With aging, women's skin becomes fragile and dry. The body produces fewer replacement stem cells. If you have not had skin problems before 50, menopause may be the first time you notice changes. Ovaries stop producing hormones that regulate the skin. Past environmental damage becomes visible. If your grandmothers looked young or old for their years, you likely will, too. Replacing hormones with estrogen restores the glow but is a health risk. Try caring for your skin in other ways first.
Skin Anatomy
Skin is the largest organ, averaging 18 square feet and 15 pounds in an adult. It is composed of sheets of epidermis and dermis, arranged in layers. Epithelial cells form the surface of skin as well as membranes covering and lining body organs. Underneath epidermis, the dermis, a layer of supporting connective tissue, contains blood vessels, collagen, muscles, nerve tissue, and tiny structures like hair follicles and sweat glands. Skin is interactive with all other organs and systems.
Skin Function
Outermost cells in the epidermis form a protective barrier. Other cells make keratin, a waterproof coating that keeps skin moist. Cells are created in the dermis, migrate outward, die, and slough off.
Dermis has many structures: cells make collagen; capillaries nourish; nerve cells communicate; muscle and elastic fibers provide architecture. Oil glands protect; sweat glands remove waste; hormones send chemical messages; and immune cells fight microbes. The skin is stimulated by and is especially receptive to signals from estrogens. In women, 90 percent of these come from the ovaries. Adrenal glands, kidneys, and other organs make the rest.
Estrogens, Menopause, and Skin over Time
The World Health Organization says that menopause takes place one year after menstruation ceases. Estrogen levels are too low to instruct the skin to manufacture collagen and oil.
This "change of life" is welcomed by some women and hated by others. Feelings aside, don't neglect your skin. Menopause ends childbearing, but is not the end of life. The CIA World Factbook demonstrates that women today live 80 years or more.
Problems
Aging skin wrinkles. Oil-producing glands stop. Dermis produces less collagen. The skin loses the ability to hold water and to eliminate waste. Brown spots form. Damage from sun, cold, wind, and pollution is made worse by chlorinated water, heating, and air conditioning.
It appears logical to replace depleted hormones. However a nationwide study of women undergoing replacement therapy, by the Women's Health Initiative, revealed that hormone therapy increases risk of cardiac disease, stroke, and memory loss. Fortunately, less dangerous estrogens and estrogen-like products are becoming available.
Solutions
Neglected skin causes general health to suffer. The first line of defense is to drink water, and eat enough protein and healthy oils. Avoid hot baths--they aggravate dryness. Get enough sleep. It increases your level of hormones.
Avoid noonday sun. Use enormous amounts of sunscreen. Reapply often. Wear hats. Don't smoke. Smoking causes breakdowns of collagen and elastin.
Moisturizers, applied when skin is damp, seal in wetness. Look for ingredients in skin products like alpha-hydroxy acids to improve sloughing and heal sun damage or collagen for firmness and elasticity.
Finally, check your skin regularly. Unusual skin changes may be a sign of a more serious medical problem. Consider having a dermatologist do a routine body scan.
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