TIPS TO KEEP SKIN YOUTHFUL IN YOUR FORTIES

When women go through menopause, changes in hormone levels can cause skin problems and breakouts. Take our tips to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking.

---

Like puberty, menopause is a pivotal time in a woman’s life that brings with it a range of hormonal and physical changes. It is when the ovaries stop producing eggs and menstruation stops. Some women experience skin breakouts due to changes in oestrogen levels. Another side effect is dry skin, because the sebaceous glands no longer work as effectively. (Sebaceous glands are tiny glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum which keeps the hair and skin lubricated.)

Although some of these changes may not affect everyone, most menopausal women will experience a drop in collagen levels that affects the skin. Few products on the market are formulated specially for menopausal skin, but you can use products with specific ingredients to combat and possibly counteract the negative effects.

Related article: 4 Summer skincare essentials



1. BREAKOUTS AND ENLARGED PORES

Avoid harsh chemicals because the skin is thinner and drier during menopause. Look for a face wash and moisturiser that contain salicylic acid. This ingredient gently unclogs pores and reduces excessive oil.

TRY: Nuxe Comforting Cleansing Milk 200ml 270.00



2. DRY OR DEHYDRATED SKIN

The main focus should be on hydration in your skincare routine because of lower sebum levels and skin not holding water as it did. In extreme cases, this makes skin taut, sensitive, and prone to premature ageing. To cleanse dry skin, use cream and oil cleansers. Look out for moisturisers that contain peptides and ceramides. Peptides act as building blocks for proteins such as collagen and elastin, which give skin volume and structure. Ceramides add much-needed lipids to the skin, which act as protective barriers. Dehydrated skin usually has oily and dry patches. Use a face wash and moisturiser that contain hyaluronic acid. This ingredient helps the skin retain moisture and balances out oiliness.

TRY: L’Oréal Revitalift Filler Anti- Wrinkle Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml 321.00



3. AGEING SKIN

To counteract the loss of collagen in the skin, ingredients that are recommended are topical vitamin C and vitamin A in the form of retinoids or retinol. These ingredients give visible anti-ageing results. Vitamin A reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and Vitamin C boosts collagen and protects the skin from the environment.

TRY: Eucerin Q10 Active Day Cream for Dry Skin 50ml 309.96

Related article: 7 Beauty problems solved



4. SKIN CALMING

Use skin-calming products such as face mists to help soothe the skin. These will help with hot flushes and ease redness.

TRY: You can make your own face mist by mixing a tablespoon of aloe gel, the juice of half a lemon and five drops of sandalwood essential oil with half a cup of distilled water. Put in a spray bottle and spray on your face when needed.



5. EXFOLIATION AND SUNSCREEN

Exfoliate skin with caution since the skin is thinner during menopause. Swap your abrasive exfoliators for less harsh ones. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen no matter the weather. Not only does it protect your skin from the sun, but it also protects it from environmental pollution and harsh weather conditions.

TRY: Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ 269.95

Related article: Facial oils for your skin type

DID YOU KNOW?
Women generally go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but the global average is 51 years of age.


Shop these beauty products at selected Foschini stores with your Jet Account Card.