Mid-life beauty: perimenopause skin care

Are you at or nearing menopause? If you’re in your mid-40s, you may be experiencing the subtler shifts of perimenopause, including changes to the flow and frequency of your period, sleep patterns, and hot flashes. You might also be seeing early menopause skin changes

Who needs this right now? You’re busy-- careers, partners, friends, homes, and dependents-- you may be caring for kids and your parents. If only you’d known what to expect, maybe you would feel more prepared.

You’re not alone

A 2020 study of 2,000 UK women found that two-thirds were blindsided by perimenopause, feeling that neither their partners nor children understood the impacts of this transition. Your body is up to some nonsense that you, your friends, family, and maybe even your doctors can’t explain. Here’s what else mid-life women are experiencing: feelings of invisibility. Many women in the menopause transition feel unseen; their needs are not addressed in the home, media or on store shelves.

By 2025, 1 billion women worldwide will be menopausal. According to research by the Female Founders Fund, they represent a $600 billion market. Lots of companies are trying to get your attention and your dollars.

New beauty priorities

This market is big, and it is changing. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted many women’s priorities and behavior. According to a AARP study of 4,800 American women ages 18 and up, about 35% of middle-aged women are spending less time and money on beauty than they did pre-pandemic. The study also found a shift in the types of beauty products they use. 26% of women use skin care serums and moisturizers more often. Women use cosmetics less often, though: 41% have decreased their use of lipstick, and 36% use eye makeup less often. This shift hints that when midlife women choose to spend time and money on skin care, it’s only Logical that they expect great results from high-quality ingredients.

Let’s go back to this $600 billion menopausal market. That’s a tempting projection for beauty and personal care companies. Have you seen enough ads for beauty products to wonder if the brand is made by qualified cosmetic chemists or by busy marketers trying to get you to spend good money on iffy products?

Good information leads to quality products

The good news is that there are high-quality products containing ingredients that improve the look and feel of your skin. But how do you choose the right product for you? If you had more hours in the day, you would do all your own research. You could follow dermatologists on YouTube or read research reports, but let’s face it, you’re too busy for that. You aren’t looking to become an armchair dermatologist. You want quick assurance that you’re choosing high-quality, effective products that will keep you looking and feeling your best.

Your shortcut to high-quality, effective products is to prioritize your skincare needs. These three products are proven to protect and revitalize your skin. Make sure these are in your daily routine and you can rest assured that you’re doing your best.

Sunscreen

Choose a high-quality sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection. Sun damages skin- no question about it. Skin care professionals agree that sunscreen is the most important step in protecting your skin. For maximum benefit, choose a product formulated with antioxidants that are proven to boost sunscreen’s effectiveness and minimize sun damage by combating free radicals. Apply to your face, neck, and the backs of your hands every day, year-round. Even on cloudy days, damaging ultraviolet light can make its way to your exposed skin.

Here’s an exciting option: Supergoop Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum

Chemical Exfoliant

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) gently remove dead cells from the top layer of skin. AHAs are recommended for dry skin types, and BHAs are more effective for oily skin. BHAs also have anti-inflammatory properties, so they offer additional benefits to people suffering from conditions like rosacea and redness.

What about that exfoliating scrub you’ve had on the counter for ages? Gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs are preferable to physical exfoliants like scrubs. Scrubs rely on irregularly-shaped textures to “scratch” excess cells from the skin’s surface. This process can be too rough on the skin, leading to tiny damaging tears. You’re better off with a gentle chemical process.

For an AHA, try Tula pro-glycolic® 10% resurfacing treatment toner.

For a BHA option, look for the popular Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

Retinol

Derived from vitamin A, retinol is available in serums, moisturizers, and creams. Retinols improve skin cell communication, which boosts collagen production. This improved cell production improves skin smoothness and reduces the size of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for products that contain retinol plus other antioxidants for maximum benefits.

One to try: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum which contains antioxidant

vitamins C and E.