Focus on Menopause & Aging Skin
What exactly is menopause?
Menopause is one of the major turning points in a woman's life - menstrual cycles stop when the reproductive hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are no longer produced by the ovaries. In the U.S., menopause occurs at the average age of 51*.
True or false?
Menopause doesn't change my skin
False: Similar to the loss of bone density due to hormonal changes, skin becomes drier and sags when it loses part of its water content and density. Cells become less solid and their barrier function weakens. Disordered melanin production causes age spots to appear. The decrease in estrogen levels also causes a slowdown in sebum production. Skin dries out and becomes rough. The complexion loses its radiance and becomes dull.
How does the slowdown of hormone levels affect my skin's deeper layers?
The decrease in estrogen levels in your body can cause your skin to become thinner and sag. The inner layers of the skin lose cohesion, which contributes to skin sagging and a loss of firmness. Skin naturally loses 6% of its thickness every 10 years, and this rate doubles after menopause. This loss of skin density and volume, similar to the decrease in bone density with age, causes the facial features to lose definition and structure.
I noticed that my skin has begun to develop several brown spots, varying in size and shape. Where did these come from?
Hormonal changes and cumulative sun damage weaken the epidermis' ability to correctly synthesize melanin. As a result, excess melanin is produced and pigment spots start to form, leading to brown spots (also known as "age spots"). These can be further aggravated by UVA exposure. Be sure to consult your doctor if you notice a change in size, shape or color of brown spots.
*Source: The American Menopause Association
