This month we speak to Andrew Petrou, skincare expert, practising Osteopath and registered Dietary Counsellor based in London. Andrew has over 10 years of experience working in the health and fitness industry. This month he shares some expert advice on how to care for your skin during menopause.
Have you noticed a change in your skin during your menopause journey? The decline of oestrogen levels can accelerate the aging process. This can result in dry skin, loss of elasticity and sensitivity. We naturally loose collagen and elastin as we age. A woman going through menopause can lose up to 25% of collagen within five years of their cycle ending. The good news is, with a few tweaks you can enjoy radiant skin throughout your menopause journey and beyond.
Dry skin
If you have dry skin it’s natural to reach for a heavier night cream. But if you suffer from night sweats a thick cream texture is going to feel uncomfortable and potentially worsen your symptoms. Instead try layering lighter hydrating textures. Try richer toners or essences, followed by light serums and a cooling gel-cream moisturiser.
Ingredients and textures
Are you familiar with your skincare ingredients? Now is the time to take note. Look for specific ingredients that are compatible to various textures. Hyaluronic acid is great for hydration, antioxidants offer protection and aloe is great for soothing and cooling. These ingredients work well as gel or serum textures. On the other hand, ceramides and other strengthening and fortifying ingredients pair better with lotions or other rich textures.
Cool it down
If hot flushes are one of the menopause symptoms you suffer from try placing your skincare products in the fridge. This is great for cooling your skin and reduces redness and puffiness. For keeping cool on-the-go try Promensil Cooling Spray. Specifically formulated, it offers instant relief by drawing heat away from the skin, quickly and effectively reducing skin temperature and redness.
SPF
One of the best ways to slow down skin ageing is to wear SPF on your face, neck, chest, and hands every day. UVA rays can penetrate cloud, so it’s important to wear sun cream all year. Keep a couple of sun creams in your bathroom cupboard. Use fluid textures when it’s warmer outside and thicker textures when it’s cooler.
Diet and supplements
Maintaining a good diet can do wonders for your skin. Keep hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water a day, as water helps you maintain your skin’s elasticity. Eat a minimum of five portions of fruit and veg each day. They contain antioxidants, which can help protect skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals such as pollution. Include plenty of vitamin C in your diet, which can be found in foods such as oranges and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C is needed to produce collagen and strengthens the capillaries in the skin. If you want additional support try taking a collagen boosting supplement such as Bioglan Beauty Collagen, which contains marine collagen, biotin, vitamin C and selenium to support healthier hair, skin and nails.
If you’d like to revamp your skincare products, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Skin Doctors to offer you 25% off non-sale items until 31st March 2022. Simply enter Promensil25 at checkout.