The ESK blog
Collagen boosting hacks for menopausal women
19 August 2024
Dr Ginni Mansberg
Hey there, fabulous!
Navigating menopause can be a wild ride, especially when it comes to skin changes. One of the biggies? Collagen loss. Did you know you can expect to lose 30% of the collagen in your skin in the first 5 years after menopause. And then a further 2% collagen loss per year after that.
Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do to boost collagen and keep your skin looking radiant.
Why Do We Lose Collagen After Menopause?
As we age, especially after menopause, our oestrogen levels drop. Oestrogen is like a backstage manager for collagen production. When it leaves the stage, our skin’s ability to produce collagen takes a hit. Collagen is that magical protein that keeps our skin firm, plump, and smooth. So, less collagen means more fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Not exactly the glow-up we were hoping for, right?
Boosting Collagen After Menopause
Fear not! There are plenty of ways to give your collagen a boost and keep your skin looking fabulous.
- 1. Vitamin A: Retinal (Retinaldehyde)
Retinal is the superstar of the vitamin A family. It’s the most effective yet gentlest form of vitamin A, making it perfect for mature skin. Here’s why it’s great:
Stimulates Collagen Production: Retinal helps increase collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Cell Turnover: It speeds up cell turnover, giving you fresher, more youthful-looking skin.
Ultimate A Night Cream contains 0.06% Retinal, the most gentle and effective form of Vitamin A, paired with Niacinamide to help maintain skin barrier function and support brighter, firmer and more even looking skin tone and texture. Well suited even for the most irritable skin. Usage: Apply at night after cleansing (and serum if being used) as part of your evening skincare routine.
Ultimate A
Key features:
- Vitamin C: L-Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C is a must-have in your skincare routine. L-ascorbic acid, the most potent form, is a collagen-boosting powerhouse.
Collagen Synthesis: It promotes collagen synthesis, that is the formation of new collagen, helping to firm and tighten the skin.
Brightening: It also brightens the skin, and helps fade those pesky dark spots.
C Forte Morning Serum is packed with 16% L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of Vitamin C, combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid for maximum results. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is an anti-oxidant helping neutralise free radicals (associated with exposure to the sun). The result? A brighter, firmer, plumper looking skin with fewer fine lines apparent and a more even skin tone. Formulated at the ideal pH (2.5-3.5) and housed in airless, opaque packaging, C Forte ensures stability and effectiveness, delivering radiant skin with every use.
C Forte
Featuring;
- Evidence based ingredients and formulations for superior efficacy.
- Potent skin brightening ingredients
- A plumper, more hydrated and even toned skin.
Note: C Forte can exacerbate acne and may be too strong for irritable skin.
- AHAs and PHAs
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) are fantastic for exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin.
Exfoliation: They gently exfoliate, removing dead skin cells and promoting new cell growth.
Collagen Boosting: This process helps to stimulate collagen production, giving you smoother, more radiant skin.
Smooth Serum is a night treatment formulated with 3% Glycolic acid, 1% Lactic acid, and 1% Gluconolactone. This gentle AHA blend supports the appearance of skin texture and surface renewal, helping maintain the look of even skin tone. Caution: Not recommended for very sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea.
Smooth Serum
Key features:
- Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is like a tall drink of water for your skin.
Hydration: It attracts and retains moisture, keeping your skin plump and hydrated.
Collagen Support: Hyaluronic acid also has a role in producing collagen in the skin.
Our Hydraboost Hyaluronic Acid Serum is designed to provide deep, lasting hydration with a blend of high, medium, and low molecular weight hyaluronic acids (HA). High molecular weight HA sits on the skin’s surface, creating a protective hydration layer that feels smooth and instantly refreshing. Meanwhile, low and medium molecular weight HA molecules sink deeper, boosting hydration within the skin barrier. Studies suggest that low molecular weight HA can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Lightweight and versatile, Hydraboost is perfect for daily use as the first step in your routine for plump, hydrated skin.
Hydraboost HA Serum
Featuring
- Enhanced daily skin hydration
- Plumper, healthier feeling skin
- Other Ways to Boost Collagen
Diet: Load up on collagen-boosting foods that are rich in nutrients vitamins. You know the drill- less junk food and more of the healthy stuff, like fruit, vegetables, legumes, plus fish, dairy and even meat if you are open to it!
Supplements: Collagen supplements are fairly controversial. We know that proteins are critical for growth, repair, and maintenance of skin tissues. Amino acids like lysine and proline support collagen. Some studies have found benefits from collagen supplements but we’re not sure whether they work better than just a protein rich diet.
Protect Your Skin: Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage, which can inflame the skin and break down collagen.
Wrapping It Up
Menopause might bring some skin challenges, but with the right tools, you can keep your glow game strong. Incorporate retinal, vitamin C, AHAs, PHAs, and hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine. Don’t forget the power of a good diet and always shield your skin from the sun.
Stay fabulous, keep glowing, and remember: your best skin is yet to come!
