As oestrogen levels decline in menopause, our skin starts to lose its ability to hold on to moisture. When this happens, skin can get become dry, sensitive, itchy, and prone to inflammation and redness.
Skin can also appear parched and dehydrated, losing its glow and dewiness. Extra hydration is needed to prevent excess water loss from the skin and restore skin’s natural radiance.
1. WHAT ARE THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR HYDRATING SKIN IN MENOPAUSE?
Because menopausal skin loses its ability to hold onto water, you need to add extra hydration. The best way to replenish lost moisture from the skin’s surface is to use super-hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. They act as powerful humectants that draw water into the skin.
You’ve probably already heard of hyaluronic acid - it’s well-known as being the ultimate skin hydrator. A real skincare superstar – it’s true that nothing beats it when it comes to restoring that plump, fresh, dewy look that can seem like a distant memory as we go through menopause.
Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the body which is what makes it such a powerful yet gentle skincare ingredient. Despite the acid in the name, it’s not an exfoliant. It’s a sugar molecule found in the body that can hold up to 1000 x it’s weight in water to keep skin cells hydrated and plump. It functions like a sponge in the body and binds water to the skin which is why it is known as “the moisture magnet”.
Just like collagen and elastin, as we go through menopause, hyaluronic acid levels in the body decline. As a result, skin becomes parched and dehydrated with a weakened skin barrier. Skin needs extra hydration, and a well-formulated product will the right types of hyaluronic acid is can deliver not only an instant hydration hit but lasting, deeper hydration over time.
Living M QUENCH & SOOTHE SERUM is formulated with 3 different types of hyaluronic acid and glycerin for an intense hydration boost.
2. PROTECTING YOUR SKIN BARRIER IS KEY TO AVOIDING DRY, DEHYDRATED SKIN IN MENOPAUSE
As we go through menopause, our skin barrier starts to weaken and skin becomes much more prone to irritation and loss of natural moisture. You need to incporporate ingredients that work to strengthen skin’s natural barrier and lock moisture in
By boosting the production of natural ceramides in the skin, niacinamide acts to strengthen the skin barrier protecting against moisture loss and dehydration. Niacinamide is also proven to brighten skin tone and boost radiance without causing irritation. Dryness and loss of hydration can leave our skin dull and lacklustre so incorporating niacimanide into your skincare regime is an effective way to get your glow back without risking irritation. It’s such a great all round ingredient for menopausal skin, we have included niacinamide in Quench & Sooth Serum and our Collagen Boost Moisturiser.
3. AVOID IRRITATING SKINCARE INGREDIENTS IN MENOPAUSE
As increased dryness and dehydration can mean increased skin sensitivity, it’s important to avoid any ingredients that might irritate skin and make the situation worse. Many products contain ingredients that can aggravate skin so look for formulations that are free of fragrance, drying alcohols and essential oils (lovely on your body but really not designed to be put on your face!)
Living M skincare is formulated without any known irritants so you can rest assured you are only using good for you, skin-nourishing ingredients. All our products are free of fragrance, drying alcohols, essential oils, sulphates and silicones.
4. CLEANSE SKIN GENTLY
Gentle, cream-based cleansers are best for menopausal skin. Avoid soap, foaming cleansers and wipes which dry out the skin and can leave it parched. It’s also best to avoid using balm cleansers if your skin is already inflamed as they can disrupt the skin barrier leading to increased sensitivity and tightness.
5. SKIP THE LONG HOT SHOWERS
Finally, avoid the long, hot showers in menopause - hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and can make skin even drier in menopause. Always moisturise as soon as you get out of the shower. A great tip is to apply products when your skin is still damp as this helps boost hydration and will help ingredients to absorb better into the skin.
Try the Perfect Pair for the ultimate two-step daily skincare duo specifically formulated for menopausal skin.
Designed to work together with an expert blend of proven active ingredients to boost collagen, intensely hydrate and nourish menopausal skin. Apply AM and PM for maximum results. Shop here
