Ah menopause. Not only do you mess with our moods, our inner thermostat and energy, but you sap moisture, collagen and fat from our skin. This is a gradual process, and, became obvious to me over time as I noticed my traditional skincare wasn’t working it’s usual magic. This makes sense if you think about it, as throughout our lives we are presented with skin challenges as part of growing up and growing older. Why would I try to treat my fifty year old skin with something I used on my thirty five year old skin? It doesn’t make sense.

During menopause the lovely plumpness we associate with the collagen rich skin of babies starts to disappear. It’s been fading since the day we were born, but really starts to show up as a lack of radiance and fullness when our hormones go sideways. While no magic potion exists that will erase all signs of ageing, we can certainly be proactive when it comes to things like skincare.

Caring for ourselves through beauty and skincare is a pampering process that I feel is very important. I love the time in the morning as I ready myself for the day, with the radio playing while I wake myself up with a quick face wash. Or the soothing ritual of the bedtime double cleanse with coconut oil, with a warm soft cloth melting away the remains of the day. Bliss.

I find the act of applying skincare (and makeup too, frankly) soothing and comforting or invigorating, depending on the time of day and the products used. And yes, I see a difference in my skin when I take certain steps to care for it, without question. And some products are exceptional – your mileage may vary – and I can’t imagine being with them.

On to menopause and some wonderful skincare solutions.

Vichy Laboratoires have formulated the 1st compensating complex [Hyaluronic Acid, Hepes, Pro-Xylane 3%] able to reproduce the global benefits of the youth hormone (DHEA) on the skin. The Neovadiol Compensation Complex line is the 1st skincare line that targets all signs of aging caused by menopause: loss of skin density, structure and skin dryness.

THE COMPENSATING COMPLEX: reproduces the benefits of the DHEA hormone on the skin
• Pro-Xylane: densifying
• Glycerin: hydrating
• H.E.P.E.S: exfoliating, smoothing
• Hyaluronic acid: hydrating, plumping
• Hedione: lipid replenishment

This holy trinity of Vichy Neovadiol skincare is a must if you’re finding your menopausal skin has you at your wit’s end.

Neovadiol Compensating Complex Serum 

Vichy makes exceptional serums. Their original LiftActiv Serum 10 is one of my all time favourite all purpose skin bettering skincare items. The texture and consistency are perfect for most skin types, whether one uses them in conjunction with other products, or alone, as I often do with Vichy Compensating Complex Serum ($59 CAD). It smoothes and brightens skin, while hydrating and nourishing for a dewy complexion. Tiny golden micro-pearls add instant radiance while delivering hyaluronic acid to the skin, along with the Compensating Complex formula. I love this serum and so does my skin. Everyone I know who I have recommended this serum to loves it as much as I do. Sometimes I wear it with just a light dusting of a sheer powder for a clean natural look. Love!

Neovadiol Compensating Complex 

Neovadiol Compensating Complex ($52.50 CAD)  cream is heavier than the serum, and on drier skins, you can use both for extra nourishment and radiance. One would use the serum first, allow it to sink in then apply the cream. My skin is not (yet) that dry and the serum is enough for me on most days. Honestly I just adore it. But if I am particularly dehydrated and tired, or the environment is dry, this Vichy cream is perfection. It almost works like a K Beauty water mask (as does the Neovadiol Night) in that it feels like it plumps the skin almost upon contact. Both this and the serum perform very well under makeup, but it’s best to allow them time to sink in.

Neovadiol Night Compensating Complex

The Neovadiol Night Cream ($52.50 CAD) has some interesting technology that make it perfect for the discomfort and side effects hot flashes provoke:

AQUAKEEPTM & ARISTOFLEXTM: For an extreme freshness sensation, as soon as applied

AIRLICIUM: Absorbs humidity related to hot flashes and mattifying effect

PERLITE: Absorbs humidity

The Neovadiol Night cream also has the proprietary Compensating Complex blend, in addition to a cooling gelified texture that hydrate and nourishes to compensate the effects of menopause on the skin during the night. It replenishes skin with moisture while you sleep, working almost like a moisturizing “sleep mask”. Of course the added benefit of cooling the skin is simply amazing, especially for anyone who may have entered the hot flash stage of menopause. As soon as Neovadiol Night is applied, skin temperature drops up to 2.7 degrees! I find applying this at night is like a spa treatment and a soft cool breeze. Honestly, that cooling sensation on the skin is a gift!

CONTEST ENDED

This is a sponsored post, in collaboration with one of my favourite skincare brands, Vichy