Skin in the menopause – what does it need?

Many of my patients are surprised that they suddenly no longer tolerate their beloved skin care cream. When they say: I've been using them for years! I answer: That's exactly the problem. A product for a 30-year-old often no longer meets the requirements of a skin aged ten or 15 years. The influence of falling estrogen levels on elasticity and moisture balance is too great for this. I also see this in drought eczema, which affects women over the age of 40 in particular. These rashes are particularly common on the back and legs, scaly and sometimes itchy.

We need more fat

Here, too, you should switch to moisturizing shower baths and lotions and generally question personal hygiene: Am I really so dirty that I have to take a shower every day, perhaps even in the morning and in the evening? Large amounts of shower gel are also superfluous, a walnut-sized portion for the armpits and intimate areas is sufficient. Please limit the warmth of the water to a maximum of body temperature, otherwise we degrease our skin like a plate in hot rinse water.

Incidentally, even with the fingernails, we feel the physical changes. If we want to cut them with scissors, they often break off before we reach the end of the curve. This is due to the structure of the nail substance, which consists of keratin, i.e. horn. The formerly strongly connected lamellae become brittle due to the dryness and a bit like puff pastry. Those who dip their nails in olive oil at least once a week, or more often, can counteract this. Nail-hardening varnishes also cement the surface, provided they are brushed on regularly.

Watch out for cow's milk!

What also strikes me: older women in particular come back to my office with skin blemishes. Not with blackheads like before, but with pimples. We then speak of late acne or acne tarda. Here too, the reason lies in the hormone change, but also in cow's milk – not in sugar, as was thought for a long time. Many people with skin problems react particularly to low-fat milk. A crux, because today protein shakes are popular for weight loss and muscle building. A plant milk can then be a good alternative.

Would you like to read more about the topic and exchange ideas with other women? Then visit the "Women's Health Forum" of the BRIGITTE community!

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