Perimenopause and menopause can bring significant hormonal changes that affect both your hair and skin. These shifts can be surprising and sometimes challenging but understanding what’s happening and how to manage it can make all the difference.
When it comes to your skin, you may notice several changes:
- Dryness and Dehydration: Hormonal shifts reduce skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness.
- Sensitivity and Irritation: Skin becomes more reactive, often resulting in itching, dermatitis, or redness.
- Loss of Elasticity and Plumpness: Collagen and elastin production decline, causing sagging, thinning, and fine lines.
- Pigmentation Changes: Age spots and uneven skin tone may appear due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Acne or Rosacea: Increased sensitivity can exacerbate conditions like acne or rosacea.
- Unwanted Facial Hair: Androgen dominance may cause hair growth in areas like the chin or upper lip.
How to Help Your Skin
- Cleanse Gently: Use a non-foaming, pH-balanced cleanser to avoid stripping moisture and aggravating sensitive skin.
- Hydrate Daily: opt for fragrance-free moisturisers with ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide to support the skin barrier.
- Use Cosmeceuticals: Incorporate retinoids, vitamin C, and niacinamide to improve skin tone, texture, and collagen production.
- Protect from SoUV Damage: Apply sunscreen daily to shield against ultraviolet rays that can worsen dryness and pigmentation.
- Exfoliate Wisely: Use gentle exfoliants like lactic acid to remove dead skin cells and boost radiance without irritation.
- Consider Professional Treatments: Explore microneedling or laser therapies to address deeper skin concerns.
Effects on Hair
- Thinning and Loss: Lower estrogen levels shrink hair follicles and increase hair shedding.
- Dryness and Brittleness: Reduced sebum production leads to drier, coarser hair.
- Texture Changes: Hormonal changes can alter the shape of hair follicles, potentially changing straight hair to curly or vice versa.
- Unwanted Changes: Androgen dominance may cause hair loss on the scalp while increasing facial hair growth.
How to Help Your Hair
- Use Hydrating Products: Choose shampoos and conditioners with natural oils like argan, jojoba, or coconut to retain moisture. Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerine.
- Nourish from Within: Maintain a balanced diet with:
- Proteins: Essential for keratin and collagen production, aim for 55-60g daily.
- Iron: Supports hair growth cycles; include iron-rich foods to combat thinning.
- Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, flax seeds, and nuts, they promote scalp health.
- Gentle Styling: Avoid excessive heat styling and use wide-tooth combs or brushes with spaced prongs to minimize breakage.
- Scalp Care: Exfoliate weekly with salicylic acid to remove buildup and stimulate blood flow. Use lightweight scalp serums to hydrate and nourish.
- Deep Conditioning: Apply hair masks or creams regularly to combat dryness and brittleness.
- Protect from Heat: Use heat protection sprays when styling with hot tools.
By taking a proactive approach with tailored skincare and haircare routines, you can manage the effects of perimenopause and maintain healthy, vibrant hair and skin during this life stage.
