What on Earth is Perimenopause

Turns out Menopause has a friend, and her name is Peri-Menopause, and she likes arriving early to the party.

The Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause

Peri-Menopause is the transitional time before Menopause. It begins with irregular menstrual cycles, due to declining function of the ovaries, and ends 12 months after your last period. Many things change during this time, and not all women experience the same changes in their body. Harvard Health notes that changes include: 

• Hot flushes
• Irregular periods
• Night sweats
• Vaginal changes
• PMS-like symptoms
• Mood Swings
• Weight Gain
• Disturbed Sleep

The list does go on, but all of these changes are a completely normal part of aging, so, good news is, you are not alone and it’s all temporary.

Many of these changes can be attributed to the change in hormonal levels, mainly Oestrogen dominance and deficiency. Oestrogen levels rise and fall irregularly during Peri-Menopause. You may notice Menstrual cycles can shorten or lengthen throughout this time, along with cycles in which you don’t ovulate (no egg release).

These hormonal changes also effect the appearance of the skin. Three common changes to the skin throughout this time include dryness, age spots, and decrease in elasticity. Nourishing your skin with enriching oils and serums will help hydrate and restore the skin barrier and build protection against environmental damages.

Dry skin

Dry skin is a common issue that women face throughout the Peri and Menopausal stages. The skin loses its ability to hold moisture during this time due to less active oil glands. Dryness can also occur when the skin barrier is damaged, leading to moisture escaping and irritants and pollutants penetrating the skin and causing damage. So, it’s important to spend time restoring that moisture topically and internally. When restoring moisture topically, it’s important to focus on hydrating products containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These chemicals penetrate the skin and help lock in moisture.

Ceramides are natural lipids (oils) that make up over 50% of your skin’s composition. These lipids make up the outer layer of the skin and help build the skin barrier, shielding it from dehydration, as well as protecting against environmental and external irritants. Incorporating products containing Ceramides will help lock in moisture resulting in more supple, smoother skin. Our Emerge Hydrating Day Cream and Beyond Rejuvenating Night Cream are the perfect addition to your Peri-Menopausal skincare routine. Packed with enriching and protective ceramides, phytoestrogens, hyaluronic and amino acids, peptides, and natural retinols, they assist in reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles by stimulating collagen and are deeply rejuvenating. These creams are hydrating powerhouses. 

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, capable of holding over one thousand times its weight in water. It is found naturally in many areas of the body, including the skin. As we age, its production decreases, causing dehydrated skin. To help in the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, our Chrysalis Pigmentation and Age Spot Serum will help stimulate cells, resulting in firm, plump skin. Use in conjunction with our Awaken Hyaluronic Acid Prep Spritz, spritzing the skin prior to serum application for deeper hydration. Awaken is also great at keeping your skin hydrated while you are on the go.

Age Spots

Age Spots – also known as Hyperpigmentation or melasma –, are a common concern during the menopausal stages. With hormonal changes, such as the decrease of oestrogen, there comes an increase in melanin production, so it’s important to use products that are going to support the skin through these changes. Seeking products with active ingredients like Vitamin C and Lactic Acid, will help improve skin tone and brighten the skin. Lactic Acid is a form of AHA, that helps to gently exfoliate the skin by removing the top layer of dead skin cells, while also reducing dark spots. A potent antioxidant, Vitamin C will brighten and even skin tone, making it a powerful ingredient for Hyperpigmentation reduction. If you are experiencing Hyperpigmentation and age spots, our Genesis Pigmentation and Age Spot Serum is a great solution.

Decrease in Elasticity

Hormonal changes and the decrease of collagen during Menopausal stages also lead to a decrease in skin elasticity. This can lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin generally around the neck, jawline, and cheeks. Peptides are essential in restoring collagen and elastin to the skin in Peri-Menopause and Menopause. They are short chains of amino acids joined by peptide bonds and help restore the skin. Our Peptide Amino Acid Serum is filled with 22 amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and phytoestrogens to help stimulate collagen production and elastin, all while regenerating your skin as you sleep.

How to Stay as Radiant and Healthy as Possible Through Menopause

Diet and lifestyle also have a major role to play in Menopause. While exercise has positive physical and psychological effects on menopausal women, studies show that there is no evidence for the effect of exercise on menopausal specific symptoms. This is not to say stop exercising – by all means, keep it up and bring your girlfriends along – but that it won’t contribute to a reduction in symptoms. Oxidative stress, the consequence of excessive free oxygen radicals, is linked to menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. To combat these free radicals, it’s shown that incorporating antioxidant rich foods into your daily diet is associated with fewer menopausal symptoms. Try filling your plate with more fruits and vegetables to increase your intake of fibre, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Afterall, good skin comes from within.

Improved nutrition and regular exercise can help contribute to better sleep throughout menopause but try to avoid larger portions and exercise close to bedtime. Consider keeping your bedroom at a cooler temperature, with minimal light and noise, along with maintaining a regular sleep schedule and night-time routine. Supplementation with high quality ingredients can be a great support throughout menopause. Our Women’s Blend is a delicious addition to your routine. With ingredients like ashwagandha, magnesium and schisandra, this blend helps boost cognitive function, enable a restorative sleep, and sustain energy levels. Its choc-berry flavour means it is packed with flavonoid rich Cacao, powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories like Goji Berry and Acerola Cherry.

Stick to the Skin Routine

A well-structured skincare routine will help your skin stay firm, plump and hydrated, by restoring elasticity and evening skin tone. Giving your skin some TLC each day and seeing the results, will give you extra confidence in your day-to-day life.