Did you know that menopause causes changes to your skin? 

From the start of the peri-menopausal stages we can begin to see gradual changes to how our skin looks, feels and behaves! 

On average, women go through the menopause aged 51 - but we know this can vary between individuals. 

In general, peri-menopausal changes can become apparent from our early 40s and gradually increase over the following few years until we are ‘officially’ in the menopause - which is classed as 1 whole year without a period. 

I am sure many of you are aware of the ‘typical’ menopausal symptoms:

-Hot flushes

- Insomnia

- Anxiety/ Mood changes

- Loss of libido

- Vaginal dryness

- Night sweats

- Brain fog

- Concentration and memory issues 

….to name but a few DELIGHTFUL symptoms….(definitely sarcasm!) 

Within my work as a GP, I try to explain and help manage these symptoms for my patients, whether that is through Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or non hormonal alternatives, if a patient's medical history contraindicates them having hormonal options, or personal preference

However in my practice as an Aesthetic Doctor, it is apparent that a large proportion of women are unaware of the impact our hormones have on our skin. 

Granted, we all know about teenage years and acne…but have you thought about how now you are in your 40s-50s, your skin is not behaving how it used to? Maybe drier, more prone to redness and inflammation? Not as plump and youthful feeling as before? 

Are you developing fine lines and wrinkles? Are they deepening with skin laxity? 

Has your skin texture changed? 

If you answer Yes! To any of these….then keep reading! 

Here is the science bit…

Oestrogen, which is one of the important hormones in our body, starts to decrease as we age and enter the peri-menopausal period up until the post menopausal stages. 

Oestrogen is a vital hormone, which plays a huge part in our general health, bone health and skin health. 

Oestrogen plays a fundamental role to stimulate our fibroblasts within our skin layers. Fibroblasts support the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (HA). 

So, a long story short, as our oestrogen levels decrease, so do our collagen, elastin and HA. 

This leads to skin dryness, skin that is prone to redness and inflammation, poor skin texture, increased skin laxity (think jowls), and increased fine lines and wrinkles. 

How can we reduce these effects on our skin?

If you are keen to take HRT - this will play a part in reducing the oestrogen loss whilst you are taking it.

Importantly, we also have a number of treatment options that help to stimulate fibroblasts, encourage collagen, elastin and HA production. 

These all work as ‘Bio-Stimulators’ helping to support your skin and boost the key factors we have discussed above: 

• Polynucleotides - Regenerative powerhouses. Help repair skin cell DNA, stimulate fibroblasts, improve collagen, elastin, HA and also help with angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) that helps to bring more nutrients to our skin tissues. 

• Microneedling - Helps to stimulate collagen production, and improves skin texture and reduces appearance of fine lines/wrinkles and scarring.

• Chemical Peels - pHFormula skin resurfacing (non peeling - no downtime) and The Perfect Peel

• Retinol - Prescription only pHFormula retinol and personalised skin plan from Dr Cei

• Profhilo - Provides a high concentration boost of HA to our skin, and also helps to stimulate collagen production

Collagen supplements have a mixed outcome when reviewing clinical research studies about their effectiveness. It is uncertain how much of an impact these have on the skin tissues. However, they are not going to cause any harm, but if you are using these make sure the dose is over 10,000mcg per dose, and be cautious to not waste too much money on them.

It is never too early, or too late to support our skin with collagen enhancing treatments. 

Combination treatments are often recommended, to help create the best outcomes for patients, depending on the skin needs and concerns during our consultation. 

If you would like to know more, and consider a personalised treatment plan to help rejuvenate your skin, book a consultation with Dr Cei 

Remember, prevention is better than cure! 

Regardless of your age, it is never too late to start wearing SPF 50 daily. Yes, daily! Find one you like, use it daily on your face,hands and neck. On hotter days or on holiday, make sure you regularly re-apply.