Stages of Menopause and How It Affects Your Skin

To be a woman or a person who menstruates is to experience life lived in constant change. 

What do we mean by that? Well, from the moment we begin our monthly cycle, our bodies are adjusting daily to shift between each phase - the follicular at the beginning and luteal near the end of our cycles… Every phase brings its own specific challenges and benefits. 

Menopause and all its stages - perimenopause, menopause & post-menopause is a journey through hormonal changes, which of course, comes with twists and turns, unexpected detours, moments of exhilaration and challenges.

We’ve taken a deep dive into this journey and carried out extensive research into how the skin changes throughout the different stages, empowering you to pivot your skincare ritual to target exactly what your skin needs and craves throughout.

What Are The 3 Stages of Menopause?

The fascinating thing about menopause is that it isn't just a single event; it's a process that unfolds in 3 distinct stages: perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.

Stage 1: Perimenopause - The Prelude to Menopause

Perimenopause, often humorously referred to as the "menopausal teaser," is the prelude to the main event. It typically occur 3-6 years before menopause, and just like many phases in life, the age you will start to experience it is unknown..

This stage can last for several years, during which your body's estrogen and progesterone levels play a game of hide and seek. The most common indicator of perimenopause is an unpredictable menstrual cycle, leading to mood swings, irregular periods, low libido, sleep disturbances and various other symptoms.

You can still conceive throughout perimenopause, making it quite different from menopause, when egg production ceases.

Stage 2: Menopause - The Grand Finale

Unbeknown to so many of us, the phase of menopause actually occurs when you've gone a full year without your cycle’s monthly visits. On average, this happens at around 51, but every woman's timeline is unique.

At this point, the ovaries retire from their reproductive efforts, leading to a drop in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift can result in hot flashes, night sweats, elevated heart rate, brain fog, vaginal dryness and mood changes such as irritability, depression or anxiety.

Stage 3: Post-menopause - Embracing the new 'normal'

After menopause, you enter the 'post-menopause' era, and while some of the symptoms continue to stick around, many experience increased energy levels & libido as they’re no longer battling the hormonal fluctuations.

The menopausal transition also represents a shift into a new era of you… It symbolises the end of one phase and the beginning of another, which is often spiritually interpreted as a time of personal growth & self-discovery, and when a woman's wisdom and intuition reach their peak. 

Skin changes throughout these phases

And what products are scientifically balanced to address these changes in the skin:

PERIMENOPAUSE
Your skin may start showing signs of ageing as levels of hydration and collagen begin to decrease, with the skin appearing less firm, more wrinkles and dryness. 

Hydrate dry skin & keep it firm:

1.  Kakadu Brightening Serum
2.  Restore Serum
3.  Ultra Rich Moisturiser
4.  Firming Eye Contour Cream

Nurture blemishes & breakouts:

1. Purifying Gel Cleanser (AM) / Radiance Cream Cleanser (PM)
2.  Ageless AHA Glow Concentrate
3.  Instant Glow Face Masque
4.  Kakadu Brightening Serum
5.  Firming Eye Contour Cream

MENOPAUSE & POSTMENOPAUSE

As the ovaries havestopped producing estrogen, collagen levels decrease further. In fact, the skin loses up to 30% of its collagen in the first 5 years after menopause! At this stage,skin will be quite dry and craving a lot of hydration, many women refer to this as ‘tight and dry’. The loss of collagen results in the skin sagging and becoming thinner and often sensitivity issues start to arise as the skin’s natural lipids start to diminish.

Support collagen production:

1.  Kakadu Brightening Serum
2.  Restore Serum
3.  Ultra Rich Moisturiser
4.  Firming Eye Contour Cream

Soothe sensitive & inflamed skin:

1.  Radiance Cream Cleanser
2.  Refining Face Polish
3.  Instant Glow Face Masque
4.  Kakadu Brightening Serum
5.  Restore Serum
6.  Ultra Rich Moisturiser
7.  Firming Eye Contour Cream

Many women experience itchy, dry skin over their entire body too - Wild Kakadu Hand & Body Cream intensely hydrates while calming the skin.

 

Transitioning through the menopausal journey

With evolving stages, often spanning over a long period of time, the journey of menopause can be overwhelming & exhausting, but it’s not endured alone. 

Over the coming months, we are dedicated to focusing on this stage of life and delving further into the many layers, bringing you more tailored education, new products and exploring the deeper, symbolic significance.