The Products That Revived My Perimenopausal Skin

I gazed into the mirror in disbelief. Almost overnight, roughly a year ago, my skin underwent dramatic changes. No, I’m not talking about the fine lines, wrinkles, and jowls that were already present. My face became irritated, dry, red, and even flaky. The once radiant porcelain aristocratic Russian skin I was accustomed to was losing its radiance😌. To make matters worse, my beloved skincare and makeup arsenal seemed to exacerbate the symptoms.

The only other time in my life when I experienced somewhat similar, though not as dramatic, skin changes was during my three pregnancies. Aha! Realizing that I was already in perimenopause, the onset of these skin issues was, once again, driven by hormone fluctuations and other effects of the change. What can I say? Perimenopause strikes again.

As I delved into understanding these changes, I learned that during perimenopause, fluctuating hormone levels make the skin more susceptible to dryness, sensitivity, and a loss of elasticity. Depleting estrogen levels lead to dermal collagen loss. In short, dryness isn’t the only concern—itchiness too! And not just on your face, but on your whole body.

Consulting a dermatologist proved frustrating, with no mention of perimenopause—an unfortunate commonality. Insert my eyeroll here. I had to rely on my own devices. Through research and intuition, here’s what I did:

• I reduced my skincare to the basics – simple and clean products only. No retinols, nothing harsh.
• Wore minimal or no makeup on most days over a period of 3 months.
• Had a consultation with an aesthetician at Dr. Barbara Sturm that put me on the path to healing.
• Once most of the symptoms subsided, I introduced new products gradually.

Eventually, I settled on a routine that I believe revived my perimenopausal skin. The key was finding products to counteract the hormonal impact causing my discomfort. My symptoms are now under control, and the last product mentioned below has had the most positive impact on my skin, given the period of change I’m in—keep reading.

While everyone is different, and the products that aided my healing may not work for others, I share my experience in case it proves helpful to other women. Here’s the routine that revived my perimenopausal skin:

1. I alternate between a creamy Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser and a foaming Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser. Both are hydrating and gentle, providing a thorough cleanse without stripping away essential moisture on my face.
2. Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum: I used this serum for a couple of months until majority of my initial sensitivity and dryness have cleared. You apply it after the cleanser and before the moisturizer. It soothed my face and over time strengthened my skin’s natural barrier.
3. Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum: This serum deeply moisturizes the skin, promoting a plump and youthful appearance. It’s very light and easily absorbed, making it an ideal choice for those with dry and sensitive skin. This is the only serum I apply. I use it in the mornings only.
4. Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich: This is an indulgent yet effective moisturizer. The cream’s formulation includes purslane, a powerhouse that can prevent oxidative stress. It helps soothe irritation and promote skin renewal. I use this cream in the mornings following the above-mentioned serum.
5. M4 Estriol Face Cream from Alloy: This baby is a miracle worker! It is a prescription only product harnessing the power of estriol, a naturally occurring estrogen. Estriol has been shown to improve skin elasticity and thickness. I think there has been a noticeable difference to the way my skin looks and feels since I started using it. It has been 4 months or so and I intend to continue. You can save $25 on your prescription with my discount code OKSANA24591.

Navigating perimenopause is a unique journey, and adapting our skincare routine to meet the changing needs of our skin is crucial. I’m learning to embrace the wrinkles, lines, and jowls, and now I’m relieved that the sensitivity and dryness are under control. The combination of the above carefully selected products has become my skincare salvation. The glow shall make its return any minute.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. The post is intended for educational purposes.