As women approach menopause, changes around the eyes can become more noticeable. Dermatologists and hormone experts share insights on how to address these changes.
Women going through menopause often experience visible changes in the skin around their eyes. According to Dr. Beth Goldstein, a board-certified dermatologist, the skin around the eyes shows changes earlier than other facial areas such as the forehead or neck. This is due to hormonal shifts that affect skin tissue, especially during the 12- to 16-year menopausal transition.
As hormone levels decline, the tissue supporting the eyes becomes weaker. Dr. Goldstein explains that the natural fat deposits around the eyes may shrink or move, leading to puffiness or under-eye bags. This may result in a sunken or hollow appearance, particularly around the tear trough area, where the lower eyelid meets the cheek.
Thinning skin can also cause blood vessels to become visible, contributing to dark under-eye circles. Dr. Goldstein advises a combination of good sleep, hydration, and consistent use of sunscreen as the most effective non-surgical solutions to combat these changes.
Sunscreen remains the gold standard in protecting the skin. Sun exposure is a major factor in skin aging, so applying sunscreen daily, even near the eyes and eyelids, is crucial. Dr. Goldstein emphasizes that sunscreen is essential to protect the delicate skin around the eyes.
Amy Beckley, hormone scientist, also highlights that dryness, under-eye bags, and increased lines are common during menopause. She suggests using topical hormones like oestrogen creams and progesterone oils to target these concerns. Scientific studies, including those from the journal Fertility and Sterility, support the use of oestrogen creams, showing their benefits in maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.
The journal reports that oestrogen creams help increase collagen production, improve skin hydration, and enhance the overall skin barrier function. These effects are most noticeable after six months of application, providing long-term benefits to the skin.
While treatments can help, both Dr. Goldstein and Amy Beckley stress the importance of prevention. Maintaining a youthful eye area in your 60s requires ongoing care. Dr. Goldstein points out that as we age, the skull loses bone mass, which can make the eye sockets appear more prominent. Prevention is key to preserving the appearance of the eyes in the long term.
In conclusion, while menopause brings inevitable changes to the skin around the eyes, there are effective steps women can take to slow down the process. With a combination of daily sunscreen use, hydration, sleep, and hormone-based treatments, women can address these changes and maintain a youthful appearance around their eyes.
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