As if we haven’t had enough to deal with as women! First puberty comes along to change our bodies. Then, for some, pregnancy will change our bodies again. We transition and transition - through physical changes, emotional changes and seasons of life. We go from daughters to women, partners, sometimes to mothers and to employees, leaders and/or business owners. Then, as many of us reach a point where we should begin to feel settled - enter menopause. Or at least, the path to menopause, known as perimenopause.
As someone going through this myself, I am fuelled by those who have chosen to see this time as a ‘becoming’ as opposed to the ramping down of our reproductive systems. This outlook is a beautiful way of imagining a life beyond that which our bodies were designed to be capable of and allows us to flourish in a life free from the changes our body has previously gone through to enable us to - if we wish - have children. This new stage can and should be celebrated. In many ways, it’s freeing - it’s our time. Our bodies are attempting now to serve only us. And yet - it can also be a difficult time.
The fluctuating hormones, the sleep issues not to mention the brain fog that so many women experience - the last thing you need is your skin causing you problems too.
Decreased oestrogen levels in the body during the perimenopausal period mean that your skin can start to change in texture and elasticity during this time of your life. Collagen loss can drop by 30% within the first five years of menopause, leading to sagging and more pronounced wrinkles. Lower oestrogen levels mean that sebaceous (the skin’s natural oil) glands become less active leading to drier skin which can cause itching, breakouts and even acne - but don’t panic!
Here are a few ways to tame your skin as it goes through this turbulent period and learn to look after your skin in perimenopause -
Hydrate and Moisturise
As our oil glands become less active on the journey towards menopause, our skin can lose its ability to retain moisture as effectively resulting in sensitivity and dryness which can lead to conditions such as Pruritus, where the skin feels itchy without a rash. So, ladies, we need to help our skin out with a stronger moisturiser. I don't mean a more chemical one - introducing heavy chemical products to your skin at this time makes it more challenging for your skin to regulate again. Instead, consider an all-natural, gentle, oil-based moisturiser. 
Look out for products with ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba seed oil and sweet almond oil that are rich in fatty acids to help restore the skin's barrier function and deeply moisturise, combating dryness.
Gentle Cleansing
Your skin can be extremely delicate and sensitive during perimenopause so ensure you always opt for gentle, sulphate-free formulas in your products that don’t dry out your skin.
Whilst cleansing is effective in cleaning the skin and getting into those pores, it’s important not to overdo it. Cleansing also strips natural oils from your skin so you should limit this practice to once per day - in the evenings. Cleansing in the mornings is mostly unnecessary since there hasn’t been much opportunity for your skin to gather toxins overnight.
Whilst lovely warm water can feel soothing, using lukewarm water is more gentle and less likely to cause dryness and irritation.
Collagen in Perimenapause
As our oestrogen levels decrease, so too does collagen production. Collagen gives our skin its plumpness and elasticity and as levels decrease in age skin can appear thinner and wrinkles may appear. Using products that may support collagen production early on in the menopause journey can help to keep skin firmer.
Skincare products with natural oils such as hemp seed and turmeric root can also help to brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation and improve firmness. Anti-inflammatory oils such as lavender can also help soothe the skin by reducing redness and irritation, which can be more pronounced during perimenopause. Although these ingredients cannot replace collagen in the skin, they can support the skin in other ways so that decreased collagen production is less noticeable.
Vitamin C can also aid this, whether taken naturally through food or as a supplement.
Unfortunately, even those of us who eat a good amount of fruits and vegetables may still find it difficult to maintain high levels of vitamin C due to nutrient depletion in soil which means some of our foods contain fewer vitamins than they're supposed to.
Sun Protection
Yes, I know - I'm always going on about sun protection! As someone with hyperpigmentation, I know how important this is. Sunlight is a miracle for our wellness, increasing serotonin and fuelling vitamin D production so please don’t avoid it. Yet, it can also do harm and it’s essential we take vital steps to protect from any long-lasting damage.
Using products that include natural sun protection ingredients such as non-nano zinc oxide every day is key to ensuring your skin is shielded from harmful UV rays that can exacerbate ageing spots and drying out. Even more importantly, it helps to shield you from sun cancer.
Many of us, though, only use sun protection in summer months, which is a major oversight since - whether it feels like it or not - sunlight can still be prevalent in winter and still has the same potential to do harm. So, now is the time to ensure you’re using SFF all year round.
Whole Body Wellness During Perimenopause
The skin is like any other organ in the body, it needs nourishment and nutrients. Whilst creams and serums can provide essential nutrients for the skin to stay firm, bright and hydrated, we also need to ensure that we're engaging in healthy eating, managing stress and getting regular exercise to ensure our skin has the best possible chance to shine, especially during the challenging period of perimenopause.
Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries and leafy greens are good for the skin as are healthy fats like avocado. Ensure you're also getting plenty of collagen-boosting vitamin C.
Regular exercise can help improve circulation which can help deliver oxygen to your skin and help those essential oils get to work quickly, but be gentle - your body does not need to deal with the additional stress of aggressive exercise at this time. Instead, opt for gentler movement and increase your heart rate with care, particularly if you're not someone who doesn't exercise regularly.
Our bodies go through a lot at this time and we need to take care of ourselves in a holistic way. Talking of which, make sure you’re also getting the emotional support you need and communicate about what is happening and how you’re feeling. Whether this is with loved ones or by reaching out to menopause support groups and communities.
Magnesium For Perimenopause
Personally, I've found magnesium a beneficial supplement for managing symptoms associated with perimenopause (yes, I'm there).
Magnesium plays a role in improving sleep quality by promoting relaxation and making it easier to fall asleep, which is particularly valuable as we're likely to experience insomnia during this transitional phase. Additionally, magnesium supports emotional wellbeing by alleviating mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and even depressive symptoms. For those dealing with hot flashes—a hallmark symptom of menopause—magnesium may offer relief by reducing their frequency or intensity. Moreover, magnesium helps combat fatigue and tiredness by supporting energy production and overall vitality.
Choosing The Right Products For Your Skin During Perimenopause
The wide range of products available to perimenopausal women can be a minefield. Many are so packed with harsh chemicals and sulphates that, on transitioning skin, can sometimes have a counter effect. It’s always best to nourish the skin naturally.
Our Eternal range is made up of 100% natural ingredients specially formulated to aid perimenopause using essential oils. Our Eternal oil cleanser includes ingredients such as geranium flower for enhanced blood circulation, lavender oil for its anti-inflammatory properties and hemp seed oil for collagen production.
Our Eternal face cream contains similar ingredients with added antioxidant ingredients such as pomegranate seed and carrot seed oil known to protect the skin from environmental stressors (including sun damage) that can accelerate ageing.
You don’t have to use my products though - this is all about providing you guidance and support. What I do recommend though - above all - is opting for all-natural products. Try to drown out that call from the beauty industry to take aggressive chemical action against your skin. You don't need any increased turbulence now. Allow nature to support your skin as you journey through this transition into this new beautiful stage of womanhood.