MANAGING YOUR SKIN THROUGH MENOPAUSE

Perimenopause (which can begin as early as your mid-30s) and menopause (40+) mark the beginning of the end of women’s fertility, bringing with them physical and emotional changes. This includes shifts in skin health, thanks to hormonal fluctuations, primarily attributable to the decrease in estrogen. Fret not, though — we’ve got strategies to help you handle these skin transformations and look as radiant as ever.

Hydrate and feel great

As estrogen levels drop, the skin becomes drier and less elastic. Combat this by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help retain moisture and fortify your skin's barrier.

Be done with the sun

We’re not saying you don’t need Vitamin D. We are saying that once you’re in the sun, you’ve got to protect yourself. Menopausal skin is more susceptible to damage from UV rays, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) as a regular part of your skincare routine.

Make friends with the cleanse

Avoid harsh, alcohol-based products; a mild, hydrating cleanser will help maintain your skin's natural oils. Cleanse morning and evening to maintain healthy skin.

Be unapologetic

As much as the media harps on the fountain of youth, the reality is that people age — and it’s a gift many don’t get. You can gracefully embrace the change by using skincare products with retinol, peptides, and antioxidants that help support your skin though menopausal changes while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Eat smart

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, avocados, nuts, etc.) can improve your skin's health and elasticity.

Keep it moving

Exercise increases blood flow by delivering oxygen and nutrients and by managing stress, which is a major cause of skin issues during menopause. Introducing techniques like yoga and meditation into your daily routine will have a positive effect on your skin’s appearance.

Above all, be gentle with yourself. Skin changes during menopause are a natural part of the ageing process, but can take some getting used to. Be patient while you figure out the right combination of products — and lifestyle choices — that works for you as you gracefully navigate this new phase of your life, and still feel beautiful in your own skin.

SKIN TLC FOR MUMS-TO-BE

It’s not just the things you put inside your body that matters; what you put on your skin is important as well! A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to healthy skin during pregnancy, but you also want to choose products that are as natural as possible.

Being pregnant changes your hormone balance, and some women complain that the first place they see it is in their skin, which becomes more sensitive as they undergo hormonal shifts.  Acne, hyperpigmentation and stretch marks are some of the most common and unwanted impacts. When coping with these side effects, bear in mind that you’re nurturing a fragile human, so make “gentle” and “clean” your watchwords.

Educate yourself

Labels are your friend; read them carefully to ensure the safety of your skincare products, as some ingredients can cause potential harm to your developing baby. Check our table, below.

Stick to the scientific

While natural ingredients like organic coconut oil and aloe vera — the latter of which is a high allergenic ingredient — are considered good choices during pregnancy, they can also cause other unwanted side effects, like acne and folliculitis. Your best bet is to stick to moisturisers that are accredited by the National Eczema Association, because your skin tends to become more sensitive during pregnancy.

Don’t forget the sunscreen

This is especially important for Caribbean women, whose lifestyle typically includes time in the sun. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential, as your skin is more susceptible to pigmentation changes during pregnancy. We recommend a broad-spectrum, pregnancy-safe sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Staying in the shade and wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you’re at the beach will also minimise sun exposure and therefore your risk of melasma.

Moisturise

Pregnancy can cause dryness, acne, or increased skin sensitivity, but keeping skin properly hydrated by drinking lots of water and using a suitable moisturiser goes a long way. Look for products with natural hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Products containing the ingredient Centella Asiatica are good for stretch marks.

Cleanse

Cleansers are essential to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oils from your skin, but please do not use harsh products that strip the skin. Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to prevent irritation, and be cautious when using exfoliants, as your skin is naturally more sensitive during pregnancy.

When in doubt about whether or nor a product is safe, ask us — we’ll be happy to guide you.

Remember that every pregnancy is unique, so talk to us about your skin care concerns. We’ll help you figure out the best approach to help you enjoy this special time to the fullest, while looking and feeling your best!

THE BOONS OF BOTOX (AND WHY IT’S NO LONGER SCARY)

Short for Botulinum Toxin, Botox is a neurotoxic protein with a long history of medical use. Produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, it was initially developed to treat muscle spasms and other conditions, but was later discovered to have remarkable cosmetic applications.

Once synonymous with frozen faces and celebrity secrets, it has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Its ability to temporarily paralyse the muscles that cause fine lines and wrinkles have made it the go-to anti-ageing treatment, to the point where both men and women are very open about using it.

Wrinkle reduction — Botox bestows a refreshed and youthful appearance by smoothing out troublesome areas like the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and around the eyes (crow's feet).

