Menopause is a very challenging stage in a woman’s life. It’s an aging process which brings with it inevitable bodily changes. One of which is the obvious change in skin’s elasticity. There’s visible wrinkling and drying, as well as some signs of unsightly sagging. While it naturally occurs during menopause, it pays to know why this happens and, more importantly, that there are ways to manage skin dryness or sagginess in your 50s.

Skin In Your 50s: How Menopause Can Cause Skin Dryness

Thanks to Menopause, 50s is the decade of collagen loss and dry, saggy skin. Affecting women between the age range of 48 – 50, Menopause is characterized by a sharp decline of estrogen level. Such drop of this female hormone greatly affects the skin elasticity because, aside from controlling the menstrual cycle, estrogen plays a key role in keeping the skin hydrated and firm.

Estrogen stimulates the production of collagen (a protein necessary to keep the skin tight) and ensures that there is a healthy amount of oils to keep the skin moisturized. When menopause happens and estrogen level dramatically drops, there is less collagen to keep the skin smooth and elastic, and there is also a decrease in the production of oils (read: wrinkles).

Treating Skin Dryness in Your 50s

While having dry skin in your 50s is natural and common, leaving it as it is can lead to more serious conditions and may even affect your self-esteem. The good news is that you can do something to improve its appearance and to nurse it to ideal health. Check out these pointers on how.

Follow a Good Skincare Routine

Consistency on a good skincare routine is key to helping the skin stay clean, healthy and functioning at its best. For daytime, keep in mind that it’s all about protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, pollution and the elements. Here are the basic skincare steps for daytime skincare:

• • Cleanse (with a gentle cleanser)
  • Tone
  • Moisturize
  • Use sunscreen

On top of these daytime basics, antioxidant serums and eye creams can help with calming the skin and preparing it for the day.

For nighttime, your routine should revolve around giving your skin the support it needs to repair itself. Here’s a good skincare process to pattern your routine after:

• • Cleanse (double cleanse with a cleansing oil)
  • Hydrate with toner, essences and boosters
  • Treat skin concerns with retinol, serums and peels
  • Moisturize with a night cream

Make Sure You Have the Right Products

It’s very important to choose skin care products that are formulated to address skin dryness. Consider these recommendations:

• • Creams and ointments are best for dry skin as they are often oil based, have rich and thick consistency, and provide good hydration.
  • Products should have a mixture of emollients (such as ceramides), which repair the skin’s barrier, and humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid), which draw and seal moisture into the skin.
  • For sunscreens, opt for those with at least 30 for SPF. Make sure to wear it every day, rain or shine.

Take Extra Steps on Making Sure Your Skin Stays Hydrated

Your lifestyle choices may also affect your skin’s health. On top of following a daily skincare regimen with the right products, work towards a well-hydrated complexion with these healthy habits:

• • Avoid hot showers. Go with warm water instead and use soaps with mild formulations.
  • Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom.
  • Stop smoking. Tobacco smoke has toxins that can leave your skin looking dull and dry.
  • Eat healthy by munching on fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats.
  • Get enough sleep. One night of poor sleep can leave you with hanging eyelids, dark undereye circles, paler skin and more wrinkles and fine lines. Turns out the term ‘Beauty Sleep’ is real, as sleep is when some of the most important internal (and epidermal) recovery happens.

Treating the Symptoms of Menopause

There is no medical treatment to Menopause. You can, however, manage its symptoms with a few lifestyle tweaks and prescription medication from your doctor.

For the best possible care during and after menopause, regularly check in with your doctor or obstetrician.

Sources:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging#dryskin

https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/style-trends/info-2020/skin-care-problems.html

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-40s-and-50s

https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/anti-aging/anti-aging-fifties-sixties-beyond

https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/menopause-itching#causes

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/beauty-sleep#_noHeaderPrefixedContent