Embracing the Change: Navigating Menopause and Caring for Your Skin

World Menopause Day 2024

Welcome to World Menopause Day! We know there’s a lot of information out there today, and we don’t want to overwhelm you, but menopause is such an important topic that affects many of our clients, so we thought it important to share our insights. Today, we're addressing this significant life stage with the guidance of our Functional Medicine Practitioner, Swati Madan, who will help us understand the basics—and beyond..

As someone who has reached a certain age, I’ve noticed changes those in my skin, my energy, and even my confidence. But I’ve also experienced growth and resilience, which I’m definitely a little proud of. I know I’m not alone in this, though I also appreciate the complete privilege I have of working alongside such incredible experts.

Today, on World Menopause Day, we have even more reason to share that expertise with you. We start with Swati’s wise words to help demystify menopause, followed by our skin health team’s advice on how to care for your skin during this transition.

We hope hope you enjoy - and hope today’s special day marks a start of something fabulous for us all.

Sonia ❤️

What is Menopause? Understanding the Basics, by Swati Madan

Menopause is a natural biological process that every woman will experience, marking the end of reproductive years. It involves the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle and can occur naturally or due to medical treatments like chemotherapy, or surgeries such as a hysterectomy. While menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, it can start earlier due to factors like genetics, autoimmune conditions, or certain medical treatments.

The Three Stages of Menopause

1. Perimenopause (The Transition Phase)
   Perimenopause, often referred to as the "menopause transition," is when hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone begin to decline. This stage can start as early as the late 30s. Common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.

2. Menopause
   Menopause is officially reached when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This stage signifies a more significant drop in estrogen levels, often intensifying symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and brain fog.

3. Postmenopause
   This is the period following menopause when symptoms may ease or, for some women, persist to a lesser degree. However, the decline in estrogen can increase the risk of health conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and urinary tract infections.

How Menopause Affects Your Skin

One of the most noticeable impacts of menopause is on the skin, and this often comes as a surprise. Here’s how it can manifest:

• Loss of Collagen
  Estrogen plays a crucial role in collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity and firmness. With lower levels, the skin can appear thinner, looser, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, women can lose up to 30% of their skin's collagen in the first five years after menopause.

• Increased Dryness
  The hormonal changes also affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and a more sensitive skin barrier. This can make the skin feel tight, itchy, or even develop a rough texture.

• Slower Healing and Increased Sensitivity
  As the skin thins and becomes more fragile, it may take longer to heal from cuts or bruises, and conditions like rosacea may worsen.

• Hyperpigmentation and Age Spots
  Hormonal changes can also lead to an increase in melanin production, resulting in age spots or uneven skin tone.

Supporting Your Skin During Menopause: The Skin & Sanctuary Approach

At Skin & Sanctuary, we understand that menopause is a significant life transition, and we're here to help you look and feel your best throughout. Here’s how we can support your skin and overall wellbeing during this time:

1. Rehydrating Your Skin
   Treatments like Profhilo®,or the Hydrafacial®, or products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides can replenish hydration and restore your skin’s barrier. Our signature facials and targeted skincare solutions can also help reduce dryness and sensitivity.

2. Stimulating Collagen Production
   To help improve elasticity and firmness, we offer treatments such as microneedling, ploynucleotides and Nuchido NAD+, that encourage collagen production.

3. Medical Wellness
   Working closely with Swati Madan, we provide personalised health advice that addresses hormonal balance and lifestyle changes. We believe in a science backed, holistic approach, understanding that skin and skin health is interconnected with overall health. As Swati says, “proper nutrition, hydration, and stress management can play a significant role in managing menopausal symptoms”.

Join Swati Live for More Insights at 1.30pm

If you’d like to learn more or have burning questions about perimenopause and menopause, don’t miss her on Instagram Live today, 18th October, at 1:30 pm. Swati (@swatimadanofficial) will be answering your questions about navigating this life stage, and our lovely host, Kampala Chukwuku, will make sure it’s a lively and informative session. I promise it’ll be worth taking a break from whatever you’re doing – even if that’s just enjoying a well-earned cup of tea!

Embracing Menopause with Confidence

I appreciate that this may be easier for me to say than for so many of us. Fortunately, I have not been left feeling completely beaten by Menopause - and I appreciate that is not the case for so many.

I am hopeful that with more sharing of knowledge, more awareness of the needs of women at this stage in our lives, it can start to be seen as not the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter where we have the opportunity to redefine ourselves, our wants, beauty and self-care on our terms. At Skin & Sanctuary, we are working towards seeing this journey as one of empowerment, resilience, and growth. Our goal is to help all navigate these changes with compassion, expertise, and personalised, tailored solutions that suit unique, individual needs.

If you are experiencing changes in your skin or overall health, please reach out. With the right care and guidance, we can all continue to live beautifully.