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In a 2023 survey from the Journal of Women’s Health, over a third of women report feeling shame related to menopause symptoms (37.4%), while the majority of respondents reported feeling stigma associated with symptoms (82.7%). And according to Statista, 28% of women will start to worry about signs of aging and fear natural changes by year 18.
Why, and how could this be when aging and menopause are such natural experiences? Well, when we look at beauty marketing, we’re confronted with words such as “sagging, jowls, crow’s feet, frown lines, sallow, bags, dark circles, balding, and anti-aging!”
Okay, wow! This is the assumed and bleak reality women are confronted with every time they open social media or see an ad. But, is this truly reality? While some would say, “Yes, these words bring forth the inevitable features of aging.” It could also be argued that the meaning assigned to these words is damaging. Language does not exist in a vacuum, and the overwhelming majority of words have social and psychological implications.
In the name of profit, it could even be argued that some beauty marketing campaigns purposefully seek to erode confidence and healthy perceptions around aging. “Almost 2/3 of executives in the beauty industry are men. Thus, more than 65% of executive committee seats in the beauty industry are held by men.” This is not to say that women who perpetuate these standards cannot be found or that these execs have set out to antagonize women.
This is simply to say that the experience of aging is largely defined for women by a third party. Plus, in order to create demand, offering a solution to a problem is especially helpful. So, when aging is presented as a problem, beauty companies can successfully sell a solution.
Yes, the body will age, and this process will implement physiological changes. But, a woman’s worth is not determined by her age. Objects expire; humanity and womanhood do not. As we age, we reflect, we discover ourselves, our instincts attune, and we become stronger in our virtues. The aging woman develops boundaries, her love of self grows, and she becomes confident in her observations. So, could it be that an aging woman actually threatens the status quo of power dynamics?
Aging is natural. Change is standard. And ultimately, menopause is natural! So, let’s talk about it in a safe and normal way. Firstly, what does menopause truly mean?
What are the implications of menopause?
To answer this question, let’s first begin with defining perimenopause. Perimenopause is the experience before menopause. Perimenopause is your body making its way to menopause. It’s a distinct point in time. The hot flashes, mood fluctuations, weight changes, irregular bleeding, insomnia, and other well-known symptoms are actually more associated with perimenopause. Yes, women report some of these symptoms after menopause, but they are known to be less intense.
Why is all of this happening? Why do hot flashes happen? Why do mood swings happen?
Perimenopause can start during your mid-30s and early 50s, but it is most common within your 40s. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone (reproductive hormones produced by the ovaries) levels can fluctuate, leading to irregular periods, ovulation cycles, mood swings, and most notably, hot flashes. Hot flashes happen because of decreased estrogen levels and your body’s thermostat, the hypothalamus.
Here are some key points about hot flashes and mood swings:
- As your estrogen levels decrease, the hypothalamus becomes more sensitive to small changes in body temperature. “When the hypothalamus thinks your body is too warm, it starts a chain of events — a hot flash and perhaps night sweats — to cool you down.”
- Many OBGYNs and endocrinologists prescribe hormone therapy (HRT) for mood swings and hot flashes. Estrogen is the most commonly used hormone, but progesterone can be used as well.
- Bonus: During perimenopause, OBGYN visits are especially beneficial to navigating your body's changes. There is also an increased risk for uterine fibroids, which are harmless 99% of the time, but they may cause heavy bleeding and mild but chronic pain. Although women are often concerned about uterine fibroids during their reproductive years, it is still worth checking in with your OBGYN about them.
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
While menopause is a defined point in time or the distinct pivot into post-menopause, perimenopause can lasts months to 10 years, but most commonly, it lasts about 4 years. More intense symptoms are known to occur during the last leg of perimenopause.
And once you haven’t had a period in 12 consecutive months, this is menopause. “Menopause happens when the ovaries no longer have eggs to expel so ovulation stops.” And because ovulation stops, the production of estrogen and progesterone greatly decreases.
Then your body goes into post-menopause, an indefinite period. Post-menopause is your body’s new normal, and you may notice that your health and skincare regimen need a shift.
Menopause and the skin
As a person ages and estrogen production decreases, less collagen and sebum are produced. This is why hydration, moisturization, sunscreen, and even retinoids can be major assets to a mature skincare routine. You may also notice changes in hair production or more little hairs on the face. Because our androgen (sex hormone) ratios change during menopause, this can impact the way our hair follicles function.
What is a mature skincare routine?
Incorporating ingredients such as vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinoids, ceramides, niacinamide, and ferulic acid. Before collagen starts noticeably decreasing, you’ll want to use a hydrating serum with antioxidants after cleansing, a moisturizer to lock it all in, and a sunscreen. A simple sunscreen will do as well, and using one is especially important after using a retinoid the previous night.
The Takeaway
In reality, aging, self-discovery, and transformation are beautiful processes. No one can define it for you, and there are several ways rooted in science to support these changes and not only make them comfortable but also a means of continuing your self-care journey.
Here are a few tools that might be helpful!
Red Light Therapy
When the right wavelength of red LED penetrates the skin, it can decrease inflammation, boost collagen, and it can even help with hair regrowth if it's strong enough.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Retinoids
Retinoids bind to the RnR and RxR receptors in the skin, and this process stimulates epidermal growth factors. More simply, retinoids tell your skin cells to make more skin cells, and they thicken the deeper levels of your skin. In turn, flakey skin cells are pushed off, revealing a new layer of skin. Retinoids also train your skin to turn over a new layer of skin more quickly, which is wonderful, because more mature skin turns over at a slower rate.
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum - $14.90
This is a more potent, OTC retinal. We’ve tested and tried it, and it definitely does what it’s supposed to do!
Dr. Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum - $63
This has bakuchiol, niacinamide a retinoid serum, azelaic acid, and allantoin. The allantoin makes the skin so soft, and Cassandra particularly loves this product.
April Skin Carrotene Clarifying Serum - $28
This not only has beta-carotene, a retinoid alternative, but it also has niacinamide. All in all, this is a gentle, K-beauty formula, and a great choice for those who find niacinamide and retinoid formulas irritating.
Rich moisturizers
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Phyto Ceramides - $22.50
Ceremedix Ultra Moisturizing Cream (CeraVe alternative) - $17.92
Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream Esthetician Recommended Moisturizer - $64
This has a ceramide building complex with pro ceramides and cica. The ceramide-building complex encourages your skin to naturally produce more ceramides, which make up half of our skin's top layer.
Sunscreen
UV radiation from the sun damages skin cells, DNA, causes discoloration, and it can even cause cell mutation. So, it’s important to wear SPF. Any sunscreen that works for you will do, but here are two broad-spectrum sunscreens that Casandra likes!
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50: $18.30 - $24.50
This SPF 50 includes niacinamide, antioxidants, and it won’t pill so it works great with thick moisturizers.
Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 75 - $75
This pigmented sunscreen and primer offers one of the highest levels of sun protection. Plus, it's super hydrating, and it especially helps even the skin.
Cover photo cred: Freepik