Menopause hits almost every woman in their 50s. The decline of estrogen affects collagen production and skin can seem to loosen its volume overnight. There are medical options during menopause to help correct these changes. The most effective treatment option for relieving symptoms is Estrogen therapy. I am not a Medical Practitioner so to discuss this further, please make an appointment with your Doctor. What I can help you with is your skincare and how the right routine can help you look and feel amazing.
Typically, in your 50s you will notice more lines and wrinkles, dryness and an increase in visible hyperpigmentation (patches of skin becoming darker in colour). You may also find that your skin is more reactive, an increase in redness due to thinning skin is normal. Regular exercise of any kind will help as well as avoiding direct sun exposure and smoking.
In the first two years of menopause, remove anything too harsh for your skin from your routine so as not to strip the natural oils.
Here are my key skincare suggestions for your 50s:
Choose a Cream Cleanser or a Rich Cleansing Oil or Balm
Choose a good quality cleanser that will clean your skin without stripping it. My suggestion here would be the Gatineau Melatogenine Cleansing Cream, which is a combined cleanser and toner, or there are 2 options from Elemis; Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm or Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil.
Exfoliate Gently
Your skin may be extremely reactive so do not use any harsh scrubs with harsh exfoliating particles. Instead use a gentle AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) like Glycolic Acid (from sugar cane) or Lactic Acid (from milk). You do not want to use anything higher than a 5% concentration. Glycolic Acid generally has a smaller size molecule and therefore is more effective. I would recommend Liquid Gold Rose from Alpha H. It has the perfect combination of Glycolic Acid and balancing botanicals. This product will also help if you are suffering from any type of menopause related acne. For more information about Alpha H’s Liquid Gold Rose, please see my video below.
Up the Facial Oil and Moisturiser
It is really important to keep your skin moisturised. If you have found the perfect oil and moisturiser combination but you need a little more, you can also use a few extra drops of your favourite oil over the top of your moisturiser which will help seal in the moisture and give extra radiance.
Retinol
We should all introduce Retinol into our routines from the age of 40 upwards. Retinol encourages our skin to create collagen and elastin so if you have not tried it in your 40s; it is a must in your 50s. Start by using it every other night as it can cause irritation. Retinol is only to be used at night and you must wear SPF of at least 30 during the day. It is important to note that you must take a break from Retinol as the results will plateau. 12 months is the maximum length of time before needing to stop. This would be the perfect time to switch to Glycolic Acid and then you can switch back when you are ready.
Lips
You may be noticing vertical lines around the mouth and a lack of volume. Use your eye products on your lips. The skin around the eyes and the lips are the same. This is a trick of mine that I have been doing since my 30s and I very rarely get dry lips any more. You can of course invest in a specific lip product too. If you feel like your lips have completely collapsed, then injectables are an option. Please make sure you go to a reputable Doctor for this.
Take your Skincare Down your Neck & Décolleté and Don’t Forget the Hands
It is not just our face that sees the signs of aging. Our face, neck, décolleté and hands can give the game away so get into the habit of taking your skincare routine onto these areas too. For a more intense result then add a specific neck and décolleté product and apply hand cream as often as possible.
The Eight Hour Cream
This is not a product to just use in your 50s but it really does depend on your skin type. This cream was developed in the 1930s by Elizabeth Arden and it can be used in so many ways – sunburn, chapped lips, dry skin, eyebrows, keeps legs and eyelids shiny and great for cuticles. When all else fails and your skin needs an extra layer of comfort, this is the product to reach for. Apply it over the top of your other products.
If you have any questions, please ask in the comments section below or DM.
Have a fabulous week!
