Many women find that maintaining youthful skin after the menopause is an uphill struggle. Skin ageing seems to accelerate rapidly.
Skin hydration levels plummet, and skin changes seem to come thick and fast.
We are familiar with the benefits of hormone replacement therapy for women suffering from menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and for its role in boosting bone health, but can HRT also restore a youthful appearance for postmenopausal women?
Let’s discover more about skin ageing and the role that hormones play.
Hormonal skin ageing: The role of oestrogen in skin health
Oestrogen plays a role in promoting collagen production. Collagen gives young skin its firm smoothness and radiant glow. When oestrogen levels decline during menopause, collagen production slows, affecting skin health and appearance.
Menopause affects skin thickness
Thinning skin is common when collagen levels drop. Overall, skin health and moisture levels decrease. Skin sensitivities often develop, leading to itchy, fragile skin on the face and body.
Skin elasticity declines with low collagen production
Collagen and elastin are both vital for maintaining skin elasticity. Once levels of these vital proteins decline, sagging skin develops, and lines and wrinkles become visible.
Hormonal changes and the sebaceous glands
The hormonal imbalances caused during menopause can affect sebum production, causing menopausal acne.
How can hormone replacement therapy HRT help with menopausal skin issues?
Replenishing oestrogen levels will certainly boost collagen production, and many women report that their skin’s health and appearance improve when they take hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone therapy regimens can:
- Improve skin hydration
- Reduce sensitivity and itchiness
- Increase skin thickness
- Smooth skin texture
- Boost collagen production
It is important to realise that your doctor will be unwilling to prescribe hormone therapy to restore the youthful appearance of the skin and that these benefits are a byproduct of HRT.
Other skin benefits of hormone therapy
If your skin does look more glowing and healthy when you are taking hormone therapy, there may be some other factors at play, as well as the impact of oestrogen on collagen production.
Hormone replacement therapy affects the whole body. It promotes more restful sleep and reduces low mood, both of which support women to make better food choices and have the energy to take more exercise. These positive improvements in wellbeing will all give your skin a healthier glow.
Maintaining youthful skin with lifestyle changes after menopause
Hormone replacement therapy is not a substitute for taking extra care of your fragile skin.
Gentle skincare products and protecting your skin from sun exposure and environmental damage will all help your skin look fresh, soft and clear.
Find out more about taking HRT
Why not book a consultation with Deborah Vines to find out more about how HRT could benefit your skin health and overall wellbeing?
To book an appointment, please call 01706 691683 or email info@themenopauseclinic.com.
YOU CAN BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION ONLINE HERE
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