Breakouts like you’re going through puberty again…
Hair thinning and refusing to grow...
Dripping with sweat out of nowhere…
Skin so dry and itchy it feels like tiny bugs are living under the surface…
Eyebrows that look like it’s the early 2000s again…
Dark circles under your eyes from barely sleeping…
👆Have any of these issues been bothering you lately?
Perimenopause and menopause bring a whole host of skin, hair, and other beauty problems to the surface (literally).
I know I experienced dehydrated skin and lots of sweating while I was in the thick of menopause symptoms.
Luckily, you can do many things to feel and look like yourself again.
Okay, let’s dive in.
I spoke with my favorite board-certified dermatologist and skin and hair care guru, Dr. Doris Day, about thinning hair during menopause.
Want to watch the conversation?
My first recommendation for skin and hair health is to find a good dermatologist who can thoroughly evaluate you and recommend the right products, medications, or procedures for your specific concerns.
Your hair in menopause
If you believe your hair-related issues are connected to menopause, here are some things Dr. Doris suggests…
1. Minimize stress
Stress can lead to thinning hair at any point in life, but menopause can be a particularly stressful time, physically and emotionally. So, finding ways to reduce stress will help keep the hair you have. Don't worry—I have lots of options in this article!
2. Consider topical treatments
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is FDA-approved for hair regrowth and is effective in women. In fact, out of over 800 women in this medical trial, 80% experienced hair growth, and the hair that regrew was 50% thicker. Plus, it’s over-the-counter and easy to use.
3. Balancing hormones
HRT can be a good option because an imbalance of hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) can cause hair to thin. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional to understand the risks and benefits. Dig into common HRT myths by clicking here.
4. Diet and nutrition
Maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring adequate nutrient intake can support hair health. And don’t forget to stay hydrated! I have a bunch of suggestions here, too!
Now that we've tackled thinning hair let's talk about skincare!
Your skin in menopause
Whether you’re dealing with more fine lines and wrinkles, thinner, looser skin, dryness, acne, or increased unwanted facial hair, here are some solutions:
1. Apply sunscreen daily
Use sunscreen on any uncovered skin surface (yes, even in the winter). Protecting your skin from the sun helps keep your skin from thinning, reduces wrinkles, and prevents sun spots.
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
For dry skin, avoid using harsh soaps, and use moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. And remember to put it on your neck! Your older self will thank you. 😉
3. Make peptides and retinol part of your daily skin routine.
Peptides can stimulate collagen production (which decreases about 30% in the first five years of menopause), and retinol can lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
4. Got facial hair?
First, make sure it’s not a thyroid problem. Once you’ve ruled that out, you can try laser hair removal, a prescription topical cream, electrolysis, a medication designed to reduce facial hair growth called Spironolactone, or your standard plucking or shaving methods.
5. Salicylic or glycolic acid
If you’re dealing with breakouts, try salicylic or glycolic acid. However, if you’re experiencing dryness, you should opt for a gentle cleanser or retinol, as it can also be effective in getting rid of acne.
DIG IN: Here is a short video about my daily skincare routine! (Trust me, I wish I had started this in my 30s!)
As you explore different products, routines, or procedures, remember there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach to skin and hair care. What works for one person might not work for you, so feel free to experiment.
While you're in the experimentation phase, check out my Menopause Masterclass! It's a library of informative videos with top experts in the menopause field covering everything from hot flashes to sexual health, sleep, workouts, weight gain, and more.
I get it. Dealing with menopause symptoms is no picnic, and it can take years to find what works for you. But I’m here to change that by providing you with all the information I WISH I had in my 40s when I went through perimenopause (without even knowing it)!
My goal is to help you feel confident and well-equipped to handle any menopause symptoms that may pop up!
Here’s to feeling confident in your own skin again,
Tamsen