By: Laura Richey, Esthetician at Laura Richey Esthetics in Nova Scotia, Canada
Seasonal changes can already feel dramatic. For those experiencing perimenopause or menopause those changes can feel even more substantial. Sleep challenges, reduction of energy levels, and increased dryness and dehydration are just a few of the symptoms our changing hormones are responsible for. As an esthetician of over 25 years the biggest culprit behind skin changes during this hormonal shift is the loss of moisture and an imbalance to the skins moisture barrier. That imbalance can result in some of the most common skin concerns including blemishes, irritation, and dull, dry, sagging skin.
Managing and maintaining hydrated and balanced skin while battling changing hormones and shifting seasons can be a challenge. I like to rely on a few simple tips that I’ve seen help many of my clients who are trying to bring energy and brightness back into their skin.
Say it with me, SLEEP!
- I know you’ve heard this before but it’s true, sleep plays a huge role in supporting healthy skin through the seasons. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most important tools we can use to support vibrant and glowing skin.
- As our energy levels shift, we may start relying even more on caffeinated beverages, and sometimes sugary treats for that energy rush to help us get through the day. Since sugar and caffeine act as diuretics, our skin can pay a price. Reducing caffeine and sugar intake, while trying to increase your water consumption, and nourish your body with seasonally appropriate meals, like soups and warming foods, will help support your energy levels when they start to drop and help maintain hydration in the skin.
- The way we heat our homes can have a dramatic impact on the moisture levels in our skin. Bringing in a humidifier while you sleep can make a significant difference in your skin's hydration levels by replacing lost moisture in the air and slowing water loss in our skin.
Ultimately, the key to keeping your skin feeling soft and nourished during this transition is using products that support maintaining your natural hydration and moisture, as well as restoring any that you’ve lost.
I love using an oil cleanser like Dreamy Oil Detox, on my clients. With its combination of jojoba, coconut, pumpkin seed and castor oils, it gently cleanses your skin while still leaving its moisture level unaffected.
Following the cleanse, I always gently massage the Rose Garden Renewal into the face and neck to return moisture back into clients skin using rosehip, argan and sunflower seed oils. Finishing with Timeless Hydration’s Triluronic Acid formula consisting of 3 different weights of hyaluronic acid to gently restore the water balance, while leaving it feeling soft and light.
I love offering this simple ritual to my menopausal and perimenopausal clients to help combat some of the more stubborn skin symptoms, especially during seasonal transitions, to prepare and protect the skin for the changes to come.