Hormone levels fluctuate during menopause, causing an imbalance that affects the skin

Naomi Watts wasn’t ready for going through menopause at 53. She recently admitted to feeling “very isolated” and suffering from a variety of painful symptoms as she experienced the hormonal change “far too early.” Describing the experience, the Mulholland Drive star posted that “One of my most bothersome symptoms was extremely itchy skin, and my skin is obviously very important to me due to my work on camera. I had a number of other symptoms, but this was the one that required immediate attention.”

We ask Dr Jaishree Sharad, a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, to elaborate on menopausal skin.

Why does menopause cause skin changes?

Hormones and skin go hand-in-hand. Oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fall rapidly during perimenopause. This can happen, between the ages of 40 and 50. Oestrogen is involved in skin water retention and plumpness, collagen production, skin elasticity and thickness, and healthy blood vessels.

Oestrogen receptors are found in all organs of the body, with the greatest concentration in the breasts, uterus, ovaries, bones, and skin. As a result, they are the ones most affected by falling oestrogen levels. The rapid fall also causes skin changes.

How does menopause affect hair?

Oestrogen levels drop dramatically during menopause. The hormone is responsible for hair growth and volume. So, with oestrogen on the decline, hair thinning occurs.

What are common skin conditions related to menopause?

Dry skin, eczema, and itching are frequently reported. Oestrogen aids in water retention and gives the skin a plumper appearance. Moisture retention and dryness are reduced when oestrogen levels fall. It also causes increased thickening of the skin's epidermis, which leads to increased wear and tear and reduced repair of damaged skin. This causes early skin irritation and increases the risk of eczema.

Face sagging: Oestrogen is involved in the production of elastin and collagen. Collagen gives skin a firm and youthful appearance. The elasticity of the skin is maintained by elastin. Rapid decline in oestrogen levels result in decreased elastin and collagen production, resulting in sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.

Acne breakouts: Hormones work together to keep each other in balance. With the decline of oestrogen levels, there is an imbalance with regard to the androgen hormone. This can cause increased sebum production, resulting in acne breakouts.

Dullness: A decrease in oestrogen causes a decrease in the rate of cell turnover in the skin, resulting in a dull appearance.

What is menopause? What is the average age for menopause?

Menopause is the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and it can be deemed to have been reached after 12 months of not getting a menstrual period. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 50.

How can menopause-induced skin dullness be treated?

Scrub it off: Exfoliate the skin to prevent dead cells from piling up. Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells, resulting in glowing skin.

Peel it off: AHAs, Glycolic acid, and Lactic acid can be used as peeling agents to remove dead cells, as well as to attract moisture and prevent dryness.

How can menopause-induced sagging of face be handled?

Reduced elastin and collagen production results in sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.

* Oral collagen supplements help in formation of new collagen

* Topical retinoids stimulate collagen production

* Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to reduce breakdown of collagen

* Botox, fillers and collagen boosters can be used to look younger and reduce wrinkles.

How can menopause-induced dryness be treated?

Dryness is caused by the removal of the skin’s natural protective barrier. Ceramides, sebum, and hyaluronic acid production are all reduced in the skin.

* Opt for a gentle skin cleanser.

* Application of moisturizer containing ceramides, squalene, shea butter, glycerine and hyaluronic acid will rebuild the skin barrier.
How can acne breakouts be controlled?

* Use Salicylic acid cleansers

* Topical retinoids can increase cell turnover, keeping pores clear, and in turn reducing acne

How can oestrogen levels be improved?

* Hormone Replacement Therapy entails taking oestrogen-containing medication.

To address the decreased production of oestrogen, the hormone can be administered topically or systemically. This will alleviate menopausal symptoms. It has been shown to improve skin hydration, elasticity and collagen production.