How Natural Skincare Supports Skin During Perimenopause
If you’re around the age of 40 and starting to notice changes to your skin’s behaviour, you could be about to board the Perimenopause rollercoaster. The transitional phase leading up to menopause can bring many uncomfortable symptoms as hormone levels begin to shift - from mood swings to hot flashes and even skin sensitivities.
While this is definitely not a fun time and an experience that can often not be avoided, there are natural ways you can soothe and comfort your skin as your body transitions into this next stage of life. Let’s explore how organic skincare can gently relieve common perimenopausal skin symptoms and why taking a natural and gentle approach is so important.
Why Your Skin Changes During Perimenopause
Perimenopause often comes with similar challenges to those we experience throughout our teens. Fluctuating hormones can come with a wide range of symptoms thanks to a decline in estrogen.
Estrogen can have a significant impact on our overall skin health and as levels decline it’s common to notice thinner and dryer skin that is more prone to irritation. Similarly to the “moody teen” stage, those experiencing perimenopause may also find themselves emotional, irritable, gaining unexplained weight and noticing changes in their skin health.
Every woman experiences perimenopause differently and at different ages, but here are the most common symptoms:
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause
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Menstrual Changes including irregular and skipped periods
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Hot flashes and night sweats
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Mood swings, increased anxiety and a lower stress threshold
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Difficulty concentrating
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Trouble falling and staying asleep
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Dry skin, itchy skin and an increase in breakouts
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Thinning hair
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Sudden weight gain and bloating (particularly around the abdomen)
Natural Ingredients That Calm and Nourish Perimenopausal Skin
While there’s no magic solution to completely avoid perimenopausal symptoms, there are some natural skin allies that can help to alleviate some of the discomfort.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Known as one of the best age-defying ingredients, rosehip seed oil helps to repair and rejuvenate skin. Containing high levels of essential fatty acids—including oleic, linoleic and linolenic—it also contains vitamins A and C which are both vital for the maintenance of normal, healthy skin and collagen production.
Give your skin a nourishing hit of rosehip seed oil daily with LAMAV’s Marula Oil Cleanser. Containing a purifying blend of natural oils that cleanses the skin while gently dissolving makeup and impurities - you’ll enjoy clean skin without the irritation. The nourishing, antioxidant-rich formula enhances skin’s natural repair and keeps the lipid barrier intact, restoring moisture balance and healthy glow as you cleanse.
Use as a makeup remover or for a full double cleanse every night. Follow with LAMAV’s bamboo cleansing cloth and makeup remover wipes to remove residue and reveal a soft and glowing complexion.
Aloe Vera
Cooling, calming, and packed with antioxidants, Aloe Vera is a well-known natural skin soother that can help to instantly cool down the feeling of a hot flash while delivering hydration and soothing dry skin. Used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for centuries, Aloe Vera is now well-known as a natural remedy for skin irritation, dry skin, sunburn relief and as a hydrating ingredient in skincare formulations. It has an incredible ability to retain moisture and soothe the skin while delivering skin-loving nutrients including Vitamin A, C and E.
Find this hero ingredient in LAMAV’s Hydra Calm Cream Cleanser. Our ultra-rich cleansing cream is formulated with Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and Chamomile Extract along with Avocado and Camellia Oil to soothe and calm irritated skin as you cleanse. The addition of Essential Fatty Acids from Açai Oil also assists to repair stressed skin while providing comfort to dry, irritated skin.
Chamomile
Chamomile is well known for its calming, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and is a popular drink of choice prior to bed to calm the body and mind before you attempt to get some shut eye. Topically, its antibacterial properties also make it beneficial for calming acne flare ups and some studies have shown that chamomile’s strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can enhance skin barrier function and reduce symptoms of redness and irritation.
Shea Butter
Ideal for mature skin experiencing perimenopausal dryness, shea butter is loaded with fatty acids and vitamin E to soften and protect the skin barrier. Studies show that it also possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective in the treatment of eczema.
Find this super hydrator in LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture Cream. This moisture-locking ultra-hydrating day cream delivers a radiant and visibly plump glow. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Bisabolol and Shea Butter which helps to maintain hydration and moisture levels.
Omega Oils
Omega Oils are rich in essential fatty acids which are key components of healthy skin - supporting the skin barrier to keep environmental stressors out and lock moisture in. A healthy lipid barrier is essential for repairing and strengthening sensitive skin. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are also rich in anti-inflammatory properties and can assist to calm irritation while improving hydration - a huge benefit to anyone experiencing dry and sensitive skin throughout perimenopause.
Soothe and plump perimenopausal skin with LAMAV’s Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 Antioxidant Oil. This antioxidant-rich oil contains 100% pure actives to deliver a concentrated burst of moisture and essential fatty acids that will help to strengthen and smooth the skin’s surface.
