How to handle Menopausal skin

After the steady run of relatively obedient adult skin, the Menopause can often feel like hitting the rollercoaster of puberty all over again.

As our hormones swing out of balance, so does our skin.

For around 2 years between the ages of 45 – 55, 80% of women will regularly experience hot flushes, insomnia, aggravated skin and night sweats.

While I can’t offer a miracle cure (let’s face it, who can?), I have got some top tips for relieving the most frustrating symptoms of Menopausal skin.

Hot flushes

The bain of the Menopausal female’s life, hot flushes can strike at any time and usually last for a few minutes.

While some may just feel a short sensation of extreme heat, others will suffer perspiration, faintness and even sickness.

During these hot bouts, the face, neck and shoulders flush red.

Applying a cooling and calming mist or cream to the skin will help relieve these annoying and oppressive symptoms.

Pai’s Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream, for example, contains active ingredients that soothe, strengthen and protect reactive and flaring skin.

Keep in the fridge and apply cool to instantly reduce redness and dispel excess heat.

Dry, itchy and lacklustre skin

As Oestrogen levels drop, Collagen production slows down, and the skin needs a bit of extra help staying firm, fresh and toned.

An Essential Fatty Acid (Omega 3,6 & 9) supplement will help condition your skin from the inside out and promote a soft, supple and vibrant complexion.

Take in organic oil form from the spoon for best results - I strongly recommend Hemp oil and here’s why.

To combat dry, itchy and aggravated skin, moisturise on a regular basis with an alcohol-free moisturiser and body cream.

Rich in Palmitic Acid, the oil produced naturally by the skin that depletes with age, our Macadamia & Rose Dry Skin Cream is the ideal hydration boost for mature skin.

The anti-inflammatory powers of our Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream actively soothe, heal and regenerate irritated skin, while additional oils and butters replenish lost moisture.

Insomnia

Though insomnia is not a skin complaint, it can have a direct effect on skin health.

Lack of sleep and the stress it causes often aggravates existing skin conditions and sensitivities, as well as contributing to a general tired, dull and unhealthy complexion.

Lavender is a great organic sleep aid. Keep some dried buds on your bedside table or dot a couple of drops of essential oil into your pillow for a soporific effect.

Also make sure Menopausal insomnia is not made worse by additional stresses and strains.

Yoga and meditation are ideal stress-busters. Try practicing a few gentle exercises before you go to bed to clear and calm your mind.