Most women will go through three stages of hormonal changes in their lives, puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Each stage has its challenges when addressing different skin care needs.
Puberty can begin as early as 10 years old, but changes are most obvious from 11-14 years of age. The onset of the menstrual cycle and hormonal changes can create acne for many teenage girls. This can lead the skin to become excessively oily with breakouts, sensitivity and redness. Some advice to give your teenage girls is as follows:
Don’t use alcohol based product which strip the skin of its natural ph.
Don’t over cleanse the skin with soap or rough loofa pads.
Don’t use products that contain mineral oil or isopropyl myristate.
Do see a licensed esthetician to perform extractions.
Do cleanse the skin twice a day.
Do keep oily hair products off the face.
Do use healing clay masques to reduce inflammation.
Pregnancy can also be a challenge to a women’s skin because of the drastic hormonal changes in her body. Some women produce a “glow” which is due to the increase in blood flow. Others are plagued with congestion and breakouts due to the increase of progesterone levels. Another challenge can be the condition called Melasma. This is an increase of hyper- pigmentation seen throughout the body, and is worsened with sun exposure.
There are various ingredients found in skin care products that help address these issues. Anti- inflammatories such as Lavender, Chamomile and Aloe will calm and heal the skin. Enzymes and Lactic Acid can help inhibit hyper- pigmentation. Humectants like Honey, Hylauronic Acid and Cucumber will add moisture to the skin. Of course using a broad spectrum sunscreen of spf15 or higher is essential even during cloudy days. It is recommended to avoid products containing Vitamins A & C, and Salicylic Acid to prevent possible irritation.
Menopause is a time when a woman’s ovaries stop working. Estrogen, which is responsible for over 300 bodily functions declines and various physical changes are apparent. A loss of Collagen and Elastin occurs which can make the skin appear less taut, and wrinkles start to form. There is a lack of melanocyte cells which protect the skin from the sun and leads to uneven pigmentation. Dehydration can occur due to the slow cell turnover and decreased oil production. When choosing a skin care line it is advantages to have ingredients like green and white tea (potent anti-oxidants), and grape seed extract, raspberry and pomegranate extracts (bioflavonoids). Also advantages are Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Peptides. Many of these ingredients help to rebuild the collagen and elastin as well as restore a quicker cell renewal.
Going through each stage doesn’t have to be challenging if you are informed and choose the correct products for your skin condition. Seeing a licensed esthetician monthly and having her prescribe a good home care routine can help correct and ensure the health of your skin.
Call today for your free consultation. Joyce Marie is waiting for your call. 310-275-6694