Ensconced in your forties or settling comfortably into your fifties, you might think your bad skin years are decades behind you, but not necessarily so. One of the most common signs of perimenopause starting is a noticeable change in skin behavior and appearance. Alongside the more predictable signs of skin aging, many women report dry, dehydrated, sensitive, itchy skin - characteristics they might never have encountered before.

Estrogen is skin’s favorite hormone of all, a crucial contributor in the body’s manufacture of collagen, elastin and fibronectins that rebuild the Extracellular Matrix (ECM). The main reason we’re glowing on those days we’re ovulating, estrogen is excellent