The lip flip — This trendy (and super-effective) Botox procedure subtly enhances the appearance of the upper lip by relaxing the circular band of muscles around the mouth, creating the illusion of a fuller upper lip and more appealing smile without the need for dermal fillers. The procedure delivers noticeable results within a few days, which last for several months.

Non-invasive — Unlike facelifts and other surgical procedures, Botox is quick (15-30 minutes), generally comfortable, and requires little to no downtime.

Preventative — By starting Botox treatments early, you can slow down the development of wrinkles and maintain a youthful look for longer.

Natural-looking results — Advancements in injection techniques have made results more subtle and natural. When Botox is administered by a skilled and experienced practitioner, it naturally enhances your appearance without making you look expressionless.

The bottom line? Far from being scary, Botox has proven that it lives up to the hype. The treatment is safe, having been FDA-approved, and the risk of side effects is minimal when performed correctly. Not only do the results speak for themselves, but we are able to tailor the treatment to each patient's unique facial structure, ensuring a customised outcome.

THINGS THAT GO “BUMP!” IN THE NIGHT

We all get them — common skin injuries like cuts, bumps and bruises that put their stamp on our skin — and while they are usually not serious, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Understanding what happens to your skin when it experiences this type of trauma can help you minimise and manage the damage.

The science behind bumps and bruises

Any type of blunt trauma to the skin naturally affects the underlying blood vessels. Swelling underneath the skin causes it to stretch. This can result in immediate redness, and perhaps even minor bleeding beneath the skin's surface.

Bumps are formed when ruptured blood vessels release blood into the surrounding tissue. Bruises happen when the capillaries break and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, with the area turning purple thanks to the effect of oxygen-rich haemoglobin in the blood. As the body's natural healing process begins, the bruise will change colour transitioning from red to purple, then green to yellow, and eventually fading away.

Depending on the nature of the injury and the level of resilience in the skin, some people may experience an eczema-type rash that becomes bumpy or itchy, caused by the presence of the fluid under the skin.

How to help your skin bounce back

Ice, ice baby — Ice the area for about 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain, but be sure to take breaks to avoid damage from frostbite.

Don’t wait to elevate — Prop up the affected area on a pillow to reduce swelling.

Go over the counter — Non-prescription pain relievers that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease pain and reduce inflammation, while topical creams containing arnica or vitamin K can help reduce bruising and promote healing. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages and instructions.

Bless the compress — Compression garments and bandages help reduce swelling and provide support for blows to the limbs. They also provide some measure of protection and prevent worsening of the injury.

Do it with diet — Proper hydration and a diet rich in vitamins C and K (think fruits, veggies, leafy greens and heart healthy oils) can promote faster healing of damaged blood vessels and skin tissue.

Above all, be patient. In most cases, bumps and bruises heal on their own, but may take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

THE NITTY GRITTY OF UV NAIL DRYERS

Things we love about doing our nails: expressing our individuality and style with different colours and cool designs. The thing we hate: drying time. Ultraviolet nail-polish dryers have revolutionised nail care by expediting the drying process of gel and shellac nail polishes. By activating the photo-initiators in these types of polishes, manicures become more chip-resistant and last longer. Win/win, right? It’s not so simple.

Efficient, but controversial

UV nail dryers are super speedy at curing and hardening the polish, resulting in a glossy, gorgeous manicure that can withstand daily wear and tear — but with growing concerns about the dangers of UV exposure, there are alternatives with fewer potential health risks.

We already know that the cumulative effects of UV rays on the skin can accelerate ageing and, in some cases, contribute to skin cancer, which is why we’re forever singing the sunscreen song. If you do decide to use UV nail dryers, treat your hands the same way you would the rest of your body — apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen or wear UV-protective gloves before exposing them to UV rays.

Safer alternatives

LEDs

As awareness of UV radiation's potential risks grows, LED nail lamps have emerged as a safer alternative to traditional UV nail dryers. LEDs use light-emitting diodes to cure nail polish, emitting lower levels of UV radiation compared to UV lamps. They also boast faster curing times and longer lifespans, making them an attractive choice for both professionals and at-home users.

Natural approaches

If you want to avoid UV or LED exposure altogether, air drying — though it takes more time — remains a perfectly fine option for regular nail polish. To speed up the process, you can also use quick-dry drops or sprays, which contain ingredients that help evaporate solvents in the polish, thereby accelerating drying time. You can also go old school and position your nails in front of a good, old-fashioned fan or air conditioning vent.

The bottom line

While UV nail dryers can be utilised with proper safety precautions, those preferring to minimise their UV exposure may opt for the comfort of less high-tech methods. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, it's important for you to have access to key information, advocate for your own health, and make informed choices. Either way, your nails are going to look fabulous!