Menopause is having a moment. After decades of tiptoeing around this very normal phase of life, menopause has finally become part of the wellness and beauty conversation. And it's about time.

Half of the population are women. Half of the population will experience menopause. 1 billion women will be in perimenopause by 2025. And 25 million women in the US are dealing with menopause symptoms today. So it's no wonder that we're seeing a boom in both perimenopause and menopause-​focused wellness brands and products that seek to address some of the 34 symptoms (yes, you read that right) of this transition.

While every woman experiences perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) and menopause (which officially begins one year after your final period) differently, all women experience noticeable changes to their skin and hair brought on by hormonal fluctuations. 

Health always starts from the inside out, and the gut plays a crucial role in our overall health, affecting everything from the immune system and our mental health to cardiovascular health. A higher level of diversity in gut bacteria is directly associated with improved overall health; estrogen is essential for gut health, as it promotes the growth of diverse beneficial bacteria, maintains gut barrier integrity, and decreases inflammation in the body. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, it can also lead to higher vaginal pH levels, which can cause urinary tract infections and vaginal dryness. Taking a good daily probiotic that contains bacterial strains designed to support female health is therefore key.

As with the gut, estrogen supports the skin in a variety of ways, promoting Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid production and a healthy barrier function. Studies* show that women lose about 30% of Collagen in their skin during the first five years of menopause, followed by a gradual 2% drop every year thereafter. Hyaluronic Acid levels in the body also decline, while a disruption in the skin barrier leads to a depletion of moisturizing Ceramides and Lipids. Combined, this all leads to a multitude of skin issues including dryness, sensitivity, and dullness; alongside a lack of firmness, more fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven tone and texture.

Menopausal skin therefore needs ingredients that boost Collagen production, hydration levels, and restore barrier function, such as Ectoine, a natural protection molecule that delivers optimum hydration to skin cells; Hyaluronic Acid, a humectant that pulls moisture into the skin; Peptides, which stimulate the production of Collagen; and Squalane, which moisturizes, repairs, and reinforces the skin barrier.

More than half of women over age 50 experience thinning hair. Why? You guessed it–estrogen. Both the hair growth cycle and the hair follicle structure are highly affected by hormone fluctuations and as estrogen levels drop, the hair follicles shrink and change shape, meaning that hair grows more slowly and sheds more easily, while the texture can also change and hair might become kinky or curly. 

At the same time, the skin on our heads produces less sebum, leading to dry and flaky scalp and also drier hair that then becomes duller, more brittle, and prone to breakage. Menopause therefore requires a rethink of your haircare routine, as the focus should shift to stimulating growth, improving scalp health, and boosting volume and moisture. Try adding a weekly scalp dermarolling session, which will stimulate hair growth and increase topical absorption of a restorative scalp serum. Your daily shampoo and conditioner should also work harder to protect and hydrate strands.