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During menopause, the skin barrier weakens, resulting in increased moisture loss, according to many experts. Hormonal changes decrease lipids, which makes it crucial to choose products that can effectively firm, lift, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while remaining gentle on the skin.
In a TikTok video for her 305.7K followers, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Suchismita (Tia) Paul, MD, FAAD, explains what products are most crucial to include in a skincare routine for women in their 50s experiencing menopause.
The Most Important Skincare Steps To Hydrate Skin During Menopause, According To A Dermatologist
Step #1: Always Cleanse with a Gentle Face Wash
"'What I tell my patients is in your 50s, you have specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, a loss of firmness, an uneven skin tone and maybe some dryness," Paul says at the start of the video. "Here's a sample of a morning skincare routine for women in their 50s."
"First off, start with a gentle cleanser that does not strip the skin's natural oil," she recommends. Paul suggests trying an affordable drugstore cleanser like CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser for normal to dry skin, as a face wash like this contains important ingredients like essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to combat dryness.
#2: Add a Vitamin C Serum to Address an Uneven Skin Tone
Another issue many mature women notice while going through menopause is skin discoloration or an uneven skin tone. A trusty vitamin C serum can do the trick here if applied every morning right after cleansing, Paul says. "The next step would be to add a serum like vitamin C that can help with an uneven skin tone," she notes.
Paul suggests another drugstore find when it comes to vitamin C serums — La Roche Posay's 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum, designed to infuse a luminous glow, softness, and moisture for aging skin, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance.
#3: Choose a Moisturizer with Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid
Next, Paul notes that "picking the right moisturizer is key" to prevent peeling, cracking skin during menopause. When looking for a product, she says to prioritize ones that "stimulate collagen production to help with those fine lines and the loss of firmness." It's also great, she adds, if your moisturizer "has hyaluronic acid to help with the dryness on the skin."
She suggests getting a moisturizer like Lancôme's Renergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream, comprised of three powerful ingredients — hyaluronic acid, over 300 diverse peptides, and niacinamide — that work together to combat common signs of aging. These signs include wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin in the lower face region.
#4: Use a Hydrating Eye Cream to Combat Dryness
As we age, many of us may observe the skin beneath our eyes, on our eyelids, and around their crow's feet becoming increasingly dry. To tackle this menopausal skincare concern, Paul advises including a rich hydrating eye cream as the following step in your morning skincare ritual after applying moisturizer.
"I do recommend eye creams around the eyes," Paul says while pointing to L'Oreal's Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream that contains "hyaluronic acid, which again," she notes, "helps with dryness around the eyes."
#5: Never Forget Sunscreen
For the last (and most important) step in a great morning skincare routine for women in their late forties to mid fifties experiencing menopause is to always apply sunscreen before leaving the house, Paul instructs. "And finally, sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, which is the last step in your morning routine," she says, while noting how crucial this step is to prevent additional fine lines and wrinkles from forming, skin cancer and other negative effects many experience while skipping sunscreen.
Paul suggests grabbing a nourishing formula to not only protect your skin from harmful pollutants and the sun, but also to fight against its natural dryness. She also stresses to "never forget the ears, neck, chest and hands" along with your face. As for a product recommendation, Paul points to the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 that features a natural finish, and weightless feel. It is also fragrance-free, and provides broad spectrum SPF protection.
The Bottom Line
During the initial five years of menopause, there is a significant loss of collagen in the skin, which is followed by a gradual decline in the following years. As a result, the skin appears less plump and wrinkles become more visible.
To combat these effects, Paul suggests following a skincare regimen that includes cleansing every morning and night, using vitamin C serum, moisturizer and sunscreen every morning, and eye cream and moisturizer at night.
If you want a personalized skincare routine recommendation, you can consult a local dermatologist who can provide more detailed advice on your individual concerns.
