The menopause is a process that occurs due to a decline in the female reproductive hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Natural menopause is defined as the permanent end of menstruation, which is confirmed when a period hasn’t occurred in 12 consecutive months.

There is a transition period leading up to the menopause, called perimenopause, where similar symptoms to that of the menopause can occur before periods actually stop and this can continue for up to 10 years. Many will enter perimenopause naturally as early as their late 30s and early 40s. It can also be caused by certain medications, medical conditions or surgeries, such as having a hysterectomy.

During this time, progesterone and oestrogen levels decrease and the stem cells producing collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid become sleepy, with some even becoming dormant. This means that the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid slows down. Our body is constantly breaking these down and we are unable to produce enough to counteract the pace at which they are depleted. This leads to volume loss, a decrease in the skin’s thickness and a loss of elasticity and hydration. Fine lines and wrinkles can also occur. Studies have shown that the skin loses more than 30% of collagen in the first five years of menopause; it then slows to 2% each year for the next 20 years.

Skin cell turnover slows down, as does cell function, which makes the skin appear flat and dull. This leads to an impaired skin barrier, which triggers inflammation and exacerbates water loss, causing dehydration.

Whilst oestrogen and progesterone decrease during the menopause, androgens can increase and this imbalance of hormones can activate the oil glands leading to breakouts and exacerbated rosacea symptoms.

Difficulty sleeping at this time can also cause dark under-eye circles and sluggish skin – this is compounded by the fact that our skin repairs itself when we sleep, and less sleep means less repair. To make matters worse, a lack of sleep causes our stress hormones to increase, which has a detrimental impact on the skin.

Lastly, a thinner skin and a decrease in melanin production (the skin’s natural sun protection), means the skin is more sensitive to damage from the sun, making the skin more prone to sun spots, sunburn and prickly heat. The skin will take longer to heal from sunburn and there is a higher risk of developing skin cancers at this time. Years of sun damage and exposure can also become visible.

The Clinical Perimenopause & Menopause facial facial begins with a thorough skin consultation where emphasis is placed on helping you understand your symptoms and how we will treat them. In addition to your symptoms, your skin type, skin tone and skin health will determine the approach that is taken when designing your treatment.

The process of your treatment will be entirely individual, but steps may include building up to performing a mild skin peel in order to help resurface the skin, and improve both texture and tone.

Red LED and infrared light can be used to activate skin cell repair and increase cellular function. This also stimulates collagen production and has a soothing effect on irritated skin, helping to calm inflammation.

We can use mesotherapy, which involves needling specialist serums into the skin using 0.2-0.3mm needles. This is very comfortable and stimulates the skin, enhancing the penetration of active ingredients for stronger results.

If you’re struggling with tired-looking eyes, we can apply Venus Radio Frequency, which utilises pulsed electro-magnetic fields to encourage the formation of new blood vessels. This helps to remove stagnant blood build up and reduces the appearance of dark circles. The use of pulsed electro-magnetic fields also stimulates collagen and elastin to improve the plumpness and smoothness of the eye area, as well as helping to drain lymph fluid in order to reduce puffiness. We also perform Venus Radio Frequency on the jawline to help with the loss of tone in this area.

Lastly, we can apply a cooling, hydrating mask to calm the skin. An eye mask can also be applied to revitalise the tired eye area, which has a plumping effect, whilst also soothing the skin.

Long term results and skin maintenance are achieved by continued regular clinical facials accompanied by a preventative, corrective and protective home skincare programme.

There is no downtime after the Clinical Perimenopause & Menopause facial. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.