Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder “What is happening to my skin?”

Increased wrinkles, thinning and dry itchy skin as well as adult acne are often experienced by women moving through perimenopause and menopause. The aging of skin (increased dryness, sagging and wrinkles) is attributed to several factors including time, free radical damage and hormone deficiency (declining estrogen levels).

The free-radical theory of aging (FRTA) states organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time. A free radical is a highly reactive molecule causing damage to organs including your skin. (Your skin is your largest organ after all.) Free radical production is a simple by-product of being alive, but certain activities trigger increased production: Exercising, smoking tobacco, direct sunlight, pollution and foods high in fats and sugar.

Wearing SPF to protect from sun damage is critical to aid in prevention of skincare cancer, but not enough to combat free radicals. Compounded prescription skincare created exclusively for your skin can include potent anti-oxidants to combat free radical damage and estrogen to decrease wrinkle depth.

Topical estrogen has been clinically proven to decrease wrinkle depth, NOT just the appearance of wrinkles. After treatment for 6 months with topical estrogen, studies show use of topical estrogen markedly improved elasticity and firmness of the skin. Additionally, skin moisture increased and the measurement of wrinkles revealed highly significant decreases in wrinkle depth and pore size by 61-100%. No increase of systemic estrogen and no systemic hormonal side effects were noted. In other words, the estrogen in the skincare is not absorbed into the body at a level that can be measured.

Many women who are moving through perimenopause begin to experience breakouts and acne (including many women who do not have any history of acne whatsoever). Acne stemming from hormonal imbalance is generally found around the jaw line and area below the cheeks. These breakouts may be a result of a decrease in estrogen coupled with testosterone remaining constant. Compounded prescription skincare is very effective on hormonal acne and it gives women an effective option that does not involve any of the risks of taking acne medications orally.

Compounded skincare is good nutrition for the skin as it is customized exclusively for you and is able to utilize higher levels of active ingredients only available by a prescription.

Healthy aging compounded prescription skincare includes treatments for:
• Wrinkles/Fine Lines/Aging Skin
• Sun Damage
• Hyperpigmentation
• Acne
• Rosacea
• Excessive Facial Hair Growth

As estrogen levels decline during perimenpause and menopause, otherwise healthy skin may begin to itch, flake, peel, rash and become inflamed. Estrogen is vital to healthy skin.

Estrogen stimulates collagen growth. Collagen gives strength, flexibility, and resilience to skin over the entire body. Lowered estrogen levels can cause wrinkles and itchy dry skin.

Estrogen and testosterone do not decline at the same rate during perimenopause and menopause which can often trigger skin conditions that result in “hormonal acne”.

As estrogen levels decline and testosterone levels rise or remain constant, the skin goes into overdrive, producing excess sebum, an oily substance that can block pores. This problem is further worsened by the slower cell regeneration in older skin.

As excess skin cells build up, they block pores causing inflammation and infection. The body’s immune response causes a buildup of white blood cells in the infected area resulting in breakouts and acne.

Hypothyroidism (low/underactive thyroid levels) can cause symptoms of dry itchy skin. Thyroid hormones stimulate oil glands and when thyroid hormones are imbalanced, dry skin can be one of the first symptoms women experience.