As we age, our skin goes through significant changes as a result of shifts in hormone balance. Microcirculation is affected by this balance.
As women enter perimenopause in their 40s and continue into menopause (50s) there is a decrease in estrogen. As estrogen depletes, the skin begins to lose its tone, all tissues begin to thin, vascular and capillary walls begin to weaken, there is less moisture in the tissues, cell turnover is reduced and protective pigment lessens.
Hormone replacement is often suggested for women experiencing menopause. These therapies may be derived from animal-source estrogens and plant-source estrogens. Estrogens from plants are about 400 times weaker than animal estrogens.
Hormonal changes are the cause of the microcirculation problems that are common in mature skin. One such problem is red blotches and rosacea. Some of the causes of couperose veins are:
- alcohol
- smoking
- sun damage
- harsh cosmetics
- heat/cold fluctuations
- topical corticosteroids
- inflammation
These all lead to permanent dilation of the capillaries. The following ingredients are proven to have a positive effect on mature and rosacea skin:
- green tea
- squalane oil – rich in vitamins A,D, and E
- seaweed
- camomile
- allantoin
Microcirculation problems are best controlled with a combination of medical therapies, including in-office treatments, daily care products and lifestyle considerations.