How does menopause affect skin?

Hormonal changes after menopause can cause sagging, wrinkles, and dry skin. Here’s what to expect and how to take care of aging skin.

As women age, the body undergoes a number of changes. Between the ages of 45 and 55, many women experience menopause, which is the point in time 12 months after the last period. Leading up to menopause, the body has decreased reproductive ability as the ovaries make less and less estrogen.

The time before, during, and after menopause can bring a range of symptoms and bodily changes, from hot flashes to weight gain, and more.

Hormonal changes, such as reduced estrogen, can also result in changes to skin such as dryness and sagging.

Here is how menopause can impact skin and what you can do to take care of your skin as you age.

How menopause affects skin

As the body ages and menopause brings hormonal changes, the body produces less collagen, which is a structural protein found in the body’s connective tissue. Collagen is what gives skin its elasticity or stretchiness.

Less collagen can cause skin to lose elasticity, causing sagging around the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

Skin may also retain less water, which results in wrinkles and dryness.

You may begin to notice wrinkles and fine lines above the lips and at the corners of the eyes.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association also notes that age spots and areas of darker skin may become more visible due to previous sun damage. Precancerous skin growths may also become more common and some women even experience pimples and acne.

How to take care of aging skin

Some women experiencing menopausal symptoms may take hormonal medication to balance their hormones and increase estrogen levels.

Increased estrogen can help increase collagen so that skin maintains its elasticity.

Here are some other tips to care for aging skin. Remember, these tips can apply to anyone at any age!

Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Even on cold or cloudy days, UV rays from the sun can damage skin, so don’t skip the sunscreen! Apply sunscreen to your face and any other exposed body parts. This will protect your skin from sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Use gentle cleansers and moisturize often.

Beware of cleansing products or soaps that can dry out skin, such as highly-fragranced products. Instead, opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that target dry skin. Moisturize your face multiple times a day if needed.

Also avoid hot showers and opt for lukewarm or cold water, as hot water can also dry out skin.

Ask a dermatologist for skin care tips and advice.

A dermatologist can help you identify and address your skin’s specific needs, screen for skin cancer, and provide treatment for age spots or other concerns.

Take good care of your body.

Get enough sleep, exercise frequently (at least 150 minutes a week), and eat a healthy diet in order to keep your body — including your skin — functioning at its best.

At Alpha, we are here to support you through any phase of life. If you’re past menopause or in perimenopause — the phase of symptoms leading up to menopause — we can help.

Our providers can prescribe menopausal hormones, sleep medication, and other treatment to help with your symptoms. To learn more, check out our website today.

Plus, check out the Alpha shop to browse our skin care products!