Top Skincare Takeaways -

1. To take care of your skin the best, choose high quality, potent serums/creams, typically single ingredient, that are applied after cleansing but before moisturizer.
2. Be mindful of HOW to apply — each product may have its own specific requirements. For example, hyaluronic acid is best applied when the face is damp with water, as this helps absorption and may reduce the appearance of fine lines.
3. Know the science! Not all products are developed based on solid science — for example, gummies with collagen have not been found to have a meaningful effect on the skin or to reduce visible signs of aging.
4. Healthy living — good diet, exercise, and LOTS of water — always plays the biggest role in skin health and overall aging, since these habits support telomeres (the protective caps at the ends of your DNA that affect how your cells age) and gene expression. Factors such as stress and significant weight loss will also have an effect on skin integrity, wrinkles, and dark circles.
5. Choose a stylish sun hat, stay in the shade, and use SPF — the sun ages skin and causes discoloration (as well as sun spots), so this tip is always fundamental. Some sun for Vitamin D is critical — one of the drawbacks of "stay out of the sun" messaging has been a drop in Vitamin D levels. Limit unprotected direct sunlight to around 20 minutes a day to help replenish your Vitamin D levels.

How & Why Skin Ages (and what role does menopause play?)

There are many different contributors to skin aging — but ultimately, there are two key factors: the overall process of cellular decline and telomere shortening that contributes to the aging process, and external effects that include UV rays, pollutants, and diet, which can cause skin to lose elasticity and develop sun spots. Consistently elevated cortisol has been shown to have an aging effect on skin's appearance, and fatigue can contribute to puffiness in the eye area — both of which can affect the look of skin over time. Lastly, hormones can affect skin quality and how it looks, as well as rosacea/tone, acne, and hair growth, all of which affect the overall look and quality of skin.

So, what can we do to take care of our skin?

The Skin Heavy Hitters

Retinol:

What it does > It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and may visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plumper look.

How it works > Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is an ingredient added to skin creams, lotions and serums. Retinol supports skin renewal, contributing to a more refreshed appearance.

When/How to use > Retinol works best used consistently — ideally daily. Try to use it at night because light and air can deactivate some formulations. If you experience any side effects — like skin redness or dryness — back down to once every 2 or 3 nights.

Hyaluronic Acid:

What it does > Hyaluronic acid has beneficial properties when used on your skin. It's especially useful for reducing the visible appearance of wrinkles and age lines. It's also great for helping improve overall skin flexibility and that bouncy, supple feeling.

How it works > Hyaluronic acid belongs to a family of long, chain-like molecules called polymers. It is the best polymer for absorbing water — meaning it helps skin retain moisture and stay hydrated. Its chain-like structure also helps skin hold its shape and maintain plumpness.

When/How to use > Most experts would encourage you to apply it twice a day, every day, as part of your morning and evening rituals, after cleansing, before moisturizer.

Vitamin C:

What it does > Vitamin C contributes to photoprotection, may help reduce the appearance of photodamage, and is needed for adequate wound healing. It can increase skin brightness and helps fight environmental stressors that come into contact with your skin.

How it works > Vitamin C is an essential part of skin health both as a small-molecular-weight antioxidant and as an ingredient involved in supporting a more even, radiant complexion.

When/How to use > Vitamin C is a skin-care "active" — meaning it's particularly potent — applying too much can potentially lead to more breakouts or irritation. Never apply more than 2x per day, but generally think about applying a few times a week. Vitamin C is effectively an acid (it's sometimes known as ascorbic acid), so layering it with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids is a big no-no.

Tranexamic Acid (TXA):

What it does > TXA is an ingredient that may offer many benefits for the skin, including the ability to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots, discolorations, and uneven skin tone. It may also be beneficial for improving the look of the skin barrier.

How it works > TXA may help visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone with regular use.

When/How to use > When used topically, it can take around six to eight weeks of regular use before you start seeing visible results. It can be used daily — apply after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. PM use is recommended.

Niacinamide:

What it does > It may help calm your skin, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and increase moisture in your skin's uppermost layer. It is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, tighten the appearance of lax or stretched-out pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen the skin's surface.

How it works > It has the ability to help improve skin's barrier (its first line of defense), and it may help skin look more even and refreshed over time. Once applied, it is broken down into the form of this vitamin that our cells can use. Niacinamide has a normalizing effect on the pore lining, helping to keep oil and debris from backing up and causing clogged, rough, bumpy skin.

When/How to use > Apply a few drops of niacinamide once or twice daily after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating.

Snail Mucin:

What it does > Its benefits include moisturizing the skin, visibly addressing signs of premature skin aging, and supporting overall skin comfort.

How it works > Glycolic acid — an AHA present in snail mucin — has been shown to help unclog pores, improve skin texture, visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and fade the look of dark spots (aka hyperpigmentation).

When/How to use > Consider this a bonus hydration step for dry skin — it's not a replacement for moisturizer, but an addition. Put it on after your active products, like a vitamin C serum, and before your moisturizer.

Liquid Exfoliants (BHAs, AHAs):

What it does > AHAs exfoliate your skin, improve moisture retention, and may contribute to a plumper, more youthful appearance. BHAs are effective for calming the look of inflammation and redness, and they're highly effective at penetrating oily pores.

How it works > Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids, though similar, differ in how deeply they exfoliate — for some, BHAs are too strong an exfoliant.

When/How to use > If you have normal to dry skin and want a product that helps restore moisture, address visible aging, and improve the appearance of sun damage, you would use an AHA, since BHAs work on a deeper level to help address acne and improve the look of deep sun damage.

