Here are some perimenopause skin care tips that will allow you to keep that glow
Estrogen maintains our skin’s moisture content along with its strength, elasticity and tone. But as we enter our 40s and beyond, our hormonal balance begins to shift, and our skin can change dramatically.
A decrease in estrogen and oil production leads to thinner, more sensitized skin. Lifestyle choices and skincare, along with a change in the way our skin produces collagen and elastin, can lead to dry and lackluster skin, wrinkles, loss of skin tone and skin conditions like dermatitis, acne and rosacea. Here are some of the best natural approaches to maintaining glowing skin.
Protect the Skin Barrier As we go through menopause, the outer cells of our skin don’t slough off as easily and the skin doesn’t retain as much moisture as it once did. The collagen and elastin also start to break down and thin over time—and our skin becomes less pliable. The trick is to encourage the regular turnover of skin cells while maintaining the skin’s natural acid mantle—that combination of sebum and perspiration that the body secretes to moisturize the skin’s surface.
Your Skin Care Regimen When the foundation for skin health has been laid by managing stress and making the most of sunshine, fresh air, physical activity, sleep, water and good nutrition, then it’s time to turn to a healthy skincare regimen.
Feed the Skin Inferior products can harm the skin by drying it out, clogging pores, and causing irritation or allergic reactions. It’s now well-proven that our skin can absorb up to 60 percent of the ingredients from personal care products into the bloodstream. Many are proven to be allergenic, endocrine- (hormone) disrupting as well as carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Read ingredient labels and avoid anything with petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, synthetic preservatives, harsh detergents and alcohol.
There are many state-of-the-art products that address aging skin and its response to natural hormone depletion. Check the label for one or more of the following ingredients, all prized for their effects on mature skin: DHEA, Ester-C, alpha lipoic acid, hemp seed oil, chamomile, liposomes, and vitamins A, C and E. Try to use the purest natural and organic products possible.
When in doubt, look for the USDA, NSF or Ecocert seals, as well as the Natural Products Association (NPA) seal. If you would like to research the products/ingredients (and safety profile) you’re presently using, visit the Environmental Working Groups database at ewg.org/skindeep.
Cleanse Dry, aging skin requires the gentlest cleansing agent possible. Acid/pH-balanced (optimally at 5.5) cleansers (non-alkaline) are preferred in the form of cleansing creams, lotions and milks. Look for botanical, certified organic ingredients and pure essential oils. Natural plant and nut oils (coconut, sweet almond oil, avocado, borage, evening primrose, jojoba oil and shea nut butter) can be used to cleanse, soften and protect the skin without clogging pores.
Exfoliate This removes the top, dead layers of skin cells and debris to encourage better cell turnover, prevent clogged pores and optimize the skin’s moisture levels. Exfoliating is a vital step for aging skin, which can become dull, dry and flaky if the top layer of cells is not removed regularly. Exfoliation may be done once a week. Many types of exfoliating products exist, including sugar scrubs, granular masks, enzymes and alpha hydroxy acid lotions.
Moisturize Hydrating lotions, creams, butters or oils draw moisture into the skin, preserve moisture already in the skin and lay a protective layer on the skin. Look for products containing essential fatty acids, liposomes, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 and more. Liposomes deliver nourishment to your skin’s dermal layer, increasing the skin’s internal water-binding capacity.
Light plant/nut oils (argan, sweet almond, avocado, chamomile, evening primrose, grapeseed, hazelnut, rosehip, sea buckthorn—to name but a few) are particularly nutritive for mature aging skin.
Protect Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature skin aging and wrinkles. Sunlight sets in motion a series of wrinkle-inducing events. Wear a moisturizing, natural sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when exposed to sunlight.
Inflammation: Acne, Dermatitis, Rosacea, Sensitivity Many skin problems including acne, some forms of dermatitis, rosacea and certainly increased sensitivity can be caused by inflammation. Quell the inflammation in the body, and you’ll go a long way toward resolving these issues.
Look for natural skin soothers like antioxidant vitamins A, B, C and E, almond oil and aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, feverfew, green tea/theanine and turmeric. And if you feel a blemish coming on, use tea tree essential oil: Place a drop on a cotton swab and touch it to the problem area.
All the lotions and potions for skin and haircare are secondary to the beautifying effects of a peaceful mind. “The best makeup is mind makeup,” says T.Y.S. Lama Gangchen Rinpoche. “To make up the mind with inner peace actually makes us more beautiful.”
MARY BETH JANSSEN is a certified mind-body health educator for the Chopra Center for Well Being and author of five books. Send questions to marybeth@organicspamagazine.com.