Menopause is a fact of life for every woman. Aging gracefully is an art based on science!
During menopause, women experience several changes in their skin due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in estrogen levels. These changes include:
1. Dryness and Decreased Moisture Retention
- Loss of Estrogen: Estrogen helps the skin retain moisture. As estrogen levels drop, the skin produces less oil, leading to dryness and dehydration.
- Thinning of the Skin: The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, may become thinner, reducing its ability to retain moisture.
2. Increased Sensitivity
- Skin Irritation: The skin may become more sensitive and prone to irritation. This is partly due to the thinning of the skin and a weakened barrier function.
- Allergies: Women might also experience new skin allergies or increased sensitivity to certain products.
3. Loss of Elasticity and Firmness
- Decreased Collagen Production: Estrogen plays a crucial role in collagen production, which gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Reduced estrogen leads to a decrease in collagen, causing the skin to become less firm and more prone to sagging.
- Wrinkles and Fine Lines: The decline in collagen and elastin results in more pronounced wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the mouth, eyes, and forehead.
4. Changes in Skin Tone
- Hyperpigmentation: Hormonal changes can cause an increase in melanin production, leading to dark spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone.
- Paler Skin: Reduced blood flow to the skin can make it appear paler and less vibrant.
5. Changes in Wound Healing
- Slower Healing: The skin’s ability to repair itself slows down, leading to longer healing times for cuts, bruises, and other injuries.
6. Acne and Breakouts
- Hormonal Imbalance: Despite the decrease in estrogen, other hormones like androgens can still cause an increase in sebum production, leading to acne or breakouts. We treat hormonal acne every single day in this office!
7. Increased Facial Hair
- Androgen Effect: As estrogen levels drop, androgens (male hormones) can become more dominant, potentially leading to an increase in facial hair, particularly on the chin and upper lip. We help laser eradicate these pesky hairs with our very strong laser!
8. Diminished Skin Radiance
- Decreased Circulation: Blood circulation to the skin decreases with menopause, leading to a duller complexion and loss of the healthy “glow.”
9. Development of Skin Conditions
- Rosacea and Dermatitis: Some women may develop or notice worsening of skin conditions like rosacea or dermatitis during menopause. We have very effective medical and laser treatments for rosacea.
10. Loss of Subcutaneous Fat
- Sagging and Hollowing: The fat beneath the skin may diminish, particularly in the cheeks and under the eyes, leading to a more hollow or gaunt appearance. Natural skin rejuvenation is at the heart of Dr. Kormeili’s expertise.
What is role of collagen and elastin in the skin?
Collagen and elastin are two critical proteins in the skin that play vital roles in maintaining its structure, elasticity, and overall appearance. Understanding their functions provides insight into how our skin behaves as we age and how to care for it effectively. Restoring collagen and elastic is the heart of what we do to create natural results.
1. Collagen: The Skin’s Structural Foundation
- Role in Skin Strength and Firmness: Collagen is a major component of the skin’s extracellular matrix, making up about 75-80% of the skin’s dry weight. Think of collagen as the scaffolding that gives the skin its structure and strength. It’s responsible for keeping the skin firm, smooth, and resilient.
- Wound Healing: Collagen is also crucial in the skin’s healing process. When the skin is injured, collagen fibers are produced to help close wounds and repair damaged tissue.
- Support for Skin Layers: Collagen fibers are densely packed in the dermis (the layer beneath the outer epidermis), providing support to the upper layers of the skin. This dense network of collagen ensures that the skin remains plump and youthful.
- Impact of Collagen Loss: As we age, the body’s production of collagen slows down. By the time we reach our mid-20s, collagen production decreases by about 1% per year. This gradual decline leads to thinner, less elastic skin, resulting in sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. The reduction in collagen also contributes to a loss of volume in areas like the cheeks and lips, which can cause the face to appear less full and more aged.
2. Elastin: The Skin’s Flexibility and Bounce
- Role in Skin Elasticity: While collagen provides strength and structure, elastin gives the skin its flexibility and ability to return to its original shape after stretching or contracting. Elastin is a highly elastic protein found in the dermis, allowing skin to “bounce back” after being pinched, pulled, or subjected to other forces.
- Skin Movement: Elastin fibers are like tiny rubber bands within the skin. They stretch when the skin is moved, such as when we smile or frown, and then snap back to their original position when the movement stops. This property is crucial for maintaining a smooth and youthful appearance.
- Prevention of Sagging: Elastin’s role in maintaining skin elasticity also helps prevent sagging. When elastin levels are high, the skin is able to resist gravitational forces more effectively, maintaining a firmer and more toned appearance.
- Impact of Elastin Degradation: Similar to collagen, elastin also diminishes with age, though the process tends to be more gradual. Factors like sun exposure (UV radiation) can accelerate the breakdown of elastin fibers, leading to a loss of skin elasticity. As elastin degrades, the skin becomes less able to bounce back, leading to permanent wrinkles and sagging. The effects are often most noticeable in areas of frequent movement, such as around the eyes, mouth, and neck.
Interplay Between Collagen and Elastin
- Collagen and Elastin Together: While collagen provides the structural framework, elastin ensures that this framework can move and flex without breaking. The combination of these two proteins allows the skin to be both strong and flexible—a delicate balance that is key to youthful-looking skin.
- Supporting Skin Health: To support the health and function of collagen and elastin, skincare routines often include ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants, which can stimulate collagen production and protect elastin from degradation. Treatments like Ulthera, bio-stimulating injections and laser therapy can also boost collagen and elastin production by promoting the skin’s natural repair processes.
If you are curious, start with a consultation!
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