Perimenopause Skin Guide

Navigating through perimenopause is a unique experience for every woman, but one shift is inevitable: our skin’s behaviour during this phase. The changes can include dryness, sensitivity, dullness, and the onset of fine lines, making it feel like your skin is betraying you. But, as with all things in life, understanding and embracing these changes is key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what perimenopause means for your skin, why these changes happen, and how you can care for your skin in a way that supports its natural transition. By the end of this, you'll not only understand your skin better but also feel empowered to nurture it with confidence.

Understanding Perimenopause and Its Impact on Skin

Perimenopause, often referred to as the "menopausal transition," typically begins in a woman's 40s, although it can start earlier or later. This phase marks the gradual decline in ovarian function, leading to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal changes are the primary culprits behind the skin transformations you might be experiencing.

1. Hormonal Fluctuations and Their Effects On Skin

• Oestrogen: This hormone is crucial in maintaining skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. As oestrogen levels drop during perimenopause, you may notice your skin becoming drier, thinner, and less elastic. The decrease in collagen production and slower cell turnover rate contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Progesterone: This hormone influences oil production. Lower progesterone levels can result in changes to the skin's natural oils, leading to either excessive dryness or unexpected breakouts.

2. Decreased Collagen Production

Collagen is the protein that gives our skin its firmness and structure. Starting in our late 20s, collagen production naturally declines by about 1% per year, and this process accelerates during perimenopause. The reduction in collagen not only leads to the formation of fine lines but also affects skin elasticity and firmness.

3. Slower Skin Cell Turnover

During perimenopause, the rate at which your skin cells renew themselves slows down significantly. This slower turnover can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells, resulting in a dull and uneven complexion. It also means that your skin may not heal as quickly as it once did.

4. Sensitivity and Inflammation

With hormonal changes, your skin's barrier function can become compromised, making it more susceptible to external irritants and inflammation. This can manifest as redness, itching, or increased sensitivity to products that never bothered you before.

5 Actionable Tips for Perimenopausal Skincare

Here are five easy, actionable tips to help you craft a skincare routine that meets your skin’s evolving needs during perimenopause:

1. Prioritise Hydration: Inside and Out

One of the most common skin issues during perimenopause is dryness. Combatting this requires a two-pronged approach—topical hydration and internal hydration.

• Topical Hydration: Look for adding a hydrating mist or beauty essence to your skincare routine. Adding a layer of hydration before other skincare products can really help with the feeling of dryness and dullness.  Additionally, emollients like squalane and ceramides can help restore the skin's lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss.

• Internal Hydration: Ensure you're drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration isn’t just about how much you drink; it’s also about what you eat. Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens into your diet.

2. Incorporate Gentle Exfoliation

As skin cell turnover slows, gentle exfoliation becomes key to maintaining a bright, even complexion. However, over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, especially when your skin is already more sensitive.

• Opt for gently acidy toners and beauty essences. You can use these daily, to encourage healthy skin cell turnover for glowing skin. 
• Try Rehydrate & Balance Beauty Essence for skin barrier repair and daily exfoliation.

3. Focus on Barrier Repair and Strengthening

Your skin’s barrier is its first line of defence against environmental aggressors, and during perimenopause, it needs extra support.

• Incorporate products that are rich in ceramides and fatty acids. These ingredients help to reinforce the skin barrier, keeping moisture in and irritants out.
• Be mindful of potential irritants. Fragrances, alcohol, and harsh chemicals can exacerbate sensitivity, so opt for gentle formulas whenever possible.
• Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum helps protect the skin against the environment with balanced fatty acids, antioxidants and ceramides from Nordic Oat Lipid. 
• If your skin is dry, using a beauty balm to offer extra protection is highly recommended. JNS The Balm nurtures the skin and prevents transepidermal water loss effectively.

4. Embrace Antioxidants

Antioxidants are your best friends in combating the visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.

• Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and protect against environmental damage. 
• Vitamin E  are other antioxidants that work synergistically to neutralise free radicals and promote skin repair.
• Tocotrienols protect your skin from UV damage and inflammation.
• Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help maintain the skin's overall quality and appearance.
• Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum is packed with vitamins and antioxidants from organic plant oils that are rich in vitamins A, E, K and D, such as Rosehip seed, Camellia seed and Arctic berries.

5. Don’t Forget Sun Protection

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature ageing, and during perimenopause, your skin is more vulnerable than ever. Daily sun protection is non-negotiable.

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. 
• Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days and reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors.
• Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat or seeking shade during peak sun hours to give your skin extra protection.

Lifestyle Considerations: Beyond Skincare Products

While the right skincare products are essential, lifestyle changes can also have a significant impact on your skin's health during perimenopause.

• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean proteins can support skin health from the inside out. Foods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and colourful fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients that can help maintain skin elasticity and hydration. More about nutrition for healthy skin here ->

• Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate skin issues, leading to breakouts, dullness, and even accelerated ageing. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, or simply spending time in nature to help keep cortisol levels in check. Download our free Stress-Free Skin Guide here ->.

• Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for skin repair and regeneration. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. If sleep disturbances are an issue during perimenopause, consider creating a relaxing bedtime routine and avoiding screens before bed. Read more about sleep here ->

Conclusion

Perimenopause is a natural phase of life that comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. By understanding the changes happening in your body and adapting your skincare routine accordingly, you can continue to nurture your skin’s health and radiance. Remember, the goal isn’t to fight against ageing but to support your skin as it evolves. With the right care, your skin can look and feel beautiful at every stage of life.

By following these tips and adopting a skincare routine tailored to your changing needs, you'll be well on your way to maintaining healthy, glowing skin throughout perimenopause. Embrace this new chapter with confidence, knowing that you have the knowledge and tools to care for your skin with grace and love.

Love, Jenny

Founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare

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