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By Caire Guest Editor Melissa Foss
There were mornings—not that long ago—when you would wake up fresh and glowing even after a night of no sleep (and two-too many cocktails). Those were the days! It’s been a while since those carefree skin moments, but don’t despair. Even if, this morning, you woke up looking, well, less than fresh-as-a-daisy, there are steps you can take to battle “menopause face” and get back to a more rested, refreshed countenance, no matter where you are in the perimenopause and menopause process. But first, what changes come with menopause? To put it bluntly, it is the body’s way of reacting to your loss of hormones, and with that can come unpleasant side effects like menopause facial hair, menopause dry skin on your face, menopause red face, and more. Read on to find out how to stay as normal looking (and feeling) as you can during this disruptive time.
To put it simply, as we approach and reach “the change,” our skin is rapidly evolving at a cellular level, and because we are continuously losing both estrogen and progesterone, our skin is subject to some not-so-pretty conditions, such as age spots, wrinkles, dry skin, redness and even unruly hair on chin 😢. Here’s what you may expect and how to battle the inevitable changes we all go through.
Youthful sun worshipping was bound to catch up to you one day. That day has come—you can no longer refer to these spots as “freckles.” Nope, now they are officially “age spots.” Meaning that melanin (a natural pigment that gives skin its color) has grouped together in high concentrations on certain areas of your face and décolletage, shoulders, and back of the hands. Till now, those dark spots have been hidden by thick, young skin. But now that skin is thinning as our hormone levels drop, dark spots on your face and chest may appear overnight.
More seriously, skin-cancer may now rear its ugly, dangerous head. Wear sunscreen (a physical SPF of at least SPF 30) on all exposed skin, even in the winter. Be hyper aware of pigmented areas that change color, size or is bleeding. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!
Pick a skincare regimen containing OTC skin-lightening agents such as hydroquinone, glycolic acid or kojic acid and apply every evening. Or visit your dermatologist for a laser treatment, dermabrasion, microneedling or a chemical peel. The latest treatment is called Ekstata, and it involves the doctor applying a highly concentrated liquid form of hydrogen peroxide to affected areas for several minutes. Speak to your MD about which option is best for you.
Most important: No matter if you have age spots or not, it’s crucial to schedule an annual skin-cancer check with your dermatologist. They will check your entire body, including places you can’t see, for suspicious growths. The sooner these are caught and tested the better the chances are for surviving skin cancer. This is serious business—you owe it to yourself, your family and friends to make the time.
Around menopause, and even before in perimenopause, we quickly lose collagen—the basic building block of our skin. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, we lose 30% of collagen during the first five years of menopause. Ouch. What this means is that the repetitive expressions you’ve been making all your life (smiling, frowning, laughing) leaves lines in your skin that now stay put after you’re done with the expression. You will likely see in your reflection one day crow’s feet, marionette lines, forehead wrinkles…time leaves its mark in a different pattern on every face.
Simultaneously, we lose sebum, the natural substance we create that helps keep skin lubricated. As it lessens with each passing menopausal month, skin becomes drier and wrinkles are even more prominent.
Don’t accept wrinkles as a fact of life. There are quite a few options available to, as Cher is famous for singing, “Turn Back Time.”
One is Botox. (or its competitors, Dysport and Jeaveau). Botox is not for everyone, but for those that choose to get it, it’s highly effective; an FDA-approved substance that makes wrinkles disappear for months at a time by causing muscles to relax. Be aware that there are possible side effects, such as lazy eye, drooping and muscle contractures and it is an expensive proposition. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, each appointment costs between $100 and $2,800.
If you’re not ready for the needle, head straight for the Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is a substance that attracts water from the environment, visibly plumping skin. Caire’s Theorem Serum Boost contains a proprietary formula using the most advanced triple action Hyaluronic Acid turbo-charged through their unique delivery mechanism. Skin is stronger and smoother with twice daily use—up to 200%! Just read all of their 5 star reviews on this product to be wowed.
When it comes to cleansing your complexion, skip the soap and go for a gentle, non-drying product (we like Cetaphil).
You’ve heard the advice a million times, but that’s because its true: Drink water! Chugging twelve (we are past the eight glasses a day phase now, girls!) glasses a day will help flush out toxins that may be making you retain fluid—a symptom of dehydration. H20 also makes your complexion clearer and more glowing.
Another option? Try propping your head up on an extra pillow overnight so that your head is above your heart, and if possible, sleep on your back to help prevent fluids from settling in your face. Sleeping this way keeps blood moving through your body all night rather than pooling in certain areas, like under your eyes.
For a quick fix, try a facial roller like Caire’s Face Ritual Rose Quartz Roller, which soothes and de-puffs after just a few minutes. Use it before a big event and you will see the difference! Hint: Store it in the refrigerator for more de-puffing power.
To cover all your bases, take a Vitamin K supplement, which many skincare experts claim help to improve circulation, de-puffing the eye area. Consult your doctor for proper doses.
And, last but not least, don’t forget that old staple: tea bags. Caffeine is proven to constrict blood vessels upon contact, so lying with tea bags on your closed lids for fifteen to twenty minutes will have a smoothing effect on those bothersome bags. You’ll emerge bright-eyed and ready to face the day.
Loss of volume can be aesthetically addressed with injectable fillers including Juvéderm®, Voluma® and Restylane®. Consult your board-certified dermatologist to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Costs vary widely depending on where you live, how many areas you want to address and the specific doctor’s fees.
Other in-office options include laser treatments, Thermage®, Ultherapy, and facial exercises, including facial yoga.
According to Northwestern University, studies have shown this practice is actually effective in strengthening your facial muscles, helping you to look years younger in time! And, of course, try our Caire line of products, which are Hyaluronic Acid-based and have proven to give contouring benefits after eight weeks of use! Agrees Caire fan Diane, 64, who says, “The Glowmaker Serum and theMask are amazing. In a few weeks I was already seeing a difference in my skin. A firmness and a glow I hadn’t seen in a long while.” There you have it!
Thankfully, a few errant hairs is an easy problem to solve. It’s simple to tweeze them away. You can also wax them, shave them, or as Chef & Author Carla Hall declares is the best for keeping them from going awry, you can try laser hair removal in the affected areas. A particular hurdle occurs when those hairs turn gray. You may have to ask your best friend or facialist to help you locate and remove them. Then you can again face the world with confidence.
Menopause is inevitable for all women, but it’s a relief to know that you can take some of the unpleasant effects it can have on the face you present to the world and make them disappear (or at least look much improved). Caire Beauty offers skincare for menopause and the dramatic changes that occur during this trying time. Use the Caire Serum to help hydrate and plump skin for a younger-looking glow. And most important, take care of your overall health to look and feel your best during this important life stage—you’ll thank yourself as time goes by.
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