The menopause is a stage of life that changes many things, including the appearance of the skin. At this time, the hormone balance changes completely once again. Just like during adolescence, i.e. puberty. However, other symptoms occur during this time. Hot flushes, sleep disorders and irritability are typical symptoms that everyone has heard of in connection with the menopause. But skin, nails and hair can also change. The skin also often becomes drier. It loses elasticity and resilience. Hair and nails can also become more brittle.
In this situation, similar to puberty, the body needs optimal support in the supply of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and sufficient moisture, for example. However, the difference is that the skin has different needs during the menopause than at a younger age. However, a balanced diet and care are also crucial here. What exactly can this look like?
The right diet during the menopause
The first thing to mention is moisture, which is of course important. It is therefore important to drink plenty of fluids and optimally support the moisture balance of the cells. This is because dry skin tends to develop dryness lines more quickly. As the skin’s ability to store moisture decreases with age, it is always advisable to use moisturizing care that supports the skin’s protective layer and preserves the natural oil film.
Products that are fat-based or contain ingredients such as urea can help here. Hyaluronic acid, which has water-binding properties, is also often mentioned in this context. But how do skin and hair get what they really need during the menopause? It is important to know your own needs. A visit to an expert is therefore always recommended. Only when it is known exactly what the body is lacking can it be supplied and supported accordingly, e.g. through
- Vitamin E – an antioxidant to defend against free radicals and thus protect the cells.
- Vitamin C – an important antioxidant for strengthening connective tissue and improving calcium and iron absorption.
- Fatty acids in coconut oil keep the skin beautiful by moisturizing it.
- Potassium – an important mineral for regulating the water balance and important for nerves and muscles to function properly. However, hot flushes and sweating can lead to an increased loss of potassium.
- Zinc – an important trace element, especially for cell metabolism, e.g. our body’s defense function depends on the zinc balance.
- or also Spiralin® – a microalgae active ingredient whose polysaccharides can increase the formation of collagen by human skin cells by up to 36%, depending on the dose*.
Optimal support through the right care during the menopause
As things stand today, the natural processes cannot be stopped completely in their natural course, but they can at least be slowed down. The body is optimally supported in its functionality, i.e. through nutrition and appropriate gentle care. The question arises as to what gentle means in relation to skin care.
There are very simple tips for this, such as not using water that is too hot when cleansing the skin and not using too much product, but rather using the right amount. Because less is often more and does not put additional strain on the skin. However, products that correspond to the skin’s natural pH value are also gentle, as they do not offer any additional irritation potential. Otherwise, the skin must first restore its natural environment.
An unnecessary burden and therefore anything but gentle. For this reason, fragrances and colorants should also be avoided. Harmful or unhealthy ingredients do not belong in our diet or in our care products. And thanks to today’s education, we are increasingly aware of the effects that ingredients such as parabens, silicones or microplastic particles can have, and we should pay particular attention to this, especially in such a transitional phase for the skin.
Further tips for support
But sport is also important for support. Why? Exercise and regular sport ensure better blood circulation and therefore a better supply of oxygen and processing of nutrients. Exercise ensures that more collagen is transported into the skin cells – the protein that is responsible for the firmness of the connective tissue. As collagen in particular is produced less as we age due to changes in hormone production (reduced oestrogen production), it is all the more important that we exercise in order to naturally counteract the signs of skin ageing.
The right diet during the menopause, did you like the article? You can find more topics relating to the menopause and skin care in our expert tips.
Do you have any questions? Please contact our experts at the following email address: info@ocean-pharma.de
*Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Otto Pulz, Potsdam: OM & Nutrition, European Journal of Orthomolecular and Related Medicine, No. 131, 09/2010
Image source: Sante77777 / shutterstock.com
Experten-Tipp entstand in Zusammenarbeit mit:
Patrick Günther
Patrick Günther completed his pharmacy studies in Hamburg and, after obtaining his licence to practise, worked for several years in marketing and sales in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2003, he took over ocean pharma, the company founded by his father in Reinbek near Hamburg in 1978. Together with his business partner, he patented the important processing and standardisation process for the microalgae active ingredient Spiralin® and developed a wide range of medical cosmetics and foot care products based on Spiralin®.
