What is Menopause?
We understand that going through the menopause can be confusing. 73% of the women we surveyed said that their mothers didn't discuss the menopause with them. As leaders in targeted skincare for women 40+, we think it's time for change.
That's why we've launched MenoGlow™, a revolutionary skincare range in partnership with Marks & Spencer, designed specifically for menopausal skin. Join us as we tackle the topics you need answers to the most, starting with the basics.
What is the menopause?
You've probably heard the phrase, "the menopause" before, but this is one hot topic that isn't talked about. You may even fear going through it or feel uncomfortable asking questions. We're here to help clear up a few things, so you can approach the menopause in a cool, calm, and confident way.
The menopause is a natural stage that marks the end of a women's reproductive period. If a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she has fully reached the menopause. Although the term, "the menopause" is more broadly used to describe the time before, during, and after your period stops, there are specific terms for each stage. Let's look at each stage, the symptoms you may experience, and how it will affect your skin.
Phase One: Perimenopause (Before the Menopause)
Time frame: 7 - 10 years before the menopause
What happens: Your ovaries slowly start making less oestrogen causing more irregular periods. Look out for changes in your cycle.
Symptoms: Symptoms are most intense at this stage due to extreme fluctuation in oestrogen. Hot flushes and brain fog are common symptoms, though everyone experiences the menopause differently.
Skin changes: You may begin to experience dry skin, breakouts, and an increase in fine lines & wrinkles.
Skincare: Reach for our MenoGlow™ range
Phase Two: Menopause (During the Menopause)
Time frame: The day after a full 12 full months without a period
What happens: Your ovaries are no longer releasing eggs and are producing low amounts of oestrogen.
Symptoms: You may experience psychological symptoms such as mood changes, sleep disruption and anxiety, and physical symptoms including irregular periods, weight gain, and muscle loss.
Skin changes: At this stage, breakouts can worsen and you may experience deeper fine lines and wrinkles due to collagen loss. Rosacea and enlarged pores are also common symptoms.
Skincare: Reach for our MenoGlow™ range
Phase Three: Post-Menopause (After the Menopause)
Time frame: The rest of your life following the menopause
What happens: At this stage, your hormone levels begin to stabilize and you'll feel more like yourself again.
Skin changes: After the menopause, you may experience deep-set lines and creases as your collagen production is at its lowest. You may also experience lack of elasticity, firmness, and extreme dryness.
Symptoms: Symptoms are minimal; you should be feeling good! Lower estrogen levels can raise the risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, and bladder changes so keep in close contact with your doctor!
Skincare: Reach for our Platinum Firm & Lift range
Menopause & Your Skin
Did you know that the peri-menopause and menopause is the most drastic change your skin will ever face? With oestrogen and progesterone significantly dipping, the skin loses up to 30% of collagen in the first 5 years after the menopause. We consulted menopause expert, Dr. Naomi Potter about what changes we can expect in our skin.
According to Dr. Naomi, "Women lose fat under the skin which plays a big part in the visible changes, as they don’t have the same support structure underneath. Plus, they lose substantial collagen which affects the texture of the skin, it can become more wrinkled, rougher in texture, and much drier.”
We've developed MenoGlow™ specifically with these concerns in mind with collagen supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and our proprietary ‘M Complex’; a potent blend of tripeptides with Cloudberry Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica, and Syn®-Coll.
We hope after reading this post, you better understand the menopause and how it affects your body and skin. We believe that knowledge is power, so we'll continue to talk about the menopause and other topics related to ageing on our blog - watch this space!
Have a specific skincare question about ageing or the menopause? Let us know in the comments or email us at customercare@praibeauty.com