My interest in skin has been with me forever. Moisturising in our household was taught from the get go. Nivea cream was a firm favourite, it came in a navy container. The thick white emulsion took a while to rub in, always paid great attention to my elbows and knees. I was accustomed to this ritual morning and night and after swimming lessons. Ashy skin wasn’t an option. Thankfully there are fantastic options available which absorb swiftly. I switch my products around.
I’ve noticed a change in my skin, a little dry, less bouncy shall we say, on occasions dehydrated and of course I’ve welcomed a few fine lines. Only a few!
Oestrogen is not the culprit for everything but lack of it during perimenopause and menopause can affect your skin. Oestrogen is needed for skins natural hydration, it helps produce collagen, sebum, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Collagen
A protein that gives skin it’s structure. Changes in our skin are subtle such as lack of plumpness, drier, no longer glowy.
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Research shows eating foods rich in vitamin C help support the declining collagen production. Foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, beetroot, red peppers, berries including strawberries. There are many collagen powders on the market. Again with these powders research the quality and source. Don’t expect too much!
I’ve had fantastic results with micro-needling at a well known clinic in London. No it wasn’t painful.
Sebum
An oily substance produced in the sebaceous glands, helping to protect and lubricate our skin. Too much and your skin may become oily clogging the pores and too little causing dry skin.
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Remember your hands and feet. I’ve upgraded my moisturisers ensuring they are rich in plant oils such as avocado and almond oil.
Hyaluronic acid
Just below your skin’s surface (epidermis) you find hyaluronic acid, helping the skin to retain moisture. You’ll find this ingredient in many moisturisers and foundations.
Ceramides
Also known as lipids, basically fat that is naturally in the skin. Of course the quality and quantity we produce declines with age, hence the reason it’s in numerous products. Ceramides hold the skin together forming a protective layer, preventing moisture loss amongst other things. If you think of bricks and mortar, ceramides are the mortar, skin cells are the bricks.
There are lots of lotions and potions promising all kinds of things. I prefer moisturisers with plant based ingredients; avocado oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, shea butter, wheatgerm oil (vitamin E) usually containing natural antioxidants. No longer do moisturisers leave my skin sticky and take an age to absorb. I’m also a lover of vitamin A derivatives, retinol which have improved my skin no end. I visit my dermatologist from time to time. I like products containing actives some are only available on prescription which I hasten to add are not for everyone!
Familiar with the adage ‘ageing is a privilege’ I would add age how you like.
“We have to be able to grow up. Our wrinkles are our medals of the passage of life. They are what we have been through and who we want to be” said Lauren Hutton
Do what makes you feel fabulous. What are you doing?
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