Menopause and skincare – new research from Environ

Professional skincare brand, Environ has discovered that up to 66% of women do not seek professional skincare advice or treatments to assist with skin concerns during menopausal phases despite experiencing significant changes to their skin.

18 October marks World Menopause Day. With the number of menopausal women worldwide estimated to reach 1.1 billion by 2025, Environ’s Consumer Study was conducted to gather data that would enable the brand to make a meaningful contribution to supporting women in their well-being and promoting age-inclusive beauty.

A group of over 800 female respondents, between the ages of 45 and 59 years old, were surveyed to discover the human truths behind the physical effects of menopause on skin. The results revealed much about key skincare concerns and that women experiencing this remarkable life stage continue to carry the burden of societal stigma and miscommunication. Menopause is also something that is quietly suffered alone, or over-medicated and managed simply with hormone replacement therapy.  

Embrace the science of skin and beauty

Globally acclaimed plastic surgeon and Environ founder, Dr Des Fernandes believes that many women don’t recognise the value of skincare professionals and their support in managing menopausal skin concerns. Cosmetics cannot intercept or reverse intrinsic ageing. The best option is to make sure that the skin cells are at their best by the time menopause is reached, and this can be achieved with cosmetic skincare science.

“Skincare professionals are the highly qualified brains behind the science of skin and beauty. They can help a great deal by providing personalised expert recommendations on home skincare and professional treatments that can make real improvements resulting from the loss of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and hydration. Menopause is as individual as a person’s own genetics when it comes to the symptoms and effects on the skin, which makes personalised advice even more important,” says Dr Fernandes.

Skin cells are known to have receptors for oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormones which is an indication of the vital role these play in the healthy functioning of skin. It is the rapid decline of these hormones that results in the shut-down of hormone receptor systems in the skin, which ultimately leads to the ‘changes’ experienced by women pre, during and post menopause.

Consumer insights into menopausal skincare

When asked what the most visible effects of peri-menopause or menopause are on the skin, 51% of respondents said dry, itchy skin and over 34% cited wrinkles, sagging and loss of volume. One in five respondents suffered with flare ups of acne.

Skin is known to lose up to 30% of its collagen in the first five years of menopause. The relative expression levels of oestrogen and progesterone start to decline from the peri-menopausal years onward as women enter a predominantly deficient state. As oestrogen hormones decline, collagen production decreases, and the moisture components of the skin barrier function become impaired.

Dr Fernandes says: “Oestrogen plays a role in stimulating the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans such as Hyaluronic Acid. The decline of progesterone contributes to the deficiency of the skin’s natural oils and together, these compromised moisture components leave the skin susceptible to trans epidermal water loss.”

The power of vitamin A in skincare

Vitamin A is a significant promotor of collagen and natural moisturising factors. As the pioneer and leading specialist in vitamin A skin science, Dr Fernandes maintains that the topical replenishment of vitamin A and antioxidants is the most effective starting point for women experiencing the effects of menopause on their skin.

“Without any doubt, the most important nutrient for beautiful skin before, during and after menopause is vitamin A. This essential skin nutrient controls the normalised activity of skin cells through its effects on cellular DNA, it promotes the healthy metabolism and differentiation of skin cells, and it’s also the most powerful promoter of the skin’s natural moisturising factors,” he says.

Environ’s philosophy is to combine vitamin A with potent antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, as well as specialised peptide technology, so skin can synthesise healthier collagen and build optimal natural collagen levels before menopause.

Boosting self-confidence of women in menopause

Perhaps the most emotionally stirring survey insight from the Environ Consumer Study is that when asked how respondents felt about the effects of menopause on their skin, only 13% cited a degree of acceptance. The overwhelming majority of the group used descriptors such as “sad”, “awful”, “embarrassed” and “frustrated”. Some women even cited that they felt the need to “cover up” and that their skin made them feel “unattractive” and “depressed”.

Dr Fernandes says: “Menopause is inevitable for all women. It’s phase during which women experience significant physical, psychological, and aesthetic changes, along with the associated stressors, that can have a profound impact on their overall well-being.”

In recognition of World Menopause Awareness Month, Environ will focus its efforts on promoting open conversations about the effects of menopause on the skin though educational and inspirational communication. The skincare brand’s campaign aims to disseminate relevant and meaningful information that merges real-life insights from the Environ Consumer Study with interviews featuring Dr Fernandes on broad skincare topics, as well as practical science-backed solutions offered by professional skincare.

• Follow Environ’s #MenopauseConversations on Instagram
• Watch the Dr Des Fernandes Menopause Interviews on YouTube
• Learn more about the effects of Menopause on the Skin on the Environ Website Blog.