Thanks to my specialism in women’s skin health, I frequently encounter menopause-related skin concerns.

Perimenopause and menopause can lead to skin-related symptoms such as dryness, redness or breakouts, as well as more visible pigmentation and increased signs of aging. The skin also begins to thin due to loss of collagen - women lose 30% of their skin collagen during the first five years of menopause, and about 2% in each following year, with many women also experiencing increased sensitivity. These skin changes are linked to two physiological processes: a decline in the number and activity of skin cells and lowering levels of estrogen.

To help tackle this, knowing the best ingredients and delivery methods is key. Look out for products containing ingredients that hydrate (such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and glycerin), increase elasticity (such as retinol and peptides) and support the skin barrier (such as ceramides). It’s also important to avoid excessive layering of products, and instead focus on protecting the skin’s microbiome and barrier. Moisturizing daily is key, as well as avoiding excessive use of scrubs, as over-exfoliation can increase inflammation and breakouts.

Our JOY Prescription: Highly hydrating, sumptuous, hyaluronic-acid rich SUNDAY SOFA Body Butter will quench dry skin’s thirst whilst improving the skin’s firmness and elasticity with rambutan leaf, a natural retinol alternative.