Your body is covered with skin, which makes taking care of it so important. Great skin boosts your confidence while bad skin can leave you feeling self-conscious and unhappy. If your skin starts to misbehave, it's a clear sign that you need a change in skincare. This could just mean adding to your routine or changing your current skincare products altogether. That doesn't necessarily mean that your previous routine or products are no longer good. Factors like stress, a change in environment and diet, ageing and menopause can affect your skin and render your current routine insufficient.
When it's time to switch up skincare, your body tells you. Below are 10 signs your body gives you to alert you that you're not feeding it enough or it's not getting the required ingredients.
1. Your Skin Is As Dry As A Dessert
When your skin starts to resemble a desert landscape more than a dewy meadow, it's time to switch things up. Dryness, flakiness, and itching are clear signs that your skin is crying for some extra TLC. Your skincare routine might need a moisture boost to keep your skin happy and hydrated, so consider adding a rich moisturiser or a hydrating serum to your regimen to quench that thirst [3].
2. Unwanted Facials
If unwanted facial hair starts making surprise appearances, it might be time to reassess your skincare routine. Hormonal changes, like those experienced during menopause, can lead to the growth of pesky facial hair. Look into gentle hair removal methods like laser treatments or electrolysis to keep that unwanted fuzz at bay [3].
3. Darks Spots PartyÂ
Are dark spots showing up uninvited? It's your skin's way of saying, "Help, I need a change!" Post-menopausal skin changes can lead to the development of dark spots, but the great news is that there are solutions. Consider incorporating prescription creams or seeking in-office treatments to address those pesky spots and restore your skin's natural radiance [3].
4. Acne OutbreaksÂ
When acne decides to make a surprise comeback, it's time for a skincare intervention. Fluctuating hormone levels post-menopause can trigger unexpected breakouts, but there are ways to tackle this. Look for gentle, non-drying cleansers and acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to keep those pesky pimples in check.
5. Your Skin is Sagging
If your skin is giving off a "sagging and loss of plumpness" vibe, it's time to give it a little lift. Menopause-induced changes can lead to decreased skin elasticity, but a good skincare routine can help minimise this. Consider incorporating products with collagen-boosting ingredients like retinol or peptides to help firm and rejuvenate your skin [3].
6. You Have a Prunish ProblemÂ
When your skin starts to resemble a wrinkled prune more than a smooth canvas, it might be time to rethink your skincare routine. Ageing skin may benefit from products that target fine lines and wrinkles. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help plump and brighten your skin for a youthful glow [2].
7. Your Skin Is Darkening or Reddening
If your skin looks like it's been on a sunbathing spree without your consent, it's definitely time for a skincare reality check. Sun exposure can accelerate skin ageing, so make sure your routine includes broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from those sneaky UV rays. It's never too late to start protecting your skin from further damage [2].
8. Your Skin Cannot Make Up Its Mind
Inconsistency in your skin's behaviour can be frustrating. It may look beautiful in the morning and unrecognisable 5 hours later under the same conditions. When your skin appears stressed out and moody, it's a sign to give it some extra love and attention. Factors like stress and depression can impact skin health, so try incorporating calming ingredients like chamomile or green tea into your routine to soothe your skin and your soul [2].
9. Your Skin Resembles the Inside of a Frying Pan
If your skincare routine is leaving your skin feeling greasier than a slice of pizza, it might be time to switch things up. Excess oil production can lead to a shiny complexion, but balancing your routine with gentle, oil-controlling products can help restore harmony to your skin [1].
10. Your Skin Looks ExhaustedÂ
When your skin starts to look tired and lacklustre, it's a clear sign that it's craving a skincare pick-me-up. Consider adding brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide to your routine to revitalise your complexion and bring back that healthy glow [1].
Different skin types have different needs. That is why knowing your skin type is essential to choosing the right products for your skin. If you're not sure of what kind of skin you have, check out this guide.
Remember that sometimes, it may not necessarily be your hormones acting up or the products you're using that may be the problem. Simply changing your bedding regularly, not touching your face, adequate sleep and a healthy diet may be the solution to your skincare woes.
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