Ask the Experts- September 2024

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I am 58 and had my last period at 53. I have noticed my skin has aged tremendously since I went into menopause. What is happening?

Colette

Dear Colette,

Menopause probably causes more aging effects than anything else. As hormonal changes begin, women notice their skin getting thinner, drier and less elastic. This can cause it to wrinkle and sag. Age spots (liver spots) may also appear. If any spots or growth change in appearance, see your doctor to rule out skin cancer.

How fast your skin ages can be the result of heredity, exposure to the sun or having used a tanning bed, poor nutrition and if you are a smoker. Fair skinned people then show more age-related changes than darker skinned people.

You should get in the habit of maintaining your skin by limiting your sun exposure, eating well, not smoking, keeping your skin moist, and talking to your doctor about wrinkle treatments. Be sure to protect your skin by using a moisturizer and sunblock, add a night cream perhaps with an antiaging ingredient such as retinol which may be helpful in rejuvenating your skin. And, of course, you may benefit your skin by using a creamier cleanser on your face. It is important to take care of yourself no matter how many years young you happen to be.