and tips on how to care for your skin, hair and nails during the menopause
The menopause – a stage of life that changes many things … including the appearance of your skin. As in adolescence, i.e. during puberty, the hormone balance changes completely once again at this time. Hot flushes, sleep disorders and irritability are typical symptoms that everyone has heard of in connection with the menopause, but changes to the skin, nails and hair are also part of it. The skin often becomes drier, loses elasticity and resilience, and hair and nails can become more brittle.
In this situation in particular, the body needs optimal support in the supply of e.g. antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and sufficient moisture, similar to puberty. However, this differs slightly in terms of composition, as the skin has different needs during the menopause than at a younger age. However, a balanced diet and skin care are also crucial here. Sport is also important to support the skin. Why? Exercise and regular sport ensure better blood circulation and therefore a better supply of oxygen and processing of nutrients. Exercise ensures that more collagen is transported into the skin cells – the protein that is responsible for the firmness of the connective tissue. As collagen in particular is produced less as we age due to changes in hormone production (reduced oestrogen production), it is all the more important that we exercise to counteract the signs of skin ageing naturally.
Nutrition during the menopause
Moisture is of course just as important here, which is why it is important to drink plenty of fluids and optimally support the moisture balance of the cells, as dry skin tends to develop dryness lines more quickly. With increasing age, the skin’s ability to store moisture is reduced, so it is also advisable to use moisturizing care that supports the skin’s protective layer and preserves the natural lipid film. Products that are fat-based or contain ingredients such as urea can help here. Hyaluronic acid, which has water-binding properties, is also often mentioned in this context. But how do skin and hair get what they really need during the menopause? It is important to know your own needs, which is why a visit to an expert is always recommended. Only when it is known exactly what the body is lacking can it be supplied and supported accordingly, for example with vitamin E – an antioxidant to defend against free radicals and thus protect the cells. – Vitamin C – an important antioxidant for strengthening connective tissue and improving calcium and iron absorption. – Vitamin E, which protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals such as UV radiation and has a moisturizing effect. – Fatty acids in coconut oil keep the skin beautiful by moisturizing it. – Potassium – an important mineral for regulating the water balance and important for nerves and muscles to function properly. However, hot flushes and sweating can lead to an increased loss of potassium. – Zinc – an important trace element, especially for cell metabolism, e.g. our body’s immune function depends on the zinc balance. – or Spiralin® – a microalgae active ingredient whose polysaccharides can increase the formation of collagen by human skin cells by up to 36%, depending on the dose*.
Optimal support through the right care during the menopause
As things stand today, the natural processes cannot be stopped completely in their natural course, but they can at least be slowed down by providing the body with optimum support in its functionality, i.e. through nutrition and appropriate gentle care. The question arises as to what gentle means in relation to skin care. There are very simple tips here, such as not using water that is too hot when cleansing the skin, not using too much product, but applying it in the right amount, because less is often more and does not put additional strain on the skin. However, products that correspond to the skin’s natural pH value are also gentle, as they do not offer any additional irritation potential. Otherwise, the skin must first restore its natural environment. An unnecessary burden and therefore anything but gentle. For this reason, fragrances and colorants should also be avoided. Harmful or unhealthy ingredients do not belong in our diet or in our skincare products. And thanks to today’s education, we are increasingly aware of the effects that ingredients such as parabens, silicones or microplastic particles can have, and we should pay particular attention to this, especially during such a transitional phase for the skin. Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact our experts at the following email address: info@ocean-pharma.de