CARING FOR MATURE SKIN

The very hormones that gave us plump glowing skin and a healthy sex drive in our twenties and thirties have suddenly turned on us, ladies! How can this be? You know what.....we aren't the first and we won't be the last. Hormonal changes during perimenopause/menopause can wreak havoc on our skin, but we have learned so many things in recent years!! After all, we are living during a time that is FOR WOMEN! There is a plethora of information out there. Now, we just have to sift through it all. I have done some homework myself and hope to share a little of what has worked for me and what I have learned along the way.

Estrogen has been touted as the "youthful" hormone, and as we age, loss of estrogen results in fine lines and wrinkles, loss of collagen, elasticity and dryness. This happens because the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. This is usually accompanied by many other unwanted side effects like the dreaded hot flashes, but we will save "the heat" for another post.

Let's first address the inside. First line of defense in dealing with menopausal skin is visiting a doctor who is willing to listen as you voice your concerns and not rush you out the door. Your doctor should be your trusted advocate, especially during this season of your life. Usually your doctor will suggest a blood panel to check the current status of your hormones and recommend treatment based on that information. We are not cookie cutters, so what was good for your girlfriend may not be what's right for you. And remember, our hormones are always in flux so even after we have been worked up and have a treatment plan, this is something we have to stay on top of and follow up as we changes occur. For example, your skin may be doing well one day and then all of a sudden you have what is akin to a teenage outbreak of pimples. Your HRT may have to be tweaked. You can read more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and make an informed decision if that is the right course of action for you. My doctor recommended a low-dose estrogen patch, which has helped me tremendously. If you are not a candidate for HRT, speak to your doctor about alternative options. If your doctor isn't willing to listen, find another doctor that will.

Let's now address the outside. Seek out a dermatologist who can analyze your skin and give you an at-home regimen, along with a more intensive treatment plan that is targeted for your specific needs. For example, unwanted hair can easily be taken care of with laser hair removal in one office visit. If crows feet are bothering you, a few units of botox will soften your overall look without giving you the deer in the headlights look. If you have areas that are more concerning to you, like sagging jowls or deep marionette lines, for example, seek out a licensed healthcare professional in your area. Treatment options range from botox and fillers to tightening lasers. Read more about the available procedures.

Now for the things we should be doing at-home for everyday maintenance include:

1. Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher even in the wintertime. Linking a few of my favorites. This one is a primer/sunscreen combination. This one is always in my makeup bag. Use code SHANNON25 for a discount at Revive.

2. Retinol - repairs skin and stimulates collagen production. Retinoids also help with hormonal acne. Use sparingly until you can see how you tolerate this ingredient. You can ask your dermatologist to prescribe you Retin-A or you can purchase a good quality product containing retinol. Use code SHANNON25 for discount.

3. Moisturizer - as we age, our skin loses its ability to hold water which results in dryness. One of my personal favorite moisturizers is hyaluronic acid. This one ingredient can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water. I use straight hyaluronic acid, but if your skin is still dry try patting a thicker moisturizer over top. This is my summer moisturizer and my winter moisturizer. Use code SHANNON25 for discount on winter moisturizer. For all-over body moisture, this is my favorite. It has a very light, fresh smell.

4. Blemish control - as hormones fluctuate, hormonal acne can occur. I have added lactic acid and glycolic acid as my go-to for keeping outbreaks at bay. I mix these with my moisturizer at nigh before bedtime and wake up with fresher, glowing skin. Cannot say enough good things about these two products. They are worth their weight in gold.

5. Nutrition - nutrition plays a huge factor in our hormones. We should eat a diet that is void of white sugar and processed foods, eat lots of leafy green vegetables, fruit and fish. I personally eat very little dairy and enjoy good oils like avocado and olive oil and eat an avocado a day.

6. Collagen - add this nutrient packed supplement to your daily routine either in powder form blended for a delicious smoothie, or in a capsule form. A great addition to any diet is a warm cup bone broth, which packs a nice amount of protein and collagen.

Ladies, we have to be our own advocates in the fight against aging. It is definitely a journey, but we do not travel alone. I love to share what I have learned along the way and I hope you will do the same. This is how we grow!

xoxo

Shannon