What The Heck Is Up With My Skin?

As you know from reading this newsletter, despite being 51, I think I am 28. Until I look in the mirror and realize, nope, I am not 28 anymore! My skin is drier, a little lackluster, I have wrinkles around my eyes, the beginning of grooves around my mouth and grey hair in my eyebrows (not to mention my hair).

I am fine with getting older and I like how look. Although if I could wave a magic wand and look 28 again for a day I probably would. Just to make sure I thoroughly appreciate the glow of young skin!

Having said that, I want to look the best I can now and in the future. This means understanding what is happening to my skin and the steps I can take to address my goals of not looking tired, grumpy, or shriveled. Everyone will have different goals. Knowledge of what is happening can help you determine the right approach for your skin.

Your Skin As You Age

Declining levels of estrogen, due to changes in your hormones during perimenopause and menopause, can wreak havoc on your skin. Less estrogen results in less collagen production and less collagen means less elasticity in your skin, thinner skin, and more uneven skin tone and texture. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, during the first 5 years of menopause, collagen production drops about 30%.

“As you age, your skin doesn't produce new cells as quickly as it used to. So, it gradually becomes less elastic and prone to dryness.” As skin tone and elasticity change you may start to notice wrinkles and fine lines.

Less collagen and cells which renew more slowly also mean the top layer of skin doesn’t retain moisture as well.

In addition, oil production slows down after age 40. And if all this isn’t enough, you may start to notice sunspots and changes to pigmentation (including loss of pigmentation in your hair…that’s where those gray hairs are coming from) and even adult acne…all thanks to your changing hormones.

What You Can Do

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to help your skin look its best (at any age). Lifestyle is the first line of defense. What you eat is important. Cut out sugar, stop smoking, focus on getting enough sleep, and watch the alcohol intake. And stay hydrated…water really is your best friend. Boring but true!

In terms of potions and lotions, the most important step you can take is to put on sunscreen every day. Ideally more than once a day, especially if you are in the sun. I keep a bottle of sunscreen mist in my car and try to remember to reapply before I hike or go outside for an extended time. Remember your neck and upper chest and slather some on the back of your hands too. Look for a sunscreen that offers both UVA/UVB protection and 30 SPF.

Then it is all about moisture, moisture, and more moisture! Remember with less estrogen, you have less collagen which means less moisture retention. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin care products containing retinol or peptides are ideal to treat skin changes during menopause because they can increase collagen, which helps your skin retain moisture. Retinoid product can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as grow new blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Topical Vitamin C can also help your skin retain moisture and find yourself a high quality moisturizing cream. And little did I know, it is recommended to moisturize throughout the day (I have not tried this but might if I can remember). Lastly, get rid of dead skill cells by using physical scrubs and chemical exfoliants containing AHA.

Next you get into treatments requiring a professional, although there are starting to be some DIY products in this category. One of the most common treatments is microneedling which may increase collagen production to counteract sagging skin. Other treatments in this category include lasers for wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation issues, as well as microdermabrasion for getting rid of dead skin cells. Non-surgical facelifts such as Ultherapy to lift and tighten skin are also popular.

In terms of supplements, experts differ in their advice. “If you already have a balanced, relatively healthy diet, skincare supplements will likely do nothing for your skin, because you're getting everything you need from your food, according to Dr. Levin and Dr. Vivian Bucay, M.D., clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center”. Other experts say fish oil can help reduce adult acne and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. And still others suggest taking Vitamin C, D, E and K for your skin.

If you want more information, this article discusses 40 different ways to help your skin age gracefully.  discusses 40 different ways to help your skin age gracefully. In addition, there is a new company, Pause Well-Aging, a science-backed skin care company creating products for all three stages of menopause. I appreciate their focus on the unique issues of perimenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal skin. And I LOVE their Collagen Boosting Moisturizer and Fascia Stimulating Tool.

What I Have Tried

I didn’t get serious about my skin care regimen until my 40s (regretfully). Prior to that time my routine consisted of washing my face, using a topical Vitamin C serum and sunscreen. I only became motivated to change when I consistently saw dull, dry, tired skin in the mirror.

I realized if I wanted healthy, beautiful skin as I got older, I needed to invest more in my skin. My goal was not to chase youth but rather to protect what I had and not look older than necessary. First, I got serious about my sleep – I wasn’t a 20-year-old who can look good after only 4 hours of sleep. I also homed in on my diet. I had noticed my skin looked blotchy and dull if I didn’t eat well. I prioritized vegetables, protein, fat, and limited sugar.

I upped my daily skin care routine. This was a significant step as I like to keep things simple. One of the biggest changes was using an eye cream. I started out using it only at night thinking it would be enough. But wow, what a difference twice a day makes! I use Factorfive Eye/Lash Cream. My eyes are sensitive, and it doesn’t irritate or make them puffy. And I swear it reduces the fine lines around my eyes.

My new routine. After washing my face with water in the morning, I apply eye cream, GOOPGLOW 20% Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum, Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Pause Well-Aging’s Collagen Boosting Moisturizer, and Dermaquest sunscreen. I just discovered Pause Well-Aging, a new,  science-backed skin care company creating products for all three stages of menopause, perimenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal skin – which I appreciate!

In the evening, I cleanse my face with Kivi Organics Moisturizing Cleansing Cream, which is made for maturing skin, followed by the same eye cream, serum, and moisturizer and use Pause Well-Aging’s Fascia Stimulating Tool.

Three to four times a week I use my Clarisonic cleaning brush or Arcona Cranberry Gomage scrub. Once a week I use Skinbetter AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads and once a week their Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream. My skin is too sensitive to use anything more often.

Over the last couple of years I have begun to experiment with professional in-office treatments. I get filler a couple of times a year under my eyes because I always looked tired no matter what I did. I also do microdermabrasion 2 to 3 times a year and Botox around my mouth 3 to 4 times per year – this keeps me from looking unhappy when I am not! I also recently tried a combination of Genius microneedling and LaseMD to stimulate collagen growth and even out my skin tone. I don’t currently have plans to try anything else.

Parting Thought

I believe healthy, beautiful skin is possible during midlife with a little help from nature and science. I hope this article helps you understand your skin and how to care for it as you journey through midlife.

See you next week…