Skin and Hair Changes during Perimenopause
and Beyond

Perimenopause and menopause can cause noticeable changes in your hair and skin due to fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. 

This is why, for women who are invested in liking what they see in the mirror as we age, we offer our signature Proactive Ageing approach to medical aesthetics. 

These hormones play a key role in maintaining the health and appearance of your skin and hair. 

As oestrogen levels decline, you may notice physical changes, but there are also proactive steps you can take to minimize the effects and maintain healthy hair and skin during this time.

Changes in Hair During Perimenopause and Menopause:

1. Thinning Hair:
   • Hair thinning may occur after age 30 due to the ageing process in both men and women
   • Oestrogen helps keep hair in the growth phase of the hair cycle. As oestrogen declines, hair may enter the shedding phase more quickly, leading to noticeable thinning, especially around the crown and temples. 
   • Solutions include: 
     • Healthy Diet
       1. foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and zinc to support hair health. 
       2. Salmon, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens are great choices.
     • Gentle Hair Care
       1. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners
       2. Avoid excessive heat styling or harsh chemical treatments, which can weaken hair.
     • Topical Treatments
       1. Consider using minoxidil (Rogaine), a topical solution that promotes hair regrowth for some women.
     • Scalp Massages
       1. Regularly massaging your scalp can increase circulation, which may stimulate hair growth.

2. Dry or Brittle Hair:

• Lower oestrogen can also result in drier hair, as it reduces the scalp’s oil production. 
• This can make hair look lackluster and more prone to breakage.
• Solutions may include:
  • Moisturizing Treatment
    • Use a nourishing hair mask or deep conditioner once a week to hydrate and strengthen your hair.
  • Leave-in Conditioner
    • Incorporate a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to add moisture and protect hair from environmental damage.
  • Regular Trims
    • Keeping your hair trimmed helps prevent split ends and breakage, keeping it healthier.

Gray Hair:

• As oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease, the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for hair color) slows down, leading to gray or white hairs.
• Solution may include: 
  • Hair Dye
    • If you’re not a fan of gray hair, regular coloring or highlights can help maintain your preferred hair color.
  • Natural Oils
    • Embrace natural oils like argan or coconut oil for shine and smoothness, which can enhance the appearance of gray hair.

3. Increased Facial Hair:

• Some women experience an increase in fine hair growth on the upper lip, chin, or jawline due to a relative increase in androgens (male hormones) during menopause.
• Solution:
  • Hair Removal
    • Waxing, threading, or using a facial hair removal cream can help manage unwanted facial hair. There are also laser hair removal options available.
  • Hormonal Therapy
    • If facial hair growth becomes particularly bothersome, consulting a healthcare provider about medications that may improve this slightly may be an option.

Changes in Skin During Perimenopause and Menopause:

1. 1. Dryness and Dehydration:
      • As oestrogen levels drop, the skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases, leading to dryness, flakiness, and tightness.
      • Solutions include: 
        • Moisturizing
          1. Choose a rich, hydrating moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, or glycerin that help lock in moisture.
        • Lukewarm Showers and Baths
          1. avoid excessively hot showers and baths during cooler months as these dry skin out. 
          2. Avoid extremes in temperature during winter eg overheating rooms and using electric blankets will dry skin out further. 
        • Humidifier
          1. Using a humidifier in your bedroom may add moisture to the air, especially during the winter months.
        • Hydrating Masks
          1. Use a hydrating sheet mask or overnight mask once or twice a week to give your skin an extra boost of moisture.
   2. Thinning Skin:
      • The skin’s elasticity and thickness may decrease due to lower collagen production, leading to sagging, more pronounced wrinkles, and a lack of firmness
   3. Solution may include: 
      • Retinoids
        • Use products containing retinol or prescription-strength retinoids to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
      • Vitamin C
        • Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your routine to support collagen synthesis and protect against oxidative stress.

• Get enough sleep 

1. 1. • • sleep disruption during the years leading to menopause can not only wreak havoc on your mood but also impact your skin’s ability to repair itself at night. 
        • If this is an issue for you, it’s vital you see your doctor for help. 

• Quit smoking and vaping

• both of these are known to destroy collagen in skin and expedite the ageing process. 

1. • Sunscreen
     • Protecting your skin from UV rays is crucial to prevent further breakdown of collagen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.

Increased Wrinkles and Fine Lines:

• The reduction in oestrogen also leads to a decrease in collagen and elastin production, which can cause your skin to lose its plumpness, resulting in more wrinkles and fine lines.
• Solution may include: 
  • Age appropriate Skincare
    • Look for products with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin texture.
  • Cosmetic Procedures
    • If wrinkles are a concern, consider professional treatments in clinic such as Dr Joshi’s signature Proactive Ageing which targets all the common ageing related changes we see as we get older and works on them holistically not just today but for years to come. 
  • Face Massage
    • Regular facial massages can stimulate circulation and feel like nice self care. 

Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation:

Changes in hormone levels can trigger the development of age spots, sun spots, or melasma, leading to uneven skin tone.

• Solution may include: 
  • Brightening Products: Use products with ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to brighten the skin and fade dark spots IF your skin will tolerate them. 
  • Chemical Peels: A chemical peel performed in clinic can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture.
  • Sun Protection: Consistent use of broad spectrum sunscreen is essential, as sun exposure can worsen age spots and pigmentation issues.
    
    

Decreased Skin Elasticity:

• Oestrogen plays a major role in maintaining skin elasticity, and as it declines, the skin may become less firm, leading to sagging, especially around the cheeks and jawline.
• Solution may include: 
  • most of the lotions potions and facial massage exercises don’t’ work 
  • most devices in clinic that promise tightening and lifting non surgically, including threads, don’t work 
  • nothing will give you a surgical lift except surgery if that is your biggest or only concern 
  • HOWEVER there is a lot we can do to help improve overall elasticity of your skin with in clinic treatments and to gently and subtly improve skin quality over time and with patience if you are a suitable candidate through Dr Joshi’s signature Proactive Ageing program. 
    
    

General Tips for Both Hair and Skin During (Peri)Menopause:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. 
• Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins can nourish your skin and hair. 
  • Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, can keep skin supple, while biotin and zinc support hair growth.
• Move more: healthy muscles and bones are literally the fountain of youth. The blood flow to our skin during exercise is an added bonus! 
• Get enough sleep: sleep disruption due to hormonal changes can impact not only quality of life and mood but also impact hair and skin. 
• Work on reducing stress: Stress can exacerbate skin issues and hair thinning. 
  • Consider relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation into your routine to reduce stress levels.
• Consult a doctor with an interest in hair and skin: If hair or skin changes are particularly troublesome or severe, it’s worth seeking professional advice to tailor treatments for your specific needs.
  
  

By being mindful of the changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause and taking steps to care for your skin and hair, you can manage and minimize these effects. 

With the right approach, you can maintain healthy hair and skin well into your later years.