Menopause Awareness Month: Skin Changes During Menopause by Dr. Shahzadi Harper

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It usually occurs in a woman's 40s or 50s and involves a decline in estrogen production, which can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and insomnia. There are a variety of internal and external changes that women may experience when they hit their 40s, as the body begins to undergo a natural process of aging.

Specifically as women age, they may experience a variety of changes to their skin, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles: As the skin loses collagen and elastin, it becomes less firm and supple, which can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
• Dryness: Aging skin may produce less oil, leading to dryness and flakiness. This can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as cold weather or low humidity.
• Thinning: The skin may become thinner and more fragile as women age, which can make it more prone to bruising and tearing.
• Uneven tone and texture: Aging skin may develop uneven texture or tone, with areas of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots).
• Sagging and laxity: As the skin loses elasticity, it may become looser and less taut, leading to sagging and laxity in the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
• Increased visibility of blood vessels and pores: Aging skin may become thinner, which can make blood vessels and pores more visible.

These skin changes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, sun exposure, smoking, and diet. While some of these changes are a natural part of the aging process and may not be preventable, there are steps that women can take to help maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. I offer useful tips for navigating the aging especially in your 30's and beyond in this blog.