Tips to make mature (and menopausal) skin glow
“I work with grown women, who are in their 30s, 40s and 50s, which I think is when women come into their prime,” make-up artist Kay Montano told Vogue in a recent article. We couldn't agree more - these, after all, are the years where we go from learning who we are, to fully being who we are, and it's fitting that our skin should reflect the strength and power with which we're capable of taking on the world.
Montano continued, “I’m all about making their skin glow.” We know that during the same period of our lives where we fully come into our power however, the natural behaviours of the skin begin to change, and so too should our skincare and make-up habits in order to support that evolution.
So, what does make-up artist to the stars (including Julianne Moore, Thandiwe Newton, Anne Hathaway, Zoë Kravitz and Salma Hayek), Montano (also in her fifties) suggest?
Modify your make-up and skincare routine
Acknowledging that skin changes continually, not just as we go through menopause, the article cited the need to be open to changing the skincare and make-up products that we use, as well as the routines that we follow. She suggests a move away from products like powder and those that mattify the skin. This is no doubt because of the increased propensity towards dry skin as hormone and collagen levels change.
Read more about dry skin during menopause
Address hormone levels
Montano is an ardent advocate of HRT, which is wonderful as it presumably means it has worked for her and many women she knows. The key to her point however seems to be addressing the drop in oestrogen during menopause, and the impact that has on the elasticity in the skin. Addressing the cause of menopausal symptoms, whether it's on the skin or on other areas of wellbeing, is definitely our mantra, and the cause is almost universally hormone levels.
However, for anyone who doesn't want to take HRT or cannot take it for whatever reason, there are other options. For our part, we are a fan of phytohormones (naturally occurring plant hormones). They don't have exactly the same effect as HRT, because it's not the same product. However, in diet, supplements and skincare, they do help you to age in a glowing, graceful way with power and autonomy over your body and personal choices.
Read about holistic wellbeing for menopause
Moisturise menopausal skin
As we age, skin loses moisture and hydration, resulting in skin that's more dry, lack's plumpness and can look tired. At the same time, many women find themselves to be extremely thirsty during menopause - partly as a result of hot flashes and sweating prompted by hormonal changes. The answer is not surprising - drink more water, try not to get to the point of feeling dehydrated, and moisturise your skin on the outside too as part of a regular skincare routine.
Read about the power of a regular skincare routine during menopause
Wear less make-up
There is something counterintuitive about the fact that just as your skin changes, it responds less well to make-up. The occurrence of dryness and fine lines means that make-up tends to sit on the skin as we age, or sink into the creases and exaggerate them. The key, it seems, is to opt for boosting skin health and taking a 'less is more' approach - in essence, help that gorgeous skin of yours glow in all its glory.
Find out about specialist skincare for the three stages of menopause
Massage the skin
"If you want to deal with sagging skin, a little bit of massage can really help lift the face", says Montano, and we agree. Alongside choosing the skincare products for your skin, the way we apply them can make a difference to their efficacy. Adding facial massage into your skincare routine can also make a difference to skin's appearance as well as the way you feel. For our part, we're fans of the Kansa Wand. The metal alloy is primarily composed OF copper, which has the following benefits:
- Detoxifying
- Antimicrobial
- Complexion boosting
- Cleanses impurities
We recommend combining it with the use of acupressure plasters. Acupressure has been shown to help relieve menopausal symptoms. The plasters help to continue those benefits throughout the day, ranging from reduced anxiety levels to decreased facial swelling and improved facial muscle tone.
