Style Beauty Lifestyle

Despite my diligent cleansing methods throughout my menopausal skin challenges, I have found that double cleansing is the best starting point in my skincare routine. Whether I am applying just skincare products on "no makeup Monday" or implementing a full makeup application, double cleansing has made the difference and I wanted to share my tips with you no matter what phase of menopause you and your skin are navigating. Take note that I was in perimenopause at age 38 and my skin and its needs have changed so much since then. Even if you are not in the pre-menopausal stage yet, keep these tips front of mind for when you are. They will come in handy.

Long gone are the days of just using a makeup wipe and calling it a day. You can certainly use one, but it should be in addition to a second step in cleansing. Stages of menopause cause temperamental skin, i.e., extremely dry and sensitive, oily, break-out prone, itchy, bumpy, red, blotchy and irritated. Never did I think....but it does happen. There is an abundance of products designed to treat your skin's current condition that will aid in turning it around while cleansing. 

For years I knew I had normal to oily skin; that easy... that simple so I always used a gel cleanser and a toner to control oily skin. It worked and that was it, until it didn't. It feels like I woke up one morning and my skin was so itchy and dry, yet it developed over time, and I was still using the gel cleanser and toner which was stripping my skin barrier. I don't think we can ever be prepared for these changes but executing these tips may help. 

I switched to an oil-based cleanser (which is a must covet) in my first step and a cream cleanser for sensitive skin on the double and it has made a significant difference in my overall tone, clarity, and texture. I also exfoliate once a week instead of two to three times using a gentle exfoliator rather than a harsher scrub. And I now use an alcohol-free toner for sensitive skin that hydrates and comforts my skin with acacia honey & sweet almond oil. 

Given your body's many hormonal changes and imbalances, you may now be experiencing oily skin and will need to choose a foaming face wash that gets rid of excess oil on the skin. Or you may have combination skin that would benefit from a gel cleanser that deep cleans. It will all depend on assessing your skin right now and remember what works today might not work tomorrow.

I was in a skincare cleansing quandary for a bit but with my research and consistent use of these at-home products, I have found what works for me. I am not a dermatologist nor an esthetician, but as a professional makeup artist and skin finishing expert, I do believe my experience using these specific targeted products has alleviated my skin issues during these points of menopause. I also recommend treating yourself to facial treatments every six to eight weeks, if possible, for longer lasting at-home care. 

Double cleansing is definitely worth the extra few minutes it takes to wash your face as it will support the products you use after washing (your moisturizer and serum will thank you) and provide a superior makeup application. If you try it and would like to share your thoughts, please do so!