by Merryl Lentz

Created on: February 21, 2013

When is the best time to treat menopausal skin? Before menopause. When you're in your late 40s and are possibly experiencing peri-menopause – the five or so years before menopause – you can nip menopause-related skin issues in the bud. And there are plenty – the body makes its estrogen decrease known in many unwelcome ways. If you're already in menopause, don't despair – it's not too late to address and correct your skin's issues.

In a Vichy Laboratories survey of 686 menopausal women over age 50, 82% experienced changes in their skin's appearance. Fifty-three percent reported that their most common concern was dry skin, followed closely by increased wrinkles and a sagging neck. And 67% claimed that they had to buy completely new skin care products and cosmetics to address these menopausal maladies. But these changes can be changed – try these skin care routines that will make your 40s fabulous and your 50s phenomenal.

Kiss Dry Goodbye

During menopause, your skin produces less oil, resulting in dryness. As the ovaries cease estrogen production, collagen levels also diminish by one-third in the first five years of menopause, making skin thinner and drier. If the dryness is not addressed, it could lead to wrinkling around the eyes and mouth, or deepening of lines that already exist. You can help replenish the skin's hydration with a moisturizer or serum containing hyaluronic acid, such as Derma E's Rehydrating Serum, which magnetizes water to it and replenishes collagen, making your skin thicker. This is one area where you'll want to be plump!

In addition to losing collagen protein, facial skin loses fat, and tends to sag and wrinkle. To diminish lines and tighten skin, you can use prescription-strength tretinoin and retinoids, found in the brand-name Retin-A, Avita or Renova, or an over-the-counter version such as Oil of Olay's Regenerist.

Steer clear of drying deodorant soaps, and select ones saturated with fat, like Caress, Dove or Cetaphil. Avoid long, hot showers and baths, which can dry your skin. After bathing, stay smooth and lock in water by slathering yourself with a moisturizing body lotion, like Nivea Body Original Moisture Lotion.

If you want to counteract wrinkles and sagging skin with a more potent procedure, injections of Botox or injectible fillers like Perlane, Juvéderm or Restylane may be the perfect anti-aging ammunition for you.

Sun and sensibility

How can something that feels

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