MENOPAUSAL SKIN, WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO TREAT IT, NATURALLY!

What I have personally experienced during this time of change, mostly, is dryness and thinning of my skin, and generally feeling very dehydrated throughout my entire body.

Now! My skin has always been complicated for me, especially in my childhood, because I experienced severe Eczema and Asthma. Back then I was just plied with harsh soaps and steroid creams and inhalers. But luckily, when I grew up, I discovered organic skincare, meditation, healings, raw juices and breathwork (not necessarily in that order).

You see, it turned out that my skin issues and breathing problems were rooted in anxiety and nutrition (don't get me wrong, me and my siblings had home cooked meals most days when we were growing up, but there were lots of foods that I was either intolerant or allergic to), which I suppose is the reason I am very passionate about the skin and why it behaves in the way it does.

Luckily with the right skincare ritual, you can help nourish, hydrate and restore the glow back into your skin.

But before I give you a routine to follow, lets understand a little bit more, why menopausal skin goes through these behaviours.

So! The oestrogen levels decline during menopause, and because of this, the skin goes through several noticeable shifts:

1. Reduced Elasticity and Firmness - Because of the collagen in the skin, slowing down, which causes sagging and fine lines.

2. Dryness & Dehydration - The skin produces less sebum.

3. Skin Sensitivity - Thinning of the skin, means it will react to external aggressors in the environment.

4. Dull or Lacklustre - Reduction in the cell turnover in the skin is what causes the skin to react in this way. When you are young the skin replaces dead skin cells every 3 to 4 weeks, but as we age, it slows down to as much as up to 6 weeks.

Since discovering a cleaning and skincare ritual (along side with good nutrition, plenty of sleep, regular exercise for the face and body and finding healthy ways to reduce stress levels) that works for me. My skin is so much better, and some days I have been told it looks like butter! Now, I cant think of a better compliment then that.

Anyway.... I hope this routine works as equally well for you:

Apply a warm cloth into a bowl or sink with some Himalayan salt (or a salt of your choice, but not harsh table salt, about a tablespoon) and some warm water. Then press the warm flannel onto your face and neck to add hydration into the skin.

Then apply oil to your face and neck. I use organic olive oil, avocado or vitamin E oil. You could even add two or all together if you wish.

Then massage the oils into you face and neck, using upward strokes, being mindful not to drag down to much on the strokes. Do this for around 5 minutes or longer if you have the time.

Once you have completed the massage step, use an electric cleansing brush (one that rotates both ways). I do this step about once a week, because it exfoliates the skin, but if you over do it, it can cause sensitivity. 

Add a cleansing balm onto your skin first, I use 'Elemental Herbology Calm & Soothe Cleansing Balm' (But there is a plethora of cleansing balms to choose from out there). Use the cleansing brush as per instructed (about 30 seconds to a minute).

Again! Use the wash flannel to cleanse the skin.

Apply your usual eye gel or cream (I use Ren Vita Mineral eye gel).

Put one or all of the oils back into your skin (avoiding the eye area) You will be amazed by how soft the skin feels at this stage.

Lastly use a moisturiser to seal the deal (if you have one), or you could use one with an SPF (above 30 SPF is recommended) for those strong summer days, especially when your away on holiday where its very hot (I would recommend 50 SPF).

If you do this regularly, I guarantee, you will experience skin that looks and feels better then it has in a while.