult acne: causes and treatments
Women who naturally have an overproduction of sebum in their younger years and suffered from teen acne could find that they develop it once again during menopause due to an imbalance in the ratio of oestrogen and testosterone, Dr Khan says.
"Skincare incorporating salicylic acid, vitamin A and in-house treatments such as peels, help to keep these breakouts at bay."
Follow Dr Khan on Instagram: @mk_aesthetics.
To read our full menopause special, pick up a copy of the October issue of RSVP magazine, out now.
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