HEALTH AND WELLBEING
6 WAYS THE MENOPAUSE CAN AFFECT YOUR SKIN Katie Wright asks the experts to explain what to do about these common problems... The stereotype of the menopausal woman – sweating, having hot flushes, suffering wild mood swings – has been played out time and again in movies and on TV, yet in reality, the symptoms that accompany the so-called ‘change of life’ can be far more varied and, unfortunately, many women feel uninformed about what to expect. According to a poll of 1,000 women who are either going through or have finished the menopause, conducted to mark Menopause Awareness Month by skincare brand Emepelle, 49% of woman are unaware that when their periods end – which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55 – it can have a considerable impact on the condition of their skin. Of those surveyed, 46% felt the detrimental changes to their skin was affecting their confidence, and 92% said they said they couldn’t seek advice from a health professional. Clearly, there’s a knowledge gap when it comes to the lesser-known symptoms of this natural part of ageing. Here, experts talk us through six ways the menopause can affect your skin – and how to deal with the changes. 56 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk
1. DRY SKIN According to the Emepelle study, 47% of menopausal women noticed an increase in dry skin. “As we age, our oestrogen levels decline, but it’s not just collagen that’s affected, we lose the fatty lipid layer that sits on the skin barrier and protects it too,” says Dr Naomi Potter from Harley Street Emporium. “Because it’s compromised, we lose more water via the skin. The skin feels dry, looks dull and may be flaky.” While you may think exfoliation is the best solution for flaky skin, Dr Potter says that it’s better to use a good emollient, especially one that contains ceramides – the fatty acids that help protect the skin. She also says to avoid long, hot showers or baths: “Try to reduce the temperature of your showers or baths, as hot water strips the natural oils, and look for soap-free and fragrance-free products.” Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturising Cream, £60 for 50g
