As we all know, changing hormones have an effect on our skin. It starts with adolescence and puberty, then the lovely cycling of menstruation, and later in life, perimenopause and menopause. Fluctuations in our hormone levels can mean too much oil, too little oil, reactionary sensitive skin, and so on and so on. It’s important to know that there are products out there created especially for menopausal skin and the skincare issues that are specific to that exact hormonal condition.

Vichy Compensating Complex Serum  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. It is also perfect for the delicate skin on the neck and décolletage.

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!

And of course the latest addition to the line, Vichy Neovadiol Rose Platinium. Neovadiol Rose is a gorgeous rosy cream that immediately nourishes skin, leaving the perfect healthy rose blush to skin. And it’s full of goodness that helps skin look firmer and plumper after several weeks. I am hooked! Ingredients like beeswax, calcium, that amazing Vichy Thermal Water make for nourished, moisturized and healthy looking skin. A desifying yeast extract and rosy pigments combine for plumped skin and a healthy rosy glowing complexion. I also love to use this on my décolletage, as it is so nourishing and gentle.

I had a chance to speak with Toronto dermatologist Dr. Sonya Abdulla about menopause and skincare again, and wanted to ask her about how to deal with the special requirements of aging skin as we head into colder weather:

Does pre/post menopausal skin need extra care heading into colder weather?

Everyone can use a little extra TLC heading into colder weather. The skin in menopause exhibits a number of changes but the most common issue is dryness. This is a result of the loss of estrogensupport and the decreased production of skin lipoproteins that occurs with time. Non-soap cleansers and regular moisturizing should continue to maintain the skin but some additional changes may be required.

Hydrating serums can be used for an added boost, as well as masks – these may contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and even glycerin. Additionally you may have to switch your moisturizer base – gel and lotions can combat sebum production in the summer but the winter months many require a transition to lotions or creams.

Some menopausal women still have oily skin. Do they still need moisture?

Absolutely. Dry skin refers to a lack of skin lipoproteins, which help retain moisture, while dehydrated skin refers to lack of water. Dehydrated skin occurs any skin type, even oily skin. For these patients hydrating gels or lotions are most appropriate. Caution with oil-based formulations, Vitamin E, squalene and glycerin in this group since they can be occlusive or induce sebum production, stimulating an acne flare. These ingredients may be reserved for a few times per week in patients with oily skin and in some, need to be avoided altogether.

Any general advice on how menopausal skin changes with the weather change? 

Skin at every stage of life undergoes similar change with the transition to colder weather – the skin’s natural exfoliation slows down and there is retention of the stratum corneum for protection. This can give the skin a dull, dry appearance. In menopause, these effects are felt that much more. Opt for micellar water for make-up removal, non-soap cleansers for washing. Consider a hydrating serum, moisturizers or masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides or vitamin B5. Limit use of astringents and even toners. Exercise caution with ingredients like Vitamin C, AHA, BHA and retinol in the winter months, since these may irritate the skin and trigger eczema – they can certainly be continued but should be paired with moisturizer or you may need to adjust the frequency of use. Additionally, limit exfoliation to a few times per week to avoid over stimulating and drying the skin.

Thank you so much, Dr Abdulla, I really appreciate your expert knowledge! Now I would like to offer Daly Beauty readers a chance to win this three piece set of Neovadiol goodies for the upcoming cold weather! Just comment below with your email to be entered, winner to be announced next Thursday Oct 27 after 7pm. Open to Canadian & US readers. Thanks for reading xo