Menopause ushers in a wave of changes, not just internally, but also aesthetically, particularly when it comes to your skin and hair. As hormone levels drop, you may notice your skin becoming drier, thinner, and less firm, accompanied by fine lines, wrinkles, and acne flare-ups.
What Happens to Your Skin During Menopause?
Estrogen plays a vital role in skin health by promoting hydration through increased production of key elements including sebum as well as promoting water retention – it also supports the skin's barrier function and the structural integrity of the outermost layer of the skin’s cells.1
With declining estrogen experienced during menopause, this balance is disrupted, leading to noticeable changes, such as:2
● Dryness: Reduced natural oil production makes it harder for skin to retain moisture, often exacerbated by arid climates.
● Loss of Firmness: Within the first five years of menopause, collagen production can plummet by 30%, leading to sagging, enlarged pores, and undereye puffiness. Wrinkles that were once visible only during expressions may become permanent fixtures.
● Fragility and Irritation: Thinner skin with a weakened barrier becomes prone to tears, bruises, and increased sensitivity to irritants. This can result in redness, rashes, and a heightened reaction to everyday skincare products.
● Hair Changes: Hormonal shifts can cause hair thinning on the scalp, while unwanted facial hair may appear on the chin, jawline, and upper lip.
In addition, menopausal skin is more susceptible to changes in pigmentation, such as age spots and uneven tone, and can take longer to heal due to the loss of collagen.,3
What is Tretinoin and How Does it Work?
For those experiencing menopausal acne, or an increase in wrinkles or uneven skin tone, tretinoin cream can be a game-changer. Tretinoin, a topical retinoid, works by speeding up the skin turn over process, so that healthier skin cells can take their place. It can help to treat acne, sun damaged skin, as well as wrinkles.4
How Does Tretinoin Help with Menopause Acne?
Unlike many acne products designed for adolescent, oily skin, tretinoin is suitable for mature, skin issues, including acne. Studies have also shown its efficacy in managing acne while improving other age-related concerns like hyperpigmentation and fine lines, as mentioned previously.5
Oral isotretinoin may also be prescribed for severe cases of acne during the perimenopause transition, as it addresses all major acne-causing factors. However, it requires careful monitoring and adherence to a pregnancy prevention program during and after treatment, specifically during perimenopause.6
Using Tretinoin Cream on Menopausal Skin
Although studies on tretinoin use in older populations are limited, case studies suggest significant benefits. For instance, in one study, a 65-year-old patient treated with 0.05% tretinoin lotion experienced improvements in skin tone, photodamage, and actinic keratosis (AK) while avoiding common side effects like dryness and irritation. This demonstrates tretinoin’s potential to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously, from acne to age spots.7
Menopause Skincare Routine: Essentials for Healthy, Radiant Skin
Navigating menopause doesn’t mean resigning to dull, problematic skin or lack luster hair. With the right skincare products and by employing a targeted approach through a regimented skincare routine, you can maintain a vibrant complexion.
Here’s how to potentially maintain healthy, radiant skin during menopause and beyond:8,9
● Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to guard against wrinkles, sunspots, and skin cancer. Reapply frequently, especially after sweating or swimming. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so make this a year-round habit.
● Hydration and Repair: Try switching to mild, pH-balanced cleansers and use fragrance-free moisturizers enriched with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients draw water into the skin, combating dryness and irritation.
● Consider Retinol or Products with Peptides: Products containing retinol or peptides may help to improve skin sagging, by improving collagen amounts in your skin, over time.
● Gentle Exfoliation: Avoid harsh scrubs that may irritate thinning, delicate skin during menopause. Consider instead a chemical peel with something like lactic acid, as this option may be more beneficial for those with mature, sensitive skin.
● Acne Management: If breakouts occur, consider incorporating salicylic acid or azelaic acid into your routine. These ingredients work to clear pores while being gentler on mature skin.
● Tame Hair Concerns: For thinning hair or unwanted facial hair, consider professional treatments like laser therapy or dermatologist-prescribed solutions.
● Professional Checkups: Regular dermatologist visits can provide personalized care for issues like age spots or acne scars and help monitor for signs of skin cancer.7
Tretinoin’s Role in Postmenopausal Skincare
Tretinoin stands out as a cornerstone for mature skin care, aiding in addressing acne, photodamage, and age-related changes. By improving collagen production and accelerating cellular turnover, tretinoin not only helps with acne but also enhances overall skin texture, tone, and resilience.
Incorporating tretinoin into a consistent skincare routine can bring transformative results, restoring your skin’s vitality during menopause and beyond. Consult with a dermatologist to craft a regimen tailored to your unique needs and watch your skin rediscover its natural radiance.
Resources:
- https://www.mdedge9-beta.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/106506/aesthetic-dermatology/skin-disorders-during-menopause
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/skin-care-during-menopause
- https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230609/How-does-your-Skin-Change-during-Menopause.aspx
- https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/tretinoin#what-is-it
- https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/tretinoin
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6825478/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7278291/
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/skin-care-during-menopause
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/dermatologists-share-skin-care-tips-for-menopause-and-beyond
Comments
Post commentThis article was helpful. Thank you.
Really helpful advice for mature skin. I just began treatment.