Menopausal Skincare: K-beauty Top Tips

We've been flooded with questions from our Cherubs about menopausal skincare, so here’s a blog to clear things up! Our skin mirrors what our body experiences – lifestyle, nutrition, and of course, hormones. Let’s dive into what happens to our skin during and after menopause, and discover how to keep that glow with the right care!

How Does Menopause Affect My Skin?

When your skin is experiencing menopause, you might notice several changes. These changes are related to the reduction of oestrogen levels. During menopause, your menstrual cycle stops, and your ovaries stop making oestrogen. Studies show that oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining the skin's moisture and oil levels and significantly affects the body's collagen production. As oestrogen decreases during menopause, it's common to experience skin dryness, thinning, and reduced elasticity.

Common Skin Concerns During Menopause & Solutions

Redness & Flushing

Flushing is a common skin condition in menopausal women, potentially linked to changes in the brain's temperature regulation due to oestrogen deficiency. These conditions can exacerbate redness and rosacea, but the severity varies from person to person.

What to Do:

Cool Down the Skin

Utilise a cooling skincare product that lowers the face temperature and provides instant relief to flushed skin. 

MIXSOON Glacier Water Ice Soothing Gel (150ml) - £16.00

Experience the instant cooling experience with MIXSOON's popular moisturiser, which is perfect for those with redness-prone skin! Formulated with Aloe and Eucalyptus Extracts, the gel cream provides deep hydration and calming relief. For an extra refreshing sensation, store it in the fridge and enjoy the cool, fresh texture on your skin!

Add in Calming Ingredients

Incorporate calming serums with ingredients like Centella Asiatica and Heartleaf into your skincare routine to soothe redness and calm irritated skin.

PURITO Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented (60ml) - £19.00

Featuring anti-inflammatory Centella Asiatica Extract, this PURITO’s best-selling serum calms the skin, promoting healthy skin. The product has undergone dermatological testing to make it even more suitable for most sensitive skin types.

Dryness & Eczema

The shift in oestrogen levels reduces skin moisture retention and oil production, resulting in dryness and susceptibility to eczema and itchiness. If you already have eczema, this change can exacerbate the condition due to increased skin sensitivity and a weakened skin barrier. Some studies suggest that individuals who have had eczema in childhood may experience flare-ups during menopause.

What to Do:

Gentle Cleansing

When your skin feels dry and sensitive, opt for a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without causing irritation or worsening dryness. Avoid exfoliating formulas or those with strong actives to minimise the risk of irritation.

IUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam (150ml) - £14.80

Ideal for sensitive skin, this gentle cleanser from IUNIK provides a soothing cleansing experience while preserving moisture levels. With its pump dispenser, it creates soft micro-bubbles to remove impurities, leaving your skin clear and clean effectively.

Try Skincare with Oat Extracts

Since ancient times in Arabia and Egypt, Colloidal Oat (Avena Sativa) has been a go-to solution for dry, irritated, and itchy skin. Packed with nutrients like Amino Acids and Fatty Acids, Oat restores moisture and soothes skin sensitivity as well as eczema. 

PURITO Oat-in Silky Toner (200ml) - £22.00

Formulated with 68% Oat-based ingredients, this 2-in-1 nourishing toner provides long-lasting hydration and soothing benefits to the skin, relieving dryness and eczema. The toner also contains ultra-hydrating Beta-Glucan that holds 20 times more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid, preventing moisture loss during the day.

Signs of Ageing

The collagen production level becomes less and skin elasticity decreases, the skin becomes more prone to sagging and wrinkling. 

What to Do:

Consider Adding Retinol

Retinol stimulates collagen production and skin cell turnover for a youthful look with fewer wrinkles. If you're new to Retinol, start by using it every 2-3 nights to build tolerance. To avoid irritation, apply only at night and avoid combining it with other potent ingredients like Vitamin C or exfoliants.

SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum (30ml) - £29.00

Pigmentation & Melasma

Hormonal changes during and after menopause can trigger pigmentation issues like melasma, as often explained with pregnancy and oral contraception. While the exact link between decreased oestrogen and pigmentation isn't clear, protecting your skin from sun damage is still crucial to prevent future pigmentation and signs of ageing.

What to Do:

Always Wear Sunscreen

Enjoying warm sunlight is fun, but it’s only when you are shielded with sunscreen - sun damage can cause uneven skin tone, dark spots, and wrinkles that can annoy you for a long time. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours to keep the protective function during the day!

HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen (50ml) - £16.00

Featuring the HARUHARU WONDER’s star ingredient fermented Black Rice, this hydrating sunscreen protects the skin from sun damage and dryness while tackling uneven skin tone. Its brightening effect is boosted by Niacinamide, a powerful agent that tackles pigmentation, leading to a flawless complexion.

Apply Antioxidant Products in the Morning

Antioxidants play a vital role in shielding the skin from external aggressors. Studies reveal that some of them like Vitamin C can boost the effectiveness of sunscreen when applied in the morning.

MIXSOON Vitamin C Powder (8g) - £12.50

Elevate your skincare routine with MIXSOON’s DIY skincare powder! Brighten your complexion and fade pigmentation with its potent Vitamin C formula, preserved without water dilution for maximum stability.