With the exception of puberty, there is no more challenging time for your skin than when you go through menopause. Like opposing forces of nature, your skin must battle against both breakouts and wrinkles, giving you definite obstacles when it comes to choosing treatments and products. This is a time of hormonal shifts that play a major role in your skin changes. Surges of testosterone cause acne, not only on the face but anywhere else, including the back and chest. Stress also creates precursors to hormones, which serve to increase breakouts. I did not have an acne problem during puberty. An occasional breakout, and this was true for me of menopause. What I did get was very dry skin…all over!
The same hormonal shifts that are giving you prepubescent skin issues are working on the other side of the spectrum to break down your collagen and elastin and thin the dermis, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Women going through this time in their life may also notice their skin lacks luster and radiance and becomes looser than before. On another note, many women also experience hair and nail changes. Nails become more brittle, while hair may thin and lack vitality. I am not sure about the looser skin, but I do have much finer hair now and my very curly hair is getting straighter. Although, my nails grow like crazy and are very strong. I eat healthy and take exceptional supplements. So, what’s a woman to do? While this may seem almost hopeless, there are several things you can do to restore balance to your body and your skin.
So if you have been reading my blogs, you know I am a big proponent of exercise. It may seem like you hear it a lot and blah, blah blah…but exercise is critical. There is varying differences as to how much and how long. If you are walking, then 20-30 minutes daily. For burst training, more like 3 times a week for 15-20 minutes. Exercise increases your circulation, gets oxygen to your tissues and muscles. It helps produce your happy hormone as well and it does your skin good!
You are what you eat. I highly recommend a low glycemic Paleo food plan. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Make it a goal to get 40 percent of your diet from lean protein and 30 percent from healthy fats. Do not cut all the fat out of your diet as your body needs fat to function. There is a difference between good and bad fat though. And you know I am a water drinker! You can add fresh fruit or make your own lemonade, but drink water. Every body function requires water and your skin needs it to retain its glow. I love to help others get back to balance through my coaching and essential oils. You can find me at www.livinglifeholistic.com and sign up for my free green smoothies to connect! To your health!