Part 2: Progesterone and the changing skin
Your skin changes along with your hormones
One of the hallmarks of perimenopause is that your hormones don't simply decline gradually, but can actually fluctuate significantly. You can sometimes see this clearly in your skin. At one point it may feel fuller and oilier, while later it feels dry, tight, or more sensitive. Products you have used for years without issues may suddenly start to sting. Your skin isn't being ‘difficult’: it is reacting to a changing hormonal environment. A mild, stable routine is therefore often better than constantly switching products.
In our first blog, we looked at estrogen and the important role this hormone plays in, among other things, collagen, hydration, elasticity, and the skin barrier. But progesterone also changes during (peri-)menopause and influences the skin.
Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced primarily after ovulation. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and has a stabilizing effect on the body. Even before menopause, ovulation becomes more irregular, which causes progesterone production to fluctuate more widely. When ovulation finally stops, progesterone production declines permanently.
Progesterone can also cause your skin to change; becoming oilier, drier, or more sensitive.
Progesterone is involved in, among other things, sebum production, moisture balance, and skin reactivity. The precise effect of progesterone on the skin has not yet been fully researched scientifically. However, we do know that it works in tandem with estrogen and androgens, meaning hormonal changes can influence how your skin looks and feels.
During perimenopause, that fluctuating hormonal environment can cause your skin to temporarily produce more sebum or, conversely, feel drier. It may also react more sensitively to products or external influences. Existing skin problems, such as acne or eczema, can therefore also change.
Your skin needs balance and consistency.
In this phase, good skincare is all about balance and consistency. Opt for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and support the skin with nourishing lipids and ceramides. Soothing ingredients can be pleasant when your skin is more reactive, while niacinamide helps to support the skin barrier and regulate sebum.
During the day, an SPF30 is essential: UV radiation remains a major external factor in skin aging and pigmentation.
And perhaps most importantly: not too much, not too aggressive, and above all, consistent. When your skin is temporarily unsettled, you don’t need to immediately cleanse more harshly or exfoliate more often. A simple, mild routine actually gives the skin space to return to balance.
Which Witlof products are suitable for this?
We have put together a special menopause bundle. The set contains products that fit our mild, natural approach, which supports the skin when its needs change.
The set includes a great basic routine that starts with the Gentle Cleansing Milk and Balancing Toner, followed by the Hydrating Calming Lotion for hydration and soothing. The Regenerating Oil Serum nourishes and protects, while the Rich Facial Cream offers extra care when the skin feels drier or more vulnerable. During the day, finish with the Tinted Day Cream SPF30, or the Nourishing Day Cream SPF30.
Is your skin temporarily a bit unsettled? Don't start cleansing more aggressively or exfoliating right away; keep the basics mild and give your skin time to find its balance again. Easy does it!
