Firm, smooth, even-toned, these are all true about your Face.  At some point in a woman’s 40s or 50s, you see a change in your skin brought on – at least in part- by hormonal deficits associated with menopause.  So, how do you as a woman care for your maturing black skin?

At menopause, women experience a drop in three hormones: estrogen, progestin and follicle-stimulating hormones.  With the loss of estrogen comes dramatic transformations in your skin.  The effects of menopause on your skin can vary.  Medical studies show that the amount of collagen and elastin in the subdermis-this is the layer of your skin that gives it structure-gradually declines.  The loss of estrogen has the most significant effect on your skin.

Every woman’s experience with menopausal symptoms is different.  Externally menopause can cause facial hair growth, dry skin, dull skin, changes in texture and additional lines and wrinkles.  Lines and wrinkles, “not me”  says the Black Girl.  Black don’t crack!  We’ll get back to that.

Here’s where we as black women really have challenges.  You see, changes in our skin tones are common as we mature.  Some of us who’ve never experienced pigmentation problems will start to see freckles or large dry dark patches on our cheeks and around the mouth.  For many of us, this discoloration is more distressing than wrinkles or sagging.

When caring for maturing black skin, whether your preferences are on the scientific or organic side the products you select to treat your skin should contain ingredients in the following categories:

Phytoestrogens.  These are naturally occurring plant compounds that posses estrogen like qualities.  They are commonly found in clover flower, soy, wild yams and iris extracts.  They can also be taken internally as tofu, soy-beans, wild yams and black cohosh. Phytoestrogens help stimulate collagen production, minimize facial hair and encourage hydration.

Retinoids. Vitamin A, improves your skins elasticity and can help with photo-damage and enhance new cell growth.   A form of Vitamin A, known as Retin A, is used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.  There are cautions concerning the use of retinol.  Exfoliation is necessary as we mature.  The procedure helps remove dead skin cells and gives our skin its youthful glow, but we need to remember that we have other options for exfoliating our skin.

Essential oils. The oils derived from plants such as lavender, rosemary, geranium and mint can soothe and stimulate your skin.  Their aroma-therapeutic qualities help in stimulating blood flow and rebalancing of the lymph.

Moisturizers. The number one skin problem associated with menopause is dehydration.  Skin care products for women experiencing menopause should include high powered humectants and emollients.

Nutritional Counseling. The way we eat is perhaps the most important method for delaying and preventing the effects of hormonal aging.  You are what you eat is so true, therefore, if you eat your fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, dairy and all processed and refined carbohydrates and fats.

Regular Facials. Having regular facials are known to combat dryness and stimulate circulation in all skin types.

As for black not cracking, it won’t as long as you get regular professional facials, wear a sunscreen and respect the greatest gift you’ve been given, The Melanin that protects your beautiful black skin.

To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel,

Esthetician-President/NYRAJU Skin Care

http://www.nyrajuskincare.com