Understand your skin with our expert tips, best buys and techniques to survive – and thrive – during the menopause
WORDS: STEPHANIE MAYLOR MAIN PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY
Has your skin suddenly lost the plot? Dryness, itching, sensitivity and acne are all symptoms of the menopause. There are around 15.5 million women in the UK who are currently either peri- or postmenopausal, but research byNo7 found that 56% of women didn’t recognise the menopause was the cause of their skin changes. In fact, there are over 10 symptoms of menopause that directly impact the skin. ‘During this time, it’s important to focus on self-care to learn about your own skin and understand its texture, tone and needs,’ says Dr Alia Ahmed, consultant dermatologist. ‘I always tell clients that their skincare will change all year round, and this is the same for the seasons of life.’ So if you suddenly find your moisturiser isn’t making a dent in quenching your skin, it’s probably a sign you need to switch up your skincare.
Sort your spots
Are you suddenly breaking out? During the menopause, skin goes through similar hormonal fluctuations to puberty, meaning that many women get spots around the mouth, chin and jawline. Home in on your spots with Super Facialist Clear Skin On The Spot Clarifying Gel, £6, boots.com.
Used as a primer or daily mask, Menopause _faace Mask, £31, wearefaace.com, contains zinc to fight breakouts without drying your skin.
Drench dry skin
Declining oestrogen has a knock-on effect on the production of hyaluronic acid, the moisturising molecule that helps skin stay plump and dewy, so you’re more likely to see rough skin that has lost its glow and feels more sensitive. Living M 2 in 1 Cream Cleanser and Mask, £25, can be used to take off the day or as a 10-minute mask so dry skin feels silky and quenched. Then at night, choose creams with hyaluronic acid to counteract the overnight moisture loss caused by night sweats. As a skincare ingredient, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, great news for extremely dry skin. Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Sleep Mask, £5, Boots, is our hydration hero.
Plump out wrinkles
During the first five years of menopause, sk
