Hormonal Changes & Aging Skin: What’s Happening and What You Can Do About It

Most know that there are a variety of hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause, but did you know that these changes can profoundly impact the skin?  Some common concerns that we see in aging skin include dryness, dullness, sagging/volume-related changes, and even sensitivity. By understanding what is happening beneath the surface, better skin care choices can be made.  Here at Atalo Aesthetics, we have a variety of treatments, skin care products and providers with a wealth of knowledge to help any age-related skin concerns. Let’s dive deeper into what you can do (starting today) about hormonal changes and aging skin.

By: Kristin Gaskins, NP

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The Hormonal Shift: What’s Happening Under the Skin 

One of the main hormone changes that women experience in menopause is a decrease in estrogen and progesterone.  Estrogen is known to help prevent aging in several ways, including stimulating collagen production, helping to keep skin hydrated by affecting hyaluronic acid production, and keeping the skin plump and hydrated.  

As estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, there is a decrease in collagen production, which leads to more fine lines, decreased elasticity, and sagging. There is also a decrease in natural hyaluronic acid. This causes more dryness and thinner skin, which could even lead to a compromised skin barrier and more sensitivity.  As we age, we also see a slower cell turnover which can lead to dullness in the skin. By this point in our lives, we have also had years of sun exposure. We may also notice pigmentation-related changes leading to more unevenness in our skin tone. 

Common Skin Concerns During Menopause 

Because of the changes happening under and within the skin mentioned above, there are some common concerns that we see in women during and after menopause.

• Dryness & Dehydration: The decrease in progesterone and estrogen results in less natural oil production in the skin, as well as less natural hyaluronic acid production. This results in drier and dehydrated skin which can actually accentuate the appearance of wrinkles. 
• Loss of Firmness & Elasticity: Collagen production begins to decrease as early as our 20s, but then drastically drops off more with the decrease of estrogen.  This results in decreased firmness, elasticity and more lines and wrinkles. 
• Dullness & Uneven Texture: With aging, we also see an decrease in skin cell turnover. This means older skin cells sit on the surface longer before naturally being exfoliated off. This results in dullness and uneven texture. 
• Increased Sensitivity: With thinner skin, we can see a compromised skin barrier.  This can lead to increased sensitivity. 
• Fine Lines & Wrinkles: The decrease in collagen production leads to more frequent lines and wrinkles. After years of muscle movement, this may seem more obvious around the eyes and mouth. 

Skincare Solutions: Support from the Outside In 

Now that we understand the changes that occur in the skin as we age, we can properly recommend ingredients and products that can help support menopausal skin. There are some key ingredients to include in a menopausal skin care regime. Retinoids help increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen. Peptides can help to support firmness. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides improve hydration and provide barrier repair. Lastly, niacinamide can provide a soothing and brightening effect.  It is important to make sure you are utilizing products that are gentle and high-quality to respect the sensitivity of aging skin.  

Here at Atalo Aesthetics, there are a few products that we highly recommend for mature skin:

• SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense & Repair Serum: This antioxidant packed product helps protect the skin from external and internal causes of aging. It also helps with skin barrier support and can help brighten skin. 
• SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream: This multi-award winning product combines a retinoid and AHA. This results in benefits similar to that of prescription tretinoin with little-to-nose irritation.  This helps increase skin cell turnover, improves pigmentation, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. 
• SkinBetter Science InterFuse Treatment Cream Face & Neck: A peptide-rich formula that helps target visible signs of collagen and elastin loss.  This helps improve the look of skin sagging, crepiness, fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Rion Aesthetics (plated) TM Intense and Daily: This one-of-a-kind product utilizes plated-derived exosomes to improve even the most damaged skin. It has been shown to help support a healthy skin barrier by locking in hydration. This keeps skin looking smooth and plump.  It also has been clinically studied to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, decreases dark spots and improves laxity. Think of this as a treatment in a bottle. Truly an amazing product! 

These are just a few of the treatment options available at Atalo Aesthetics that can help those menopausal skin concerns.  Again, these are best paired with a high-quality skincare routine for optimal results. 

The Power of Prevention & Consistency 

As with most things skin care related, prevention and consistency are key.  If you have not entered the perimenopause or menopause phase in life, be sure to get started on good skin care habits early. This can include using daily antioxidants, SPF and a retinoid.  Have a more proactive approach to skin aging rather than waiting to treat until the visible signs of aging have intensified. Too often we underestimate the value and power of a consistent skincare routine, sun protection and regular aesthetic treatments for long-term skin health. Remember, it is a marathon, not a sprint.  Those little habits we form throughout the years can have a big impact in the long-haul.