Estrogen Does More for Your Skin Than You May Realize

Estrogen influences many of the processes that help skin look firm, hydrated and resilient.

As estrogen levels decline during and after menopause, the skin can gradually lose collagen, elasticity and moisture. It may become thinner, drier and more fragile, while fine lines and wrinkles become easier to see.

At the same time, normal age-related changes in facial volume and structure continue to occur.

Put those changes together and it can sometimes feel as though aging suddenly accelerated.

That is why a skincare routine that seemed perfectly adequate at 40 may no longer produce the same results at 50 or 60.

The skin itself has changed.

Why the Face Can Start Looking More Tired

One of the most common complaints women have after menopause is not necessarily that they look “old.”

They say they look tired.

Several things can contribute to that appearance.

Loss of facial volume can make the cheeks look flatter or create more shadowing around the eyes and lower face. Skin may not reflect light as evenly when it becomes drier or rougher. Fine lines become more visible, and deeper expression lines that have developed over decades may begin to stand out more.

None of these changes necessarily requires a dramatic cosmetic procedure.

In many cases, relatively conservative treatment can make the face look brighter, softer and better rested.

Fillers Can Restore Some of What Time Has Taken Away

Another major component of facial aging is volume loss.

Cheeks may flatten, areas beneath the eyes can appear more hollow, and changes in the lower face can contribute to deeper folds or a softer jawline.

Dermal fillers can sometimes replace a small amount of that lost volume.

The important word is replace.

The goal for a mature face should not necessarily be to create larger cheeks, oversized lips or an entirely different facial shape.

Used conservatively, filler can help restore balance and support areas that have gradually lost fullness.

A small amount in the right place can often be more flattering than a large amount used everywhere.

The Best Treatment May Be a Combination — or Very Little at All

There is no universal “menopause makeover.”

One woman may primarily be bothered by forehead lines.

Another may notice volume loss through the cheeks.

Someone else may be perfectly happy with the shape of her face but frustrated by years of sun damage and uneven skin texture.

And some women may benefit most from combining small amounts of different treatments rather than trying to accomplish everything with one procedure.

This is why treatment should begin with an evaluation of the individual face rather than with a predetermined package.

Menopause Doesn’t Mean You Need to Chase Your Younger Face

There is an enormous difference between wanting to look 25 again and simply wanting to look better.

Most women do not need — or want — to erase every sign of age.

They want healthier-looking skin.

They want to look less tired.

They may want to soften a few lines, restore a little lost volume or improve the effects of decades of California sunshine.

And they still want to recognize themselves in the mirror.

At DrTen20 in Dana Point, Dr. Adrian de la Torre takes an individualized approach to cosmetic treatment, helping patients determine which options may make sense for their particular concerns and desired results.

If menopause has changed the way your skin or face looks and the products you once relied on no longer seem to be enough, a consultation can help you understand what has changed — and what your realistic options are.

The goal isn’t to turn back the clock.

It’s to help you feel good about the face looking back at you.

★★★★★

“What I appreciate most is that there was no pressure and no upselling. The plan was thoughtful and tailored to my face, not a trend. Between the injectables and IV support, my skin looks brighter and my energy is better. It feels like a complete approach.”

Julia M., Verified Client