Skin Playing Up? It Could Be Perimenopause.

 

So I recently noticed my skin changing, drastically. I felt like I did when I was 12 years old, experiencing excess oil in my t-zone area, spots and even black heads appearing in places I've never had before. Panic mode kicked in, so I started looking at different skincare options on the market but then a friend mentioned it could be 'The Change!'. Yes - perimenopause. 

 

What is Perimenopause Anyway?

Perimenopause is like the awkward teenage phase of menopause. It's the time when your body starts to transition into menopause, and it can come with a whole host of symptoms, including changes in your skin. Your hormones are all over the place, and your skin is just along for the ride.

 

Why is Your Skin Acting Up?

Blame it on the hormones! During perimenopause, your estrogen levels start to decline, which can lead to a decrease in collagen production. Collagen is what keeps your skin looking plump and youthful, so when it starts to diminish, you might notice more fine lines and wrinkles.

 

What Can You Do About It?

First things first, try not to stress too much (I know, easier said than done!). Stress can actually make your skin worse, thanks to those stress hormones. Instead, try and focus on taking care of yourself. Make sure you're staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. Sleep was and is a big one for me! 

When it comes to skincare, look for products that are hydrating and gentle on the skin. Avoid anything too harsh or drying, as it can further irritate your already sensitive skin. If your skin is experiencing more oil, then alter your skincare routine so you're using less greasy moisturisers, I tend to keep it light. You could also just stick to a serum and avoid using a moisturiser in the day to keep the hydration levels low. 

I took it one step further and spoke to a dermatologist who prescribed me a topical lotion I apply in the evenings to help balance it all. It's a zinc based solution which seems to calm it all down and prevent new spots from coming through. I use it a couple of times a week before bed and it means I wake up to balanced, calm skin. I'd highly recommend speaking to your doctor and getting that referral to a dermatologist in. 

 

Finally, Try And Embrace the Change. 

I get it, it can be a pain in the backside, especially when people like to make a thing of it and say things like 'Your skin looks bad at the moment' or 'What's happening with your skin at the moment?' Just breathe and remember, perimenopause is just a phase, and like all phases, it'll pass. You could also tell them to sod off. That  really helps!

 

Are you going through the change right now and if so, I'd love to hear your experiences and what did and didn't help.