There have always been limited ways in which women who are going through the menopause or experiencing these changes to their skin can access information and treatments available to target this concern.  An with so many clinical treatments such as HRT having undesirable side effects it can sometimes feel like we just have to get on with it and put up with the symptoms.

When it comes to the skin we need a solution where we can benefit from activating the oestrogen receptors in the skin without affecting the oestrogen receptors elsewhere in the body potentially resulting in effects that may be associated with some risks.

Last year I discovered Emepelle and the technology behind this product blew my mind. Finally, there was a product that goes to the root of the cause to help resolve the issue of the effects of lower oestrogen on the skin. This product range contains a breakthrough technology called MEP. This has been clinically proven to effectively and safely stimulates the natural functions of the skin that oestrogen would have done previously. Helping to target the root cause of the menopause accelerated ageing on the skin.

MEP stands for Methyl estradiopropanoate (now you can see why we shorten it) and is the only non-hormonal oestrogen skin receptor stimulator to be included in cosmeceutical skincare. By working only on the skin cells to activate the receptors it makes it clinically safe. When applied topically if it does enter the bloodstream it is converted into an inactive metabolite. This allows Emepelle to produce positive effects in improving dullness, dryness, elasticity levels, skin thinning and the appearance of lines and wrinkles, without any risk of systemic side effects

A study on the effects of MEP technology found that over 14 weeks there was a 54% improvement in skin dryness, 20% improvement in skin thickness, 8% improvement on fine lines, 19% improvement on laxity and 39% improvement in skin dullness. This study was done on challenging subjects that were all post-menopausal for at least 3 years, so they would all have had low oestrogen levels and skin that had already been significantly affected by the menopause

The great thing about the Emepelle range is it consists of just two products, a daytime serum and night cream. The serum contains the MEP but also has other beneficial actives in there to further increase those results; Vitamin C and E, Ferulic acid all powerful antioxidants, niacinamide, peptides and hyaluronic acid to help strengthen and hydrate the skin.

The night cream has an even higher % of the MEP but also contains retinol to encourage collagen and cellular functioning further. Again with the peptides, niacinamide and humectant this really is a powerhouse of actives that will work synergistically to create noticeable improvements to the skin.

The photos below show an improvement over just 8 weeks using the Emepelle Regime.

With Oestrogen involved in over 400 functions within the body, no wonder when we reach the menopause and the oestrogen levels decline, do we see so many different symptoms, feelings and changes to our bodies and wellbeing.

When we think about the menopause, we think of the classic symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings, but we don’t always realise the significant impact it can have on our skin.

I find when ladies come to see me when they are at the stage of life where their oestrogen levels are starting to decline, they refer to it feeling like their skin has changed overnight. This natural decline in levels of oestrogen can cause our skin to loose up to 30% of collagen in the first 5 years of the menopause. This can have a big impact on the way our skin feels and looks.

How does oestrogen affect our body?

Oestrogen is a collective name for a group of 3 steroid hormones produced by the ovaries; estradiol, estriol, and estrone. They are responsible for the development of our reproductive organs, creating a suitable environment for egg fertilisation and nutrition for the early embryo. Oestrogen of course also controls our menstrual cycle. However, apart from the reproductive side of things, it influences the function of nearly all our major organs.

Oestrogen and the skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body influenced by oestrogen. It produces its effects through oestrogen receptors. These receptors are located within our skin cells and on the outer cell membrane. When oestrogen binds to these receptors a chemical cascade of signals triggers that cell’s function, for example, a fibroblast cell will produce collagen.

These oestrogen receptors are found in numerous types of skin cells, however, they are in higher concentrations over the skin of the face and scalp. The most significant are the fibroblast cells of the dermis, the keratinocyte cells of the epidermis, and the blood vessels.

How oestrogen directly impacts the skin

• Collagen, elastin and fibrillin production = skin firmness, elasticity and structure
• Hyaluronic acid production = skin hydration
• Epidermal thickness = skin hydration and luminosity
• Angiogenesis = blood supply to the dermis
• Wound healing = effective recovery from injury
• Immune response = protection and recovery
• Free radical defence = protection from environmental aggressors

What happens to our skin when oestrogen declines?

When our oestrogen levels decline we get a reduction in the receptor activation. This can begin to make changes on a cellular level below the surface reducing the structure and health of the skin. This causes visible changes such as dryness, increased wrinkles, and loss of volume, epidermal thinning and dullness. The menopause can last for several years, starting with Peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause, and all this time our receptors are losing more and more activation.

To be continued…

Look out for Part 2 where I discuss how we can help the skin reduce the effects of the menopause.

If you are feeling the effects of the menopause on your skin and would like help then please get in touch here, or alternatively, you can book in a virtual consultation where we can discuss your skin’s needs and put a plan in place to get you the results you want.