Pic credit: Angela Counsel
‘Change of life’ (aka menopause) is a significant time of transition for women with potential side effects that can take their toll on skin and nails. Hormonal fluctuations can start anywhere from the late 30’s with the potential of lasting for a period of up to 12 years. We asked menopause coach and naturopath Angela Counsel to offer support on how to navigate this challenging time and associated beauty side effects.
What typically happens to the condition of our skin and nails when menopause strikes?
During this time of hormonal fluctuations, estrogen levels drop with knock on effects to the skin and nails. Estrogen is what’s called our ‘juicy hormone’ that keeps our cells plump and juicy. When this decreases our cells are less elastic and we can start to see our skin not ‘bouncing back’ as well as it used too. You may be experiencing the sensation of tighter skin with increased fine lines and areas prone to dehydration and dryness. Nails can become dry and brittle as your keratin and collagen levels drop.
What lifestyle changes could we be adopting during this time of our lives?
As early as possible, take the time to review your diet, alcohol consumption and what you are putting on the skin and exposing the body to in general. Alcohol is highly dehydrating as it draws water out of your cells and requires lots of water replenishment to flush it out of your system. Our bodies are made up of 70% water and our brains 90% water. Most people are not drinking enough water and on average (give or take) are advised to drink 2 litres per day. Herbal teas can also be included in your water quota. Be careful with tea and coffee, as these are known as diuretics and draw more water out of the cells than they put in. Water will rejuvenate skin and leave cells plumped up. You want to be eating foods that will nourish the body and enable our skin cells to perform at optimum condition. Ideally your diet should include a wide range of plant foods, healthy fats, nuts/seeds, grains and minimal animal protein.
We also need to look at what we are putting on our skin, which is our largest organ, detoxifies our body and acts as a barrier to the outside world. Chemical-laden products are absorbed by the skin and enter the body, further impacting hormonal changes. It’s vital to check and understand the toxicity of skincare and household cleaning products that you use, looking for the most safe and natural options available. The skin is an outside barometer of what is happening inside the body and an imbalance in the gut and the liver will often present with skin issues. Feed nails internally with a healthy diet and topically using products with nutritive ingredients to restore moisture balance and flexibility. Avoid acetone nail polish removers, as these can dry out the nails even more.
What are some daily routines that will be helpful to introduce during this time?
Eat well, drink plenty of water and keep the body moving. We also have to accept that as women, our skin will start to age and change and we need to embrace this. We cannot go back to looking like we were at 20 years old, so acceptance is an integral part of the menopause journey. Thriving in menopause happens when you put YOU first and shift your mindset from surviving to thriving.
Pic credit: Angela Counsel
For further information and to connect with Angela, visit Angela Counsel.