Ceramides/Peptide serums:

What it does > Think of ceramides as the glue that holds your skin cells together — they also help retain moisture and prevent environmental damage from pollution or harsh weather conditions. Peptides are for targeted skincare concerns — like improving the look of skin firmness or calming the appearance of redness.

How it works > Peptides are a type of amino acid involved in how the skin maintains its structure. Ceramides are a type of lipid (fat) that naturally occurs in the skin and they're essential for maintaining plump, hydrated-looking skin as we age.

When/How to use > These can be used after cleansing and toning, before moisturizing, and they can be used daily.

Facial Oils (almond, coconut, etc.):

What it does > Depending on the type of face oil, oils can cleanse, moisturize or work as a spot treatment.

How it works > They can be useful in situations where they act as an emulsifier and help lift oily residues from makeup or other products and pollutants from the skin.

When/How to use > As a rule of thumb, all skincare should be applied thinnest to thickest — so, moisturizer first, facial oil second.

Dermal Estrogen (estriol):

What it does > Topical estriol may support skin's natural firmness and a more youthful-looking appearance.

How it works > Estrogen plays a role in how skin looks and feels, and some women find topical estriol supports a more supple, youthful appearance.

When/How to use > A small amount used as part of a consistent skincare routine. As with any active ingredient, use as directed and consult a healthcare provider if you have questions about what's right for your body.

Progesterone:

What it does > Progesterone may help support a more balanced, even-looking skin tone for some women.

How it works > Progesterone is involved in how the body manages hormone balance, and may support clearer-looking skin for some women.

When/How to use > Use as part of your regular hormone supplementation routine. Consult your healthcare provider about what's appropriate for you.

What About Lasers, Wands, (& other skin light sabres...)?

Lasers (masks/wands):

What it does > Laser resurfacing can lessen the appearance of fine lines in the face. It can also address loss of skin tone and improve your complexion.

How it works > LED light masks and devices are best used to help support skin's appearance and address the look of acne breakouts, though they don't replace your regular skincare routine. As at-home devices, they may be less effective than in-office procedures at your dermatologist's office.

When/How to use > If you overdo lasering, your skin might not get the time to recover — potentially leading to sensitivity or pigmentation issues. Limit to a few times per week.

High Frequency Wands:

What it does > They have been credited with addressing the look of acne, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a tighter-looking appearance, and reducing the look of dark circles and eye puffiness.

How it works > During the high frequency treatment, enriched oxygen molecules are produced that create an anti-bacterial action and a "natural" thermal tissue warming. This reaction may help support better-looking skin and a more hydrated, refreshed complexion.

When/How to use > Overexposure can cause issues, so you will not want to overuse — home treatment can be done weekly.

Microcurrent Device:

What it does > Some people report experiencing immediate results after microcurrent facials, including skin that looks tighter and more sculpted. However, there is little scientific research proving that this treatment is effective or safe long term.

How it works > Microcurrent facials may help skin appear lifted, smoother, and more rejuvenated.

When/How to use > While it may sound uncomfortable, the process should be pain-free. Because you're dealing with electrical currents, people who are pregnant, have epilepsy, seizures, or any electronic-implanted devices like pacemakers or cochlear implants or metal braces should steer clear of the treatment! Otherwise, at home, the device can be used every other day.

What About Skincare/Aging Supplements?

A plethora of gummies, supplements, and liquid collagens have exploded onto the market, touting dewy skin from within... but do they actually work? The consensus is that overall health will win out over any skincare supplement. Whilst we are not against supplements — especially during menopause when we can need a boost — we've written all about them here! — overall skin health relies on too many factors to be addressed by just one thing (collagen, vitamin D, vitamin C, H2O, etc. etc.). However, there is some suggestion that higher doses of oral Vitamin C are good for skin, so enjoy those cuties! Otherwise, save your money for delicious whole foods, and ditch the expensive gummies!

What Else Plays A Role in Skincare?

Want skin to be DEWY? Remember DEWSS (Diet, Exercise, Water, Stress, Sun) — these all play a role in skin health (and overall health), as well as skin hydration and elasticity.

DIET = Sugars, caffeine, refined carbs, processed foods, high sodium intake, and alcohol all contribute to skin "negatives" (think redness, water loss, puffiness, etc.) in different ways. Conversely, fruits and veggies contain tons of necessary vitamins and minerals that our skin (and whole body!) needs!

EXERCISE = Exercise increases circulation and happy hormones, reduces stress, and increases blood flow — all factors in whole body and skin health.

WATER = Water is the holy grail of skincare — humble and easy to forget about in a sea of juice, wine, tea, and coffee — but water is king! Dehydrated skin lacks moisture from the inside. It may appear not only dry and itchy but also dull, uneven, and more lined. You can even detect dehydration through your skin, so drink up (pure H2O!).

STRESS/SLEEP = Stress is pretty debilitating for many of our organs. Lack of sleep isn't great either, but many of us are chronically stressed and tired. Stress can contribute to weight fluctuations that affect our skin, and lack of sleep can have us reaching for quick sugars and caffeine — also not great. Think about ditching screens, taking time to meditate, and getting a sleep schedule lined up that helps you prioritize your Zen and your Zzz's!

SUN = Ok, we all know this one. The solution is simple: sun hats, SPF, and shade! The sun can increase discoloration (sun spots) and the visible appearance of fine lines. Simple fix: protect your skin every single day.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body — it's a critical barrier that keeps the bad things out. Love on your skin to keep the inside strong and healthy!

This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are noticing changes in your body or have questions about your health, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.