Never really thought about it in my 20s or 30s, but when my gynecologist told me I was peri menopausal at the age of 36, I had no idea what was in for. I didn’t know anything about it.
Perimenopause is a precursor to the big M-word, a word we are hesitant to say; it's the beginning of the hormonal shifts that can affect your skin and hair. It can happen as early as your thirties as in my case, though most women experience it in their forties. But menopause will happen to all women, and we are lucky now to have more women talk about it and have more awareness on this topic.
Menopause only happens when a woman has already missed her period for one year, or 12 months in a row. This usually happens roughly between 40 and 58, though it can happen earlier or later. Perimenopause, the phase before hitting menopause is when your menstrual periods start to become irregular, and you can exhibit symptoms associated with it. This can last from four to eight years on average, or longer so for many women. In my case it started in my late 30s and fast forward 10 years, I’m still on the journey.
Most of you will wander what is actually happening in your body during that time? Well, your hormone levels are fluctuating, and estrogen levels drop during perimenopause and especially in menopause. With this your skin and hair often hold less water, which can make them appear dry and thin. This probably does not come as a shock to women in their forties and fifties, who report fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity as their biggest skincare concerns.
But the skin and hair of your forties, fifties, and beyond can be beautiful and healthy. Here's the secret: Consistency with your self-care routine with using the right products. Let’s look at the biggest skincare concerns before and during menopause that I went through and what we can do about them.
DRY SKIN
We know that after a certain age, it’s natural to begin to lose collagen and elastin, the two main proteins in our skin that help keep it plump and firm. Your oil glands are not as active during menopause so many women will experience dryness. Declining estrogen levels during menopause will make our skin appear drier as we see a decrease in amount of sebum oil glands produce. You will notice more wrinkles and sagging because of this. If you live in a dry climate, or, in the winter, use dry heat, the situation is made even worse. Drinking enough water is important at every stage of life, but keeping hydrated could be especially essential during the menopausal transition. Focusing on a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, quitting smoking and avoiding/limiting alcohol will benefit your overall health, and the appearance of your skin as well. And importantly hydrate your skin with the right skincare. CoreBlends uses a blend of oils in our organic nourishing body oil to moisturize and hydrate the skin minimizing dryness. Our organic marula face oil helps trapped moisture within the skin and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It can be used as a day/night oil and as a primer for make-up. It so versatile and so good for the skin!
WRINKLES AND SAGGINESS
Skin will be changing during this period and experiencing sagging skin and loss of elasticity is part of the process. It's important to start a regimen consistently to help improve this. At CoreBlends we love the use of Gua Sha as a nightly ritual paired with our organic marula face oil. In addition, using a satin pillowcase or pillow can make a difference. The smooth, frictionless satin can help prevent sleep lines and the eventual formation of wrinkles. Training to sleep on your back can also help.
HAIR THINNING/LOSS AND FRIZZY DRY HAIR
The earlier you catch and start treating menopause-related hair loss, the better the results! Estrogen promotes water retention and hair density and fullness, so when we lose estrogen as part of menopause, many of us experience hair thinning and shedding. Declining estrogen levels can also cause your scalp to feel dry and itchy, and even impact the amount of moisture in your hair. Hormones, particular androgens, play a large role in hair health. Hair follicles have hormone receptors, and the change in hormone levels and ratios may change the shape of your hair follicles, thus changing the texture of your hair. You should try to see a board-certified dermatologist when you first notice the problem, but you can also take steps on your own to help your hair health, including:
- Reduce or eliminate the use of heat damaging tools such as straighteners or hair dryers
- Review your diet, since a varied and healthy diet contribute to a healthy body and healthier hair
- Double check any medications you’re taking to see if there are hair loss side effects, and talk to your doctor if you think your medication may be causing your hair loss
- Using a good scalp leave in hair oil treatment consistently
CoreBlends organic leave in oil scalp treatment when used consistently can help minimize hair loss/thinning and improve the texture of your hair. I used it twice a week consistently when my hair was at its worst and saw a difference in the 4th month and a noticeable change within 9 months. As with anything, I cannot emphasize enough that consistency is the key to hair and skin health.
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Remember life is about change and going through pre menopause is another part of that life change. Understanding what it is and how it will affect you is the key to transition to this next phase in our lives as women. I started my menopause journey not knowing anything about it. It was initially daunting, and I admit I was afraid. But by educating myself and understanding what was to come helped me through this journey. It prepared me both mentally and physically. As I approach my 50s, I have found using natural oils as part of my skin and haircare routine has helped my skin and hair be its best. And I am so pleased that we at CoreBlends are able to share this with you.
With Love
Sonia Munro