Deborah Scott's Menopause Journey
An aha moment occurred to me a few years back. I was struggling with energy, sudden hot flashes and restless legs through the night, and then one day, when walking in the middle of Manchester Centre with a colleague after an event - I found myself having a panic attack. I had never suffered from panic attacks before, let alone low mood and then a casual conversation with another therapist turned a simple chat into an "aha" moment closely followed by my thought, which was:
"Am I that old?!?!". I don't feel that old... together with several other things racing through my head simultaneously!
"That's it (I thought), and I began researching. I dived into every medical paper on the subject and the latest books* (podcasts and apps see below), and my lab became a shrine to every herb and medicinal compound possible out there; my husband even joined me in the quest to find nuggets of information and helping me in my journey.
I stumbled upon a vast sea of conflicting information in my quest for knowledge. However, I also discovered some incredible new insights. Ones which I hope to release soon in the form of topical products to relieve menopause symptoms. So many women feel overwhelmed by the abundance of information, and I decided to make it my mission to help them by providing precise and practical guidance. With over a decade of extensive research, I am confident in my ability to offer valuable insights that can assist you in navigating this period of your life with ease.
If you are gliding through or struggling through it, I hope this leads you to your "aha moment" and allows you to navigate your journey effortlessly.
Best of luck!
Deborah Scott Founder Skin-rg Skincare
What's Happening With My Skin During Perimenopause?
The fluctuations in oestrogen levels during perimenopause can have an impact on your skin. As a result of decreasing oestrogen, your skin's ability to retain ceramides, which are fatty acids that help lock in moisture, may be affected. While some may experience no skin issues, many women are susceptible to redness and acne-prone skin during perimenopause.
For instance, when I turned forty over ten years ago, I suddenly developed adult acne, which included heavy-duty spots that lingered for a long time without erupting, especially around the chin area. Additionally, the skin becomes thinner during perimenopause, so healing takes longer. This delay in healing applies to spots, cuts, or open wounds, which will take longer to heal because the skin has fewer receptors to deal with them.
Tackle Each Concern Separately
It's better to care for specific issues like redness and spots during perimenopause instead of following the latest skincare trends or buying products for ageing skin. However, it's important not to overly treat your entire face with harsh consequences. When dealing with spots, focus on treating those areas only. As someone who has gone through perimenopause, I found that switching to a lighter, water-based moisturiser, the Morning Petal Peptide Day Moisturiser, penetrates the skin more quickly, bringing a sense of relief and comfort while boosting collagen, stregtehning elastin and progressively lifting and firming the skin. Additionally, products containing prebiotics and probiotics can gently improve your skin barrier without being aggressive.
Menopause And Your Skin
As women approach menopause, the levels of oestrogen in the body decrease, causing the skin to lose its elasticity, resulting in wrinkles and sagging. If you notice a change in your skin texture from being oily to dry and tight after cleansing, it may be a sign that oestrogen levels are dropping further. This change is a common indication of nearing menopause.
In addition, the skin becomes less efficient at retaining moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. We recommend Night Blossom Sleep Moisturiser natural HRT cream do note though you should never use HRT based natural remedies with other forms of HRT. Although hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause occasional breakouts, the skin tends to be drier and paler.
Our Phoenix Super C Serum can work wonders in a very short time. Look for products containing ceramides and peptides, like menopause evening cleanser called Evening Star Cermaide Clenaser. It gives wonderful glow, super nutritious and delivers high dose ceramides to give the most gorgeous skin. These products can help to replenish your skin's natural barrier and improve its texture and appearance.
During the day, menopausal skin responds well to cleansing oils, creams, facial mists, and a good moisturiser. Remember to apply a good SPF to protect your skin. You need to use SPF to read a book outside in natural light.
Try our SPF 30 Pure Shield with added tint to give you a beautiful glow.
It's also important to note that active products like retinol might not work as well for menopausal skin. The skin barrier is often depleted during this time, so you may suddenly become irritated by retinol.
The best thing to do is swap it out for The Matrix, which is plant retinol and less harsh. The key is to listen to your skin and body, be gentle with yourself, and adjust your routine accordingly. This adaptability and self-care can empower you to navigate your menopausal journey with confidence and control.