When did you first start noticing changes in your skin related to menopause or perimenopause?
I actually only started noticing this quite recently - I am only 41, but my Mum went through menopause early too - and my skin changing was one of the first signs.
What has been the biggest shift in your skin during this stage of life — dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, or something else?
My neck and scalp initially started getting very itchy, and dry, and then I got hormonal breakouts on my chin area - something that I used to suffer from in my 20s, and that I thought had left me for life! But alas!
How have these skin changes made you feel about yourself, and has it impacted your confidence?
Cystic acne on my chin doesn’t feel great, I must confess! But more than that, the itchy, dryness was really quite annoying and just a constant reminder of the fact that youth is slipping away!
Did you need to change your skincare routine as you entered menopause? What products or treatments have made the most difference?
I am currently having a series of Caci Signature Peels, and I have found that these have really helped with all aspects of my skin change. And just keeping on top of my really hydrating skincare has been great.
Was there anything about menopause and skin that surprised you or that you wish you had known earlier?
I really didn’t know much about menopause, to be honest, as it has been one of those taboo things (like so many things that women go through), but it is wonderful that people are starting to talk about it more now. I literally only knew about hot flushes!
Beyond skincare, have you noticed lifestyle factors (diet, stress, sleep, exercise) that have a big impact on your skin during this stage?
Exercise and sleep are crucial, always, but especially when trying to balance your hormones. Also making sure to drink lots of water, and eat well.
What advice would you give to women just starting their menopause journey about looking after their skin?
I would say talk to your Caci skin therapist about treatments they recommend - it has been so helpful for me to have their expertise on hand! And of course, look after your self. You are what you eat.
And in their general life?
As soon as you start to feel symptoms of perimenopause, go and see your GP and talk to them - HRT is an amazing tool that is really important to take to keep your bones strong and help with all the nasty symptoms that can be really debilitating.
How important is it to you to have open conversations about menopause, and what role do you think clinics like Caci can play in that?
I love that this conversation is happening now - it is wild that this huge moment in literally half the populations life was never spoken of. And I love that Caci is assisting in this!
