When menopause arrives, a woman’s body undergoes many upheavals. This stage, which is part of every woman’s life, can have many consequences on mental, emotional, social and physical well-being. We then mainly talk about hot flashes, weight gain or even the effects concerning intimacy and sexuality. However, little is said about consequences on the skin that can be compared to those of the transition to adolescence. Three dermatologists spoke on the subject during an interview with Woman’s World.
Why does menopause impact the skin?
Generally, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and results in the cessation of the functioning of the ovarian cycle. According to Mona Foad, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ohio and founder of MONA Dermatology, this “natural phase of a woman’s life characterized by hormonal changesin particular a drop in estrogen levels,” would cause skin disturbances.
To explain this phenomenon, dermatologist, cosmetic safety expert and founder of Meder Beauty, Tiina Meder, explains this hormonal transition: “Estrogen interacts with special types of cell receptors called estrogen receptors. These receptors are most abundant around the genital area, lower limbs and face. These areas are therefore most vulnerable to reduced levels of circulating estrogen and we observe very specific skin conditions involving this area”. “These hormonal changes can have a significant impact on the skin, leading to various potential skin changes and problems”then specifies Mona Foad.
What are the different skin problems caused by the transition to menopause?
Menopause can have terrible consequences on the skin, because like adolescence when hormones are boiling, acne can resurface. However, this is not the only skin problem that can disrupt the appearance of the epidermis. Indeed, the skin can become thinner, looser and drier due to reduced estrogen. The most common skin concerns are
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Hirsutism (or excessive facial hair)
“As estrogen levels decline, there is a imbalance with androgen (male hormone) levelslike testosterone, and this disruption of the balance of hormone levels can cause breakouts, the development of facial hairsuch as chin hair, and thinning hair” explains Dr. Ryan Turner, board-certified dermatologist in New York and co-founder of TRNR Skin.
In addition to the imbalance created by testosterone levels, acne can also appear on skin types more likely to develop this condition. According to Dr. Meder, “menopausal flare-ups [peuvent également être] explained by change in sebum quality which is no longer controlled by estrogen”. “This condition mainly affects women who tend to have oily skin at a young age,” she explains.
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Finer-looking skin and weaker cell turnover
If the upheaval in androgens modifies facial hair, it also impacts cell renewal. “[Cela se produit] due to the modification of the microcapillary system, previously protected by estrogens”, explains Dr. Meder.
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Dryness and increased sensitivity
“Studies show that the functionality of the skin barrier is affected by menopause – not only do ceramide levels decrease, but also the quality of those ceramides”, explains Dr. Turner. “ Ceramides are responsible for helping the skin retain water and preventing external irritants from penetrating the skin. It results an increase in transepidermal water loss, leaving the skin much drier than it was before and more sensitive,” he specifies. Several factors can come into play. According to Dr. Meder, a loss of microbiome diversity can contribute to drought. For his part, Dr. Turner points out that skin can become more alkaline as aging sets in. “Increasing pH levels in the skin can make the drier and more sensitive skin”, he adds.
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Skin sagging and wrinkles
“Studies have shown that collagen levels drop by 30% during the first five years of menopause,” explains Dr Turner before continuing: “As a result, the skin becomes thinner and weaker, appearing more relaxed and with more wrinkles and fine lines. The jowls also become more visible”. According to Dr. Meder, this is when women begin to lose the supportive fat deposits in the face and neck. This can also have an impact around the time of menopause.
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Flushing and redness
“PDuring menopause, women may experience hot flashes with these hormonal changes”, explains Dr. Foad. “Hot flashes can cause facial flushing, which can lead to persistent redness and rosacea,” she specifies.
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