Collagen supplements brand, Absolute Collagen, has teamed up with its menopause specialist, Dr Fionnuala Barton, to share how women can tackle menopausal skin concerns.
The expert said: “Going through menopause can have a significant impact on our skin. Oestrogen is a hormone that is important for generating and maintaining skin via several mechanisms including collagen production.
“During perimenopause, oestrogen levels start to fluctuate and progressively decline as ovarian function declines.
“After menopause, oestradiol levels are persistently low. This reduces the regulatory effect on skin and may accelerate the rate of collagen loss.”
Skin can become itchy and dry, flushed, irritated and even more prone to breakouts.
According to the pro, blood vessels may appear more prominent and be more prone to injury with more bruising, flushing and spider veins.
Other people may face eczema, dermatitis and rosacea, with many people feeling like they have aged overnight.
The expert continued: “There is no one-size-fits-all solution: everyone’s menopause will feel different and impact their skin differently.
“There are no ‘magic bullets’ or potions, but a combination of a healthy diet, good sleep, adequate hydration, and supportive skincare are important non-negotiable foundations.
“Stop smoking, and avoid excess sun exposure and excess alcohol. Consider proactive HRT and skin-focused supplements for a head start! I like to use Absolute Collagen’s Marine Liquid Collagen Drink.
“Depending on the specific skin concern, women can try a whole range of different treatments. Including LED light (blue) for acne, healthy eating, exercise, and using a protective SPF.
“Wearing SPF 30 or higher before going outside, is one of my main tips! Introducing retinol and peptides into skincare routines to get ahead of wrinkles also can help, and applying moisturiser throughout the day – not just in the morning and before bed.”
There are many SPFs on the market, suitable for all different skin types and they should be worn every single day, even in the winter.
This also means it is incredibly important to take it off properly too, double cleansing to help break down the sunscreen.
If your main skin concern is wrinkles and sagging, the expert suggested using products which include ingredients to help keep the skin firm.
This could be in the form of day creams, night creams and eye creams to help keep the skin looking youthful.
The expert added: “For those looking for skincare solutions to ease symptoms of menopause, recent clinical trials of the Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen Drink for Women found that 100 percent of women taking the supplement noticed an improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines after 12 weeks of use, while 83 percent of women taking the supplement felt their skin is softer and smoother.
“The collagen in the drink is broken down into amino acids and absorbed in the bloodstream, which is then used in the dermis for native collagen production for a plumper, smoother look and feel to the skin – alleviating some of those menopausal skin concerns.”
