Expert Tips for Radiant Skin, Hair, and Nails
Many women are aware of the popular “Mommy Makeover,” which includes surgeries like tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast augmentation. However, there’s another trending non-surgical cosmetic rejuvenation procedure called “Menopause Makeover,” designed for women experiencing physical changes due to menopausal hormone shifts. Let’s delve into what a Menopause Makeover entails and how it can help women navigate these changes with confidence.
What Is A Menopause Makeover?
A Menopause Makeover involves a range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments designed to help women address physical changes associated with menopause. These treatments can target various concerns, including:
- Skin laxity
- Wrinkles
- Facial volume loss
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails
This approach aims to rejuvenate and restore a more youthful appearance, helping women feel confident and vibrant during this stage of life.
Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board-certified dermatologist, explains that women going through perimenopause, starting in their mid-40’s, find that their skin, hair, and nails change due to a decline in estrogen. Women may start noticing some of these effects years before their periods stop or get irregular and before entering menopause, which is generally between the ages of 45 and 55.1
Research suggests that women in their perimenopausal years, namely older Millennials and Gen Xers ages 40 to 54, are the leading demographic for cosmetic procedures.
Menopause Makeover Tips And Recommendations
Dr. Baxt discusses three menopause changes affecting your skin, hair, nails and provides expert advice to address these concerns.
Facial Skin Laxity, Wrinkles, and Dryness
As menopause approaches, the decline in hormones, particularly estrogen, can lead to dull, dry, and flaky skin. Estrogen plays a crucial role in helping the skin produce natural oils and retain moisture. When estrogen levels drop, collagen production also decreases, resulting in reduced skin elasticity. This loss of collagen and elastin can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
Follow these 5 easy tips to keep your skin healthy and vibrant:
- Use a mild cleanser and do NOT scrub the skin.
- Do not use scalding hot water.
- Avoid scrubs in the shower and take quick showers.
- Soaking in a bathtub on a regular basis can dry out your skin, so limit your bubble bath or soak.
- Select an appropriate moisturizer that works for your skin and moisturize twice each day.
To address fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity, Dr. Baxt offers a variety of quality facial fillers manufactured by Allergan® Aesthetics, Merz Aesthetics, Galderma, and Revance Aesthetics. Today’s facial fillers are excellent options to enhance your facial appearance without surgery!
Hair loss, at any age, is complicated and requires a diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist. The most common type of hair loss reported by men and women is hormonal hair loss or androgenetic alopecia.
During menopause, women experience deceasing levels of estrogen and progesterone which causes hair to grow more slowly and become thinner. These hormones also stimulate increased production of androgens, (male hormones) that shrink hair follicles, resulting in hair loss on the head.
To accurately diagnose hair loss and prescribe an effective treatment, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is required. Dr. Rebecca Baxt begins with an extensive health history to identify the potential causes of your specific hair loss problem. Once a diagnosis has been made, Dr. Baxt will prescribe recommended treatments.
It is important to note that no one treatment works for everyone. To find one that helps, Dr. Baxt will try a few types of treatments or different medications and often starts with topical Rogaine. This is an over the counter 5% foam or liquid that should be applied daily. But not everyone can tolerate this product. To learn more about hair loss, read Dr. Baxt’s blogs (listed below) and listen to her podcast about hair loss.
Listen to Dr. Baxt’s Podcast on Hair Loss Causes of Alopecia and How to Fix It.
Nail Health
Menopause can also be the reason your nails are drier and more brittle. Nail changes that are caused by the menopause are likely to be linked to the natural drop in estrogen levels causing a decrease in collagen and keratin product. However, these nail health issues can occur at any age and may be due to over-processing of nails at nail salons.
Follow these 5 easy tips to improve your nail health:
- Take a break from the nail salon. Let your nails rest.
- Limit your use of nail polish remover and/or opt for an acetone-free formula.
- Use a good nail conditioner or heavy-duty moisturizer a few times a day. Dr. Baxt recommends, Elon, Vaseline or Aquaphor as a suitable moisturizer for nail care. The ointment contains lanolin which helps create a barrier to help heal dry or cracked areas.
- Keep your hands out of water as much as possible. If you’re doing the dishes, wear gloves.
- Put on a clear coat of nail polish to try and give them a bit more strength, if needed. Try a Base Coat or a Top Coat nail polish as both are excellent options to fortify your nails.
Listen to Dr. Baxt’s Podcast on Healthy Nails
There are a variety of issues that may be affecting the health of your nails. A consultation with Dr. Baxt is recommended to pinpoint the specific cause(s) and she will recommend a treatment protocol, as some problems are warning signs of more serious conditions.
To learn more about Menopause Makeover treatments offered by Dr. Rebecca Baxt, call, 201.265.1300 or contact us online.
More Expert Advice From Dr. Rebecca Baxt
- How Many Skincare Products Do I Need For Healthy, Vibrant Skin?
- Winter Skin Care Essentials: 5 Tips to Protect and Care for Your Skin
- A Quick Guide to Facial Fillers
- Is Hair Loss Inevitable?
1 What is menopause? NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA), September 30, 2021
