As women, we are living up to one third of our life in menopause – so why wouldn’t we want to look and feel our best, no matter what our age?
In the years leading up to menopause, estrogen levels begin declining, while other women may experience a sudden, steep decline all at once due to hysterectomies. While the primary role of estrogen involves reproduction, it also helps keep bones strong, mental function and memory sharp, and protects against heart disease by keeping arteries and veins flexible and elastic.
Estrogen deficiency is also why women begin to experience vaginal dryness and increased allergies – without enough estrogen, the membranes thin and begin to dry and crack. But that’s just the internal part. Externally, estrogen deficiency will begin to show on your face and body. That’s because estrogen stimulates collagen growth and helps keep skin cells hydrated.
During the first five years of menopause, women lose about 30 percent of their skin collagen and 25 percent of their body collagen due to lack of estrogen. Taut, healthy skin gives way to thinning, wrinkled and sagging skin.
Our bodies begin to break down internally as well, putting us at higher risk for developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease. These are all reasons why bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is so critical for women. Balanced hormone levels, a clean diet that’s rich in whole foods, exercise, sunscreen are all important, but can damage to your skin be undone? Surprisingly, the answer is yes.
Moisturizing and anti-aging cremes claiming to improve the look of fine lines won’t work – you need something that actually penetrates the dermis and stimulates collagen growth. Products containing retinoids, hydroxy acids or peptides stimulate collagen growth. My personal favorites are from the IMPRESS anti-aging skincare range – I’ve been using them for quite a while now and my skin has never looked better! Specialized treatments like photo-facials can also stimulate new collagen growth – Mother Nature’s version of a facelift. When combined, the results are incredible.
I want DeRosa Medical patients to have the same access to the products and treatments I’ve used myself. That’s why we’ve added anti-aging skincare products and treatments to our menu of services at the Scottsdale office. It’s part of our holistic approach to wellness. For appointments, call 480.619.4097