Part 1: Estrogen decline and its effect on your skin
Your skin changes along with your hormones
(Peri-)menopause is a period during which your body undergoes many changes, and this is visible in your skin. During perimenopause, the years surrounding menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels in particular begin to fluctuate more. In three blog posts, we will explain the effects of (peri-)menopause on your skin due to the influence of these different hormones, starting with estrogen.
Less estrogen = less collagen
Estrogen plays an important role in the production and maintenance of collagen, the skin's most important structural protein. Together with elastin, collagen provides firmness, resilience, and a smooth skin structure. When estrogen levels begin to drop during (peri-)menopause, collagen production also decreases. As a result, the skin may gradually become thinner and less firm, and elasticity decreases. Fine lines and wrinkles can become more visible as a result, and the skin may feel slacker. The decrease in collagen is one of the main reasons why the skin visibly changes in a relatively short time around menopause.
Less estrogen = less hyaluronic acid and moisture
Estrogen also supports the skin's ability to retain moisture. Among other things, it stimulates the presence of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our skin and can bind large amounts of water. As estrogen levels drop, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin also decreases. As a result, the skin is less able to retain moisture and feels dry, tight, or less supple more quickly. Dehydrated skin also often looks less plump and smooth, which can make fine lines extra visible. Good hydration and the use of hyaluronic acid therefore become increasingly important during and after menopause.
Less estrogen = change in sebum, skin barrier, and sensitivity
However, the influence of estrogen goes beyond collagen and hydration. The hormone also plays a role in sebum production, blood circulation, and the functioning of the skin barrier. Due to hormonal changes, the skin can become drier, while some women may actually experience blemishes or a change in sebum production. The skin barrier may also function less optimally, making the skin more sensitive to external influences such as cold, heat, wind, pollution, and certain cosmetic ingredients. Consequently, the skin may feel red, irritated, or tight more easily. So, it is not strange if you notice that your familiar skincare suddenly seems to work less effectively. Your skin hasn't just aged; it has actually changed due to hormonal shifts and may therefore have different needs.
Your skin needs something different in this phase
(Peri-)menopause is a phase that invites you to better understand your skin and offer it changing support. Opt for moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, support the skin barrier with nourishing lipids and ceramides, and add antioxidants to help protect the skin against daily external influences. Vitamin C, niacinamide, and plant-based oils can also be valuable parts of a (peri-)menopause routine. And don't forget your SPF30 during the day: UV radiation remains one of the most important external factors that accelerate skin aging.
Which Witlof products are a good fit here?
At Witlof Skincare, we use all the ingredients mentioned above in our products. For example, all our creams contain hyaluronic acid. We believe in a mild, natural approach where you give the skin what it needs, which is especially effective when your hormones are changing. A mild, supportive routine is easy to put together with the Gentle Cleansing Milk and the Balancing Toner for cleansing, the Hydrating Calming Lotion for hydration and soothing, the Regenerating Oil Serum to nourish and protect, the Rich Facial Cream to strengthen the skin barrier, and the Nourishing or Tinted Day Cream SPF30 to prevent pigment shifts. Easy does it!
