The Menopause can be such a difficult time for so many.
What happens during menopause and what can we do to help our symptoms?

The menopause usually occurs in the mid to late 40s and comes with a variety of symptoms affecting everything from our skin, weight, hair, and mood. It is a natural process of the body that comes with some very challenging experiences.

Let’s begin with the skin, as our oestrogen levels start to drop so does the collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its firmness and elasticity. New-born babies have the highest amount of collagen, and it remains at high levels until adulthood. As much as 30% of collagen is lost in the first 5 years after menopause. Its thanks to the drop in collagen and oestrogen that facial wrinkles and creases progressively deepen, and we notice a loss of the firmness in our cheeks and jawlines.

Dryness of the skin is one of the most common concerns for ladies and our hormones play such a vital part in keeping our skin hydrated, oestrogen is responsible for increasing glycosaminoglycans these are water-binding molecules that can hold nearly 1000 times their own weight which helps promote moisture to the skin. As our oestrogen decreases so does the moisture.

Acne also is a very common symptom and is not just for teens.
Never had a spot in your life and now you are battling with breakouts, this is very common also along with Rosacea, the hot flushes that come with the menopause may be enough to trigger a rosacea flare-up all down to that oestrogen reduction.

Thinning of the skin is also due to the lack of collagen and we can be more prone to bruising and tearing.

Our hair changes over time the hair diameter, follicle production and pigmentation all reduce. Scalp oil production drops and hair starts thinning
this is also due to the declining levels of oestrogen.

Women are also prone to excess hair growth and may notice hair on the chin or lip appearing what joys.

Let’s move onto our weight and why do we gain weight during menopause.
Your basal metabolic rate is the number of calories required to keep your body functioning at rest. This reduces when you are on menopause because your muscle mass drops as you get older, so you need fewer calories at rest.
If we continue our normal calorie allowance, we will inevitably gain weight.

Here are my top tips for helping with your skin, weight, and your well-being.

  •   Free skin consultations in the Plymouth salon or via zoom to discuss your skin’s concerns.
  •   Treatments such as CACI to re-educate the muscles in the skin to tone lift and firm the skin.
  •   Skin pen is a micro-needling treatment that encourages the production of collagen and elastin in the skin by 400%
  •   Bespoke facial treatments targeting your specific skin concerns.
  •   The use of our favourite brand Alumier MD Medical grade skincare
  •   IPL laser hair removal for targeted unwanted hair growth
  •   Taking Premium skin Supplements such as advanced nutrition (skin complete) combines vit A+ and skin antioxidants crammed with vitamin A and D help to rejuvenate and renew the skin from the inside. Vitamin D is essential as we don’t get enough sunshine in the UK, this also helps the body absorb calcium and supports the functioning of the muscles. Skin Omegas containing omegas 3 and 6 keep the skin healthy and hydrated locking in moisture for a smooth, plump complexion.
  •   Reducing your calorie intake and moving more, although it sounds obvious it will really help. We need to maintain the muscle loss we have by exercising.
  •   Swapping to a High protein diet boosts the immune system, repairing and strengthening the muscles and helps keep the bones strong and healthy.

There are also some foods that can help to replace the oestrogen in the body such as soya and tofu.

  •   Caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms of the menopause worse, regulate and moderate your intake of both. This can impact your sleep and hot sweats at night if this is also something you suffer from.
  •   Physical activity has a huge potential to increase our wellbeing, even a short burst of 10 minutes of brisk walking increases our mental awareness, energy and positive mood and helps reduce mood swings. We can’t remove our symptoms completely, but we can tweak our diet, lifestyle, and skincare regime to manage them all better. Being in tune with our bodies can help to overcome symptoms. Contact us for your free Skin Consultation at: Brow Envy Plymouth, 6 Hobart Street, Plymouth PL1 3DG 01752 228777