As I entered my fifties, I realized my skincare routine was ineffective. I needed to pay more attention to my skin; with the added challenge of my menopause journey, I had to focus on internal and external factors to improve my skin health. As I turn 58 this week, I've noticed the positive effects of focusing on nutrition and a good skincare routine, and the best part is that others have noticed as well!

Let’s Talk About It!

As I started my 50s, One of my objectives was to concentrate on the internal requirements of my skin. We often discuss external methods to improve our skin, but I also wanted to know about internal processes. I learned about vital vitamins needed to maintain skin health, promote cell turnover and collagen production, and guard against environmental stressors. I needed to focus on a few vitamins, A, B, C, D, and E, which play a specific role in skin health and are essential for keeping the skin healthy.

Here's an overview of the benefits these vitamins offer:

1. Vitamin A:

   Role: Essential for skin cell development and maintenance.

   Benefits:

   1. Promotes skin cell turnover, helping to keep the skin's outer layer healthy.

   2. It supports the production of sebum, which moisturizes the skin.

   3. It has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

2. Vitamin C:

   Role: Important for collagen synthesis, an essential protein for skin structure.

   Benefits:

   1. Promotes collagen production, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.

   2. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution.

   3. Brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

3. Vitamin E:

   Role: A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress.

   Benefits:

   1. It helps prevent premature aging by protecting the skin from free radicals.

   2. Supports the skin's natural barrier function.

   3. It assists in healing and reducing inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like eczema.

4. Vitamin D:

   Role: Vitamin D is essential to maintaining overall skin health.

   Benefits:

   1. Promoting skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism.

   2. Regulate skin cells' life cycle, preventing excessive proliferation and promoting their differentiation.

   3. It supports the wound healing process, reduces inflammation, and protects against UV damage, maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier.

   4. It is vital for regulating the immune function, which is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing certain skin disorders.

5. Vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12):

1. Role: Play various roles in maintaining overall skin health.

   Benefits:

• B2 (Riboflavin): Supports skin maintenance and repair.

• B3 (Niacinamide): Reduces inflammation, helps with skin barrier function, and addresses hyperpigmentation.

• B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Attracts and retains moisture, promoting hydration.

• B6 (Pyridoxine): Helps regulate hormonal balance, which can impact skin health.

• B7 (Biotin): Supports healthy skin, hair, and nails.

• B9 (Folate): Important for overall cell function and repair.

• B12 (Cobalamin): Supports the skin's natural renewal process.

Of course, consult a physician before adding any vitamins to your routine. I currently take all of the above in a multivitamin, as suggested by my dermatologist.

There are many things I have done externally to improve my skin's appearance. Incorporating red light therapy into my routine is one such change that has made a significant difference. Red light therapy is a natural and non-invasive way to enhance the skin's appearance. It has helped me improve my wrinkles, sun damage, and overall complexion. Red light therapy stimulates collagen and elastin production, crucial for keeping the skin young and healthy. It can also reduce inflammation and improve circulation, particularly during Perimenopause. Red light therapy has been used for many years to help with muscle and injury recovery, pain relief, and tissue regeneration. To incorporate red light therapy into my routine, I use a light mask on my face, neck, and chest three to four times a week in the morning before getting out of bed. I also do a full-body red light treatment once a week.

In 2019, I significantly changed my wellness routine after my orthopedic doctor recommended fascia blasting for the severe knots that had developed in my hamstrings due to years of running. At the time, I was unaware of what a difference it would make in improving my skin's appearance, and it helped me tremendously with pain reduction and increased mobility. I found a full-body fascia expert ( Gregory Scott Hamby here, Dallas) who has been practicing fascia, lymph, and massage for about 25 years. He explained how the lymphatic system, muscle structure, and fascia must work together like a circuit board, especially when menopause is added. The lymphatic system and fascia work hand in hand to promote circulation, flow rhythm, and memory. Keeping my lymphatic system draining and my fascia and muscles in good shape has helped me stay healthy, feel my best, and make my skin look great!

Another thing that I have incorporated recently and love is Cold Plunging. Cold therapy is a practice that involves immersing the body in cold water to gain physical and mental benefits. Cold therapy offers numerous benefits for the skin. It can improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and puffiness, tighten the skin, stimulate collagen production, soothe redness-prone skin, ease itching and discomfort, and remove toxins. It also can stimulate the production of brown adipose tissue (BAT), which plays a crucial role in burning calories to generate heat, contributing to weight management and increased calorie expenditure. Cold therapy is also believed to have mood-boosting effects, as it can trigger the release of endorphins and reduce stress levels.

These are just a few of my current skincare routines to fight aging and menopause; reach out, and let's talk about how I can help you. Let’s Talk About It!

However, it's important to note that while cold plunging and facia-blasting offer potential benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it's advisable to approach it cautiously and seek guidance from healthcare professionals, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

"Unlock the Power of Conversation - Sign up now for a free 30-minute chat!"

All opinions are always 100% honest and my own and are based on what I have been through in my 50s with Menopause. I am not an expert or claim to be one.

Just a participant in Menopause.

If you visit my resources page, links are affiliate links. I receive a commission for the sale if you click a link and buy something. It doesn't cost you anything extra; you can use the link or not as you choose. If you do use my links, I appreciate your support.