Skin changes in menopause are caused by declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone which are essential for collagen production. In fact, a scary sounding 30% of collagen will be lost in the first 5 years of menopause. There is a lot of buzz around collagen products at the moment – but what is it exactly and, more importantly, what products are really going to work to protect it and what is just hype?
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body found in bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. Think of it like the glue or the scaffolding that holds skin cells together and makes them strong. It’s the structural protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and firmness so when collagen levels start to decline rapidly in menopause the impact on our skin is significant. Skin becomes thinner and drier and loses its radiance and ability to hold onto water. The skin barrier also becomes weaker which can make it more prone to irritation and sensitivity. You will probably find that products that you have been using for years might not be working anymore for your changing skin needs.
So, what can make a difference (and what is just hype)?
The good news is there is a lot that can be done to combat the effects of declining collagen on skin with both lifestyle changes and a great skincare regime designed to boost collagen production. What your skin needs are the right active ingredients that have been proven to boost collagen and make a real difference to your skin
Let’s talk hype
There is a whole host of skincare products on the market that contain collagen, which might seem like a good thing but do they actually work to increase collagen levels in the skin? We’ll keep it brief – no they don’t. Topical application of collagen will have no impact on collagen levels because collagen molecules are simply too large to penetrate the upper layer of the skin. It really is just marketing hype so don’t waste your money.
So what does your skin need?
Look for products containing a optimal level of active ingredients that are proven to stimulate collagen production rather than products claiming to contain it and your menopausal skin will thank you for it.
PEPTIDES. Peptides are very clever skincare ingredients that are proven to preserve and boost collagen. At Living M, we use a high percentage of signal peptides in our COLLAGEN BOOST MOISTURISER. There are multiple types of signal peptides which carry messages throughout our body. When these are applied topically to the skin, they trick our skin into thinking it needs to make more collagen and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin making our skin appear firmer and plumper.
RESVERATROL. Found in the skin of red grapes, this naturally occurring antioxidant and phytoestrogen has excellent benefits for menopausal skin. As well as hydrating, brightening and protecting skin’s natural barrier, Resveratrol functions like oestrogen to maintain collagen and moisture levels for firmer, plumper skin and a dewy complexion. Living M COLLAGEN BOOST MOISTURISER also features highly effective levels of this super ingredient
NIACINAMIDE. Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is one of the most in demand skincare ingredients of the moment. It has so many benefits for menopausal skin, it’s hard to know where to start. As well as brightening skin, replenishing your moisture barrier, and soothing inflammation it also helps to boost collagen levels in the skin when used over time. LIVING M COLLAGEN BOOST MOISTURISER AND LIVING M QUENCH & SOOTH SERUM are both formulated with Niacinamide as a key active ingredient.
Now is the time to take care of perimenopausal and menopausal skin.
Now is the time to start to replenish your skin and give back what menopause takes away. Nourish your skin with collagen boosting ingredients, strengthen your skin barrier and reduce sensitivities by avoiding known irritants such as fragrance, essential oils and drying alcohol. Your perimenopausal and menopausal skin needs a more balanced approach with products formulated with the right active ingredients at the right levels giving your skin everything it needs and nothing that it doesn’t.
LIVING M COLLAGEN BOOST MOISTURISER - £45 50ml
LIVING M QUENCH & SOOTHE SERUM - £35 30ml
