Of the many menopause symptoms, changes to skin are not the most talked about. As oestrogen levels drop, the affect on your complexion can be profound. Lower oestrogen makes your skin texture more likely to sag, wrinkle and crease – as any woman who has woken up with a pillow crease on her cheek knows only too well. And don’t start us on all-day swimming goggle marks – zero bounce back!
Sagging and loss of plumpness can be blamed on lower collagen levels, a direct result of lower oestrogen. And with less collagen, skin simply doesn’t have that bounce it had in your younger years. That glow has gone.
The beauty impact of menopause doesn’t stop at skin. Does menopause affect your eyebrows? Yes indeedy. Thinning eyelashes are a common complaint for menopausal women.
If you’re after a few fast fixes, these products will help.
BEST FOR THINNING LASHES: Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara, £23
Thinning eyelashes are common during menopause. The best midlife makeup mascara is this new one from Laura Mercier. Thickening and hydrating, it also has a sizeable wand to eliminate any unwanted clumps.
BEST FOR OVERNIGHT COOLING: Elemis Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Aqua Infusion Mask, £125
Elemis just dropped a new face mask and it’s a lifesaver if you’re struggling to sleep. Cooling on application with a relaxing fragrance, apply for 20 minutes before bed as part of your nighttime routine and wake up with plumper, softer skin.
BEST FOR DARKENING UNDER EYES: No7 Laboratories Dark Circle Corrector, £24.95
This is a midlife makeup must-have. After seven years in the making and amassing a waiting list of 29,000 people, No7’s latest addition to the Laboratories collection is here.
A skincare-makeup hybrid, it contains caffeine, hyaluronic acid and algae extract to reduce dark circles and colour diffusing particles instantly brighten the area.
BEST FOR SKIN PROTECTION: Caudalie Milky Sun Spray SPF 50, £22
Caudalie has launched a non-toxic, highly biodegradable suncare range to prevent damage to coral reefs – so you can protect both your skin and the environment. Their milky mist works wonders on dehydrated and sensitive menopausal skin.
BEST FOR TIGHTENING: Lancôme Rose Sorbet Cryo-Mask, £21.60
Heard of cryotherapy? The -90 degree ice chamber is how far some will go for tighter, brighter skin. If it’s not for you, Lancôme has the next best thing. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Rose Water and Sunflower Seed Oil, this super-cooling mask should be used twice a week to reap the benefits.
