If you missed my Instagram stories where I shared a range of skincare products that are working really well for me at the moment, then keep reading!
I know that my own skin during perimenopause seemed to have a life of it's own - some days the hormonal breakouts were lumpy and painful, other times it would be so oily I could fry an egg on it, and I was finding I 'reacted' more to products than I previously had. Meaning redness and burning all over my face and neck.
I was already incredibly itchy (yet another fun symptom!), so when I started my HRT, which brought many symptoms under control, that relief of not feeling like I wanted to scratch my skin off was bliss.
However, I have noticed that my skin has become much drier. I've never had this problem before and so have needed to change my previous acne combating products and find solutions for skin that is now dry, but still fairly sensitive.
Below is a range of products that I currently swear by. I have not encountered any problems - but always with the disclaimer that these are working for me and your skin might not react in the same way. I hope that if you're also struggling with skin changes that these suggestion can also help you.
First up, if spots and breakouts are still an issue then The Inkey List's C-50 Blemish Night Treatment via Cult Beauty is brilliant. The title ingredient C-50, or sodium ascorbyl phosphate, minimises the appearance of blemishes while encouraging your skin to heal itself - and I've found this definitely helps for not only my skin, but my young daughter's too. It's not harsh and works well when spots are emerging.
Next up another great option for breakouts, is The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, £5.50, via Boots or Cult Beauty. Azelaic acid is produced naturally by yeast that lives on healthy skin, and this brightens skin’s tone while visibly boosting texture and minimising blemishes. Unlike many acids, this one does not cause irritation – in fact, it’s been shown to reduce redness and rosacea. I found that this one 'stings' a little as you use it, but that always felt to me like it was working! Amazing at really zapping painful, hormonal spots and acne.
Now onto products that are helping my dry skin.. I started using Huile Prodigieuse® from Nuxe, £29.50 (100ml) in 2019 and I can't express how great it is! Everything about this just works - the smell is incredible, the way your skin feels after using it is perfect. You can use it on your face and hair too, but I have always used it as a body treatment. It has natural active ingredients with seven 100% botanical precious oils: moisturizing tsubaki oil, repairing argan oil, nourishing macadamia oil, smoothing borage oil, moisturizing camellia oil, protective hazelnut oil and softening sweet almond oil.
An affordable, yet effective face oil, The Ordinary's 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, £9.00 via Deciem, is a brilliant go-to that I have used time and time again. Rosehip Seed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A, all of which have been shown to reduce signs of photo-aging and many other skin conditions.
Next up are two recent face oil additions and they are both working beautifully. Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil by Sunday Riley (34ml), £54, via Space NK, has been a fantastic choice for my slightly sensitive skin. Rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and omega oils, this dry oil formulation is easily absorbed for instant hydration without any greasy residue. The oil brightens complexions, restores vitality, and offers protection against ongoing environmental damage as it soothes and repairs.
Finally, an investment oil, but if you can I would heartily recommend it. Costa Brazil's Óleo Para A Face - Kaya Anti-Aging Face Oil (30ml), £115, via Cult Beauty, is hands down one of the best skincare products I have ever used. Costa Brazil is a sustainable beauty, body care and wellness range from the visionary, Francisco Costa - this contains kaya (a Southern American superfood loved for its powerful nourishing properties (and used exclusively by Costa Brazil), cacay (a natural retinol source that is rich in conditioning vitamin E and omegas) and breu (an aromatic resin that has powerful anti-anxiety benefits). It's lightweight yet full of plant-derived extracts to heal and replenish the skin. It's suitable for all complexions - this oil balances and helps to battle breakouts (breu has antimicrobial properties), while the ‘three Bs’ (babobab, babassu seed and brazil nut oils) work to firm and deeply moisturise to keep skin feeling supple, smooth and ‘springy’. If I could bath in this oil I would!
Let me know if any of these help you - and also do get in touch if you'd like me to recommend any other beauty or skincare products that are working well for me while on HRT.