According to the American Academy of Dermatology: “Menopause, which officially begins one year after your last period, can bring with it some noticeable changes to your skin and hair. As hormone levels plummet, your skin can become dry, slack, and thin.” I’d be terrified if I read this without having experienced menopause firsthand. And thanks perhaps to what I’ve seen euphemistically referred to as “taking care of yourself,” I have not come out the other side as a burnt husk of my former self. But what does that mean, exactly? I order to shed light on interventions both large and small, I’m sharing nine products I’ve used to nourish my face, neck and hair during menopause, tied to specific outcomes of this biological transition.
Menopause Changed My Skin—Here Are the 9 Products That Have Helped
Who doesn’t enjoy instant uplift and soothing?
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Published Aug 15, 2024
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Ziip; Skin Gym; Strivectin
Topical lotions containing estriol, one of the three estrogen hormones, were recommended to me by my gyno as being even more powerful than most over-the-counter skincare for counteracting skin laxity, dryness and fine wrinkling. Big Derma hasn’t weighed in yet, with the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology reporting “clinically, it is plausible that topical estrogen products can be used cosmetically to improve skin dryness, texture, and elasticity and reduce wrinkles in estrogen-deficient skin. However, concerns exist with regard to the safety of topical estradiol....Thus, more research is needed to support the use of topical agents.” Check with a gynecologist in person or online to see if you’re eligible for a custom-blended batch. I picked mine up at the compound pharmacy my doctor sent me to three months ago, and it has helped by face look less drawn and lined.
Sure, suggest retinol takes a few months to show an effect, but this orange sorbet-hued cream is so rewarding to use before you even get to those long-term benefits. I apply it every morning using the golden spoon applicator it comes with, and it feels so soothing and it makes my eyes feel less puffy right away. P.S. The long-term line-reducing function totally works, thanks to the retinol—I’ve just had to be consistent with my application.
Hair thinning and drying has been a part of my menopause story. I restore shine to the brittle ends and dull shaft with a half dropper of this oil, warmed first in my hands, then patted onto my hair, avoiding the roots, which can flatten the hair if they get too oily. (And when I’m flush, I spring for extensions.
I leave these skincare tools, basically glass lollipops filled with water, in the fridge so they’re ready all the time. I roll them across my eyelids and cheeks to reduce my facial puffiness, and up the back of my neck to wake up. Better than a third cup of coffee, these are eye-opening and energizing without causing jitters.
I first became obsessed with this brand when I saw influencers striping these fat tubes of contour/blush/highlighter across their faces then blending, blending, blending. After seeing how just a touch of color from the sticks help to counteract any bloated appearance I have, say, if I were to fall asleep face down in a fit of hormone-induced exhaustion, I’ve become a convert.
I’m going to confess that I don’t always wash my face to take my makeup off before bed…but I have committed to at least swiping my face with this alcohol-free toner, which doesn’t dry my face out but does keep it clean enough to prevent breakouts.
Pro tip: The neck and the hands are two, oft-neglected spots to really target with your skincare, since sun damage is happening here (and these spots have less fatty tissue, collagen and fewer oil glands). These days, I also obsess a bit over my tech neck lines—thanks, iPhone! But peptides to the rescue—after a month of consistently using this cream, I noticed my skin looked tighter.
Occasionally, I’ll pull my cheeks and jawline up in the mirror to ponder how a little surgical intervention could perk up the whole lax-skin situation. Then, I’ll use this device for less than 10 minutes, see the instant result, and forget all about raiding my child’s college fund for a facelift. In this wonder treatment, you put conductive gel on your face, then following a video, swipe the wand over your face in your choice of regimens. The lifting effect is both immediate and cumulative. Now if only I could commit to using it bi-weekly…
As the female body ages, it becomes more susceptible to rashes. That’s been the case for me, and I’ve noticed a couple spots of dry skin/eczema on my arms that need fragrance-free moisturizing. That’s what this serum does, with the extra moisturizing kick of hyaluronic acid.
