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Menopause and Your Skin
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| by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S |
Menopause refers
to the physical and psychological changes that
occur in women as their “female” hormones
(estrogen and progesterone) levels decline and
menstruation ceases.
The skin, which helps to produce vitamins,
regulate the body’s temperature, and prevents
harmful environmental hazards such as
ultraviolet light from damaging our internal
organs, can be greatly affected.
The dermis is the supportive layer of the skin
made up of collagen, elastic fibers (elastin)
and hair follicles. Without collagen and elastin,
the skin becomes wrinkled, poorly adherent to
the body and loses much of its resiliency.
Research has shown that estrogen has a direct
effect on the thickness and plenitude of both
collagen and elastin and with the onset of
menopause the amount of collagen decreases by as
much as 2 percent per year. Most of us recognize
these changes as sagging, wrinkled skin. And
because collagen and elastic fibers are a part
of the supporting structure of the skin, the
alterations weaken the skin making it more prone
to injury.
Although the aging process cannot be stopped or
reversed, there are many ways of slowing down
the changes, which occur to the skin through
aging and menopause. Avoiding the harmful rays
of the sun and using sun protection can protect
the skin. As we age our skin cells grow slower
and it takes longer to repair the damage.
A good diet is also an important contributor to
resilient skin. Foods rich in Vitamin E and C
and selenium can reduce damage done to the skin
by serving as antioxidants, which aid in
fighting free radicals. Free radicals are
dangerous chemicals that can sometimes cause
genetic damage when they interfere with cell
metabolism. But even if you stay out of
the sun and eat right, chances are your skin
will still need some fine-tuning during
menopause.
Dry Skin
As you age, your skin’s sebaceous glands produce
less of the lubricating oil called sebum, which
can lead to dry skin. Low humidity, wind and
cold may make the problems worse. Fight back by
using a daily moisturizer rich in alpha hydroxy
acids to stimulate cell
rejuvenation. Certain topical preparations such
as Aesthessence, combine many natural elements
together in a single formulation to replenish
hormone-deprived skin. Gently exfoliating
several times a week will help rid the skin of
dead, dry cells and allow moisturizers to
penetrate deeply.
Wrinkles: Over the years, the connective
tissues collagen and elastin gradually lose
their strength and elasticity, leading to
wrinkles. If your skin is showing some of the
ravages of time, consider the following:
Prescription
creams: Tretinoin (brand name Retin A and
Renova) helps slough off dead cells and steps up
collagen production, firming the skin and
reducing fine wrinkles.
Chemical peels: This procedure can be
done in a physician’s office using light
sedation. It will improve the deeper wrinkles by
removing outer layers of skin. Dermal fillers.
Creases from facial expressions—squinting,
smiling, frowning—can be plumped up with soft
tissue fillers that are either injected or
surgically implanted under the skin.
Botox: Injections of Botox can be used to
temporarily weaken the underlying muscles that
contribute to the development of frown lines
between the eyes, crow’s feet, forehead
wrinkles and neck folds. The treatment lasts
three to four months.
Laser Surgery: To smooth moderate
wrinkles a surgeon uses short, powerful pulses
of energy to selectively destroy sun damaged
outer and middle layers of skin. Lasers can also
be used to remove age spots and to smooth scars.
Cosmetic Surgery: Whether an eye lift or
a face lift, cosmetic surgery is the most
effective way to improve deep wrinkles and
sagging skin. Remember, cosmetic surgery is not
intended to make you look 20 again. But rather
an excellent way to improve your
appearance by giving a rested, youthful look.
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Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
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