Magnesium
Magnesium offers abundant health and age defence benefits and is an essential mineral required for our body’s overall health. Throughout perimenopause, introducing a magnesium supplement (as directed by your healthcare provider) along with topical application may ease some of the following symptoms:
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Reduced anxiety and Mood Swings - Magnesium supports the nervous system and can help to regulate neurotransmitters.
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Improved Sleep Quality - Magnesium may help to regulate melatonin while promoting relaxation.
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Ease Tired Muscles, Cramps and Migraines - Hormonal changes through perimenopause can lead to increased muscle tension, headaches and migraines. Magnesium’s link to supporting nerve control along with its anti-inflammatory benefits may reduce the frequency and intensity of tense muscles and migraines.
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Supports Bone Density - The decline in estrogen throughout perimenopause can increase the risk of bone density loss. Magnesium plays a vital role in bone health - working with Calcium and Vitamin D to maintain density.
If you’re looking to boost your magnesium intake topically, LAMAV’s organic tanning range is infused with magnesium to deliver skin benefits along with a healthy glow.
Rose Water
More than just a pretty petal, Rose Water offers many skin benefits throughout perimenopause. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in Rose Water offer calming relief to irritated skin. It also offers hydration along with skin balancing benefits that will be a welcome relief to anyone battling skin that is both dry and experiencing breakouts.
In addition to physical benefits, the scent of rose has been linked to reduced levels of cortisol and may assist to promote a sense of calm. Using rose water via a toner will also deliver an instant cooling effect to offer some relief during hot flashes or night sweats. Keep LAMAV’s Rose Hydrating Mist Toner on your bedside table for those pesky night sweat moments and put one in your handbag for refreshing top ups throughout the day.
LAMAV’s Hormone-Friendly Skincare Routine
If you’ve noticed changes in your skin such as dryness, sensitivity and unpredictable blemishes, it’s time to ditch the harsh active ingredients and go back to basics.
Morning Routine
Gentle Cleanser – LAMAV’s Hydra-Calm Cream Cleanser + Bamboo cleansing cloth (you can also skip cleanser and just do a gentle water wash with the bamboo cleansing cloth if your skin is feeling particularly sensitive)
Hydrating Toner – LAMAV’s Rose Hydrating Mist Toner after cleansing
Hydrating Serum – LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Hydra Max Serum (apply one pump while the rose hydrating mist toner is still damp on the skin)
Morning Moisturiser - LAMAV’s Wrinkle Smoothing Cream
SPF – Use a fragrance free SPF to avoid irritation.
Evening Routine
Double Cleanse – Remove the day’s impurities with LAMAV’s Marula Oil Cleanser. Finish a second cleanse with LAMAV’s Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser for blemish prone skin or reach for our Hydra-Calm Cream Cleanser if your skin is particularly sensitive.
Hydrating Toner - LAMAV Rose Hydrating Mist Spray
Treat & Nourish – LAMAV’s Collagen Support Booster or Omega Antioxidant Oil
Seal – Use a rich night cream to lock everything in such as LAMAV’s Omega 3 Advanced Night Cream.
Weekly Facial Treatments: LAMAV’s Jojoba Exfoliant & Beauty Sleep Mask 2-3 times per week.
Body
If you’ve been neglecting the skin on your body, now is the perfect time to treat it with the nourishment it deserves. LAMAV’s Ayurvedic Body Oils offer more than just hydration for the skin, they were formulated to inspire self-care ritual to support your skin, body and mind. Supporting mental clarity, balancing emotions and enhancing serenity LAMAV’s Nourish Body Oil is also infused with nourishing essential oils and bio-actives that transform the appearance of dry, dull skin.
Lifestyle Considerations
No skincare product can fix what stress, poor sleep, or processed foods cause. Supporting your skin from the inside out is crucial for the health of your skin, and this is particularly true when your body is going through changes or stress.
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This may sound obvious, however drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day is essential to keep skin hydrated
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Increase your fatty acid intake through dietary choices. Incorporating food such as flaxseeds, walnuts, and leafy greens will help boost essential fatty acids from the inside out.
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Exercise regularly to help regulate and prevent mood swings
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Practice self-care with regular walks, meditation or breath work to reduce stress and increase quality sleep
Things to avoid during Perimenopause
During perimenopause, your skin is likely to be more sensitive and may become more reactive. It’s best to avoid the following in your skincare routine to minimise risk of irritation:
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Artificial Fragrance
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Harsh exfoliants
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Strong active ingredients such as Vitamin A and potent forms of Vitamin C
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Sulfates & Parabens
Perimenopause is a time to slow down and listen to your body. In addition to getting adequate sleep and avoiding stress, opting for Natural and Gentle Skincare products can offer soothing relief to changes in skin behaviour while encouraging self-care rituals that support mental balance.