I’m a firm believer in therapy in a bottle. No, not of the alcoholic variety. Beauty products and treatments have got me through some of my lowest moods (along with friends and family obviously). Beauty can help with menopause and anxiety.
Declining oestrogen levels during the menopause can make us feel like we are in a constant state of PMS. Irritability, sadness, anxiety, fatigue and depression will all be familiar to many midlife women.
There are also menopause symptoms affecting your skin and hair. Hair loss and thinning and dry, lacklustre skin are all knock on effects of our oestrogen seeping away. There are of course products that can help with menopause hair loss as well as itchy and dry skin.
READ MORE Does menopause cause anxiety?
For me, beauty products are self-care at its most accessible. Just by using lovely products you are investing in yourself and boosting your self-esteem. The textures are feel-good, as are the smoothing, hydrating and radiance boosting effects on your skin.
Of course, the smell is key. Aromatherapy – or therapy through aroma – is legit. It can change your mood by altering brain chemistry. The molecules in essential oils can be inhaled or absorbed by the skin, so you can breathe in or rub on a better mood. Really.
So here are a few of my favourite beauty mood boosters. They won’t make menopause and anxiety a thing of the past, but they will add some comfort and pampering to your day. And we all need that every now and then.
Sanctuary Spa 3 day Long Lasting Moisture Shower Burst, £7
I love this. Loaded with sweet almond oil, it sets me up for the day.
Clarins Eau Dynamisante Shower Gel, £20
Smells super fresh and invigorating in a very French, chic way.
Ilapothecary Beat The Blues Shower and Bath Oil, £29
A new love of mine. An alchemical blend of self esteem boosting clary sage, healing petitgrain and uplifting tuberose.
Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Roller Ball, £22
One of my favourite mood boosters, it instantly delivers a PMA (positive mental attitude). Loaded with mind-decluttering clary sage and emotion-balancing geranium.
Aveda Stress Fix Concentrate, £22
Another favourite. Lavender and clary sage deliver calm on the go.
