At 50 and menopausal—with large pores, oily T-zone, acne, and wrinkles—I look terrible and hate seeing myself in the mirror. Is there a facial spa treatment that can brighten me up, or is it just downhill from here?
–Robin P.
You are not alone!
Hormonal depletion interferes with the production of key components that are critical for maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, firmness, and elasticity.
In your case, hormones are affecting the sebaceous glands, causing them to produce more oil. Any dead skin buildup then blocks the oil, resulting in breakouts. And as the layers of dead skin build up, they become heavy and sink into the understructure of the skin, causing deep wrinkles and sagging. The more dead skin you have, the deeper the wrinkles will become.
To reduce the heavy wrinkling and the oil blockage, use an AHA resurfacing (exfoliating) agent—such as glycolic acid at a concentration of 10 percent or higher—each night right after cleansing. The AHA will speed up your cell turnover, which will help in producing collagen and hyaluronic acid. I’m a fan of "no downtime"professional treatments, such as a facial that integrates a 35 percent glycolic peel followed by a calming mask to help inflammation. You’ll want to do a series of three of these treatments within two months (every two to three weeks) and use home care in between.
It’s also important to replace the vitamins and proteins that you are losing at this age. Look for products that incorporate vitamin C, peptides, and skin growth factors to transfuse healthy life back into your skin cells.
Celeste Hilling is the Founder and CEO of Skin Authority and host of the nationally syndicated internet radio show "Skin Health TODAY."
Related Content
What is microdermabrasion and how can it benefit your skin? Our beauty expert has the answers.
Our beauty expert lets you know when the right age is to start using anti-aging beauty products.
Celeste Hilling, CEO of skincare company Skin Authority, offers these application instructions to help you get the most out of any self-tanner.
This year, say no to making extravagant changes you won't keep. Our 10 easy-to-do healthy living resolutions – from moisturizing your neck to drinking more water – are both simple and effective.
Popular winter ingredients like brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon make this homemade body scrub a perfect holiday treat.
Comments
I'm 57 (entered menopause late, at age 55) and any and all help on caring for menopausal skin is most welcome!
I'd like to see a similar article on caring for hand and body skin. the suppleness and elasticity that my body skin had until menopause is, frankly, missed more than that of my face and neck
Other articles directed at post-menopausal women would also be appreciated--not all spa-loving women are youngsters!--and these might include aging-woman issues my massage therapist might address during treatment, natural treatments for hair care, etc.
Hi, I'm 54, and am finding some great ways to turn back time for my skin and appearance. First, got rid of the acids in my daily skin care regimen, saving them for exfoliant treatments. Next, purchased an in home beauty gadget that does galvanic ion exchange, far infrared light and ultrasound. This morning I received my first acid peel - a 20% combination of glycolic/lactic acids plus salicylic acid incapsulated in cucumber and aloe. Finding a good esthetician is a huge bonus, especially if you have one who uses natural products. Look at the safecosmetics.org website to find companies that use nontoxic ingredients.
I've taken ten years off my appearance in about 6 months, being diligent with my skin care routines and treatments! It is totally worth it!
Best wishes on looking younger!
XO Candy
I started using Vichy's Neovadiol GF Night Densifying Re-Sculpting care about 3 months ago. It is specially formulated for menopausal skin and I have to say I have seen a huge diffence in my skin. I will continue to use this nightly and plan to try their day version of the Neovadiol product line. The Vichy products are availabe at select CVS stores or you can buy them online.