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Menopause seems terrifying for many women. Aging in general can be difficult to come to terms with when women are surrounded by unrealistic beauty standards. Most media outlets promote anti-aging treatments and plastic surgery to maintain youthful feminine forms. With an endless supply of negativity surrounding women and natural aging, it is perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about reaching menopause. However, there are a variety of natural ways in which women can prioritize the health of their skin after reaching menopause. Menopause is the process in which women no longer experience their periods and experience a decline in reproductive hormones.
What Can Impact the Health of Your Skin as You Age?
The first step to ensuring healthy skin even as you age is to identify the daily stressors that can cause some of the most common skin problems such as dark spots or wrinkles. For women who are reaching menopause, sun exposure can be a leading cause of dark spots and wrinkles. Other habits such as smoking or irregular sleep schedules can also exacerbate some of these common skin concerns. Targeting these stressors and eliminating them from your daily routine can also help the appearance of your skin as you navigate through menopause. Try to prioritize wearing a daily SPF and eliminate harmful substances such as tobacco or excess alcohol from your typical routine. Prioritizing your health and well-being will also positively impact the appearance of your aging skin!
What Skincare Products Are Essential For Older Women?
Many of you may be wondering what skincare products are essential for aging women who are experiencing menopause. Most dermatologists suggest that simpler is better when it comes to skincare routines. The regular use of 4 powerful products is viewed to be much more effective than the inconsistent use of 10 products. The best routines focus on three essential components and can be expanded to treat specific skincare concerns that are unique to each individual.
The first essential component is a gentle cleanser. A proper cleanser will be able to clean away any impurities, dirt, or makeup and will leave your skin feeling nourished rather than stripped of moisture.
The second essential product to have on your medicine cabinet shelf is a nourishing facial moisturizer. A moisturizer is important for sealing in your skin's natural oils. A powerful moisturizer can help you to heal and maintain a healthy skin barrier that can prevent some of the most common signs of aging.
The third and one of the most important skincare products to incorporate into your daily routine is SPF. Wearing sunscreen on your face and neck is vital when developing a post-menopause skincare routine. Menopause can impact your skin's elasticity and overall vibrancy meaning your skin is even more susceptible to damage from the sun. Therefore, you must take extra care when protecting your skin from the sun. Try to form the habit of putting on sunscreen every single day, even if you are staying inside. This will ensure that your skin receives the utmost protection and can help you to maintain a healthy glowing complexion.
Additional Skincare Products
Other products can be incorporated into your skincare routine to address specific skincare issues you may be experiencing. For many aging women, fine lines and wrinkles can become more apparent. Special products such as retinoids and retinol can help to minimize the appearance of these lines. These products are a type of Vitamin A that can help prevent aging by tightening the skin. If you struggle with fine lines and wrinkles after hitting menopause, consider talking to your dermatologist or skincare professional to find the right retinol for your skincare routine.
If you struggle with under-eye bags or discoloration in that area, you might also want to consider using an eye cream or oil to target that specific region. These products may help to reduce inflammation and discoloration when used within your daily skincare regime.
Facial oils such as the all-natural Rejuvenating Face Oil - Daytime Formula from farragio can also help those who may be struggling to maintain a healthy skin barrier. These oils when applied after other skincare steps can lock in moisture and promote a healthy and vibrant glow. With powerful ingredients such as caffeine and acai berry oil, skin inflammation is reduced and intense moisturizing components help the skin to regain elasticity.
The Order in Which to Apply Products
When looking at the products listed above, it can seem daunting to determine how frequently and in what order to use them. This section will help you to develop the perfect skincare routine for women after menopause. We will break these down into morning and nightly routines as some products are typically only used once a day or sparingly throughout your week.
Morning:
- Cleanse
- Moisturize
- SPF
- Oil
Nightly:
- Cleanse
- Retinol*
- Moisturizer
- Eye Cream
- Oil
*When first introducing retinol into your nightly skincare routine, make sure to use a very small amount before gradually increasing over time. This product is very potent and can cause skin irritation at first. Allowing your skin to acclimate to the product is ideal and even then, retinol should only be used a few times throughout your week to protect your skin and prevent any irritation.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes to Enhance Your Natural Skin
In addition to proper skincare routines, there are a variety of other factors that can impact the well-being of your skin after you have reached menopause. Lifestyle and diet habits play a large role in the vitality and health of your skin. Make sure to exercise regularly and eat a diet that is filled with whole and nutritious foods. Fueling your body with essential vitamins and promoting your cardiovascular health can allow your skin to appear glowing and healthy. Try to avoid smoking and drinking excess amounts of alcohol to prioritize the well-being of your skin.
Conclusion
Menopause can bring about a plethora of bodily changes for women and this can include having impacts on the appearance of their skin. However, implementing a proper skincare routine can help you to retain a youthful glow. Taking time to develop a routine that prioritizes the health of your skin barrier can help you to feel and look your most confident even as you age.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skincare After Menopause
Can you tighten your skin after menopause?
Products with retinol (vitamin A) or tretinoin have been shown to help tighten and plump skin to improve its overall appearance.
How do I get rid of puffy face after menopause?
Hydration, getting enough sleep, and cold compresses are the easiest and most effective ways to reduce puffiness.
How do you get rid of peach fuzz on your face after menopause?
A technique called Dermaplaning in which a razor exfoliates your face, removes dead skin cells and facial hair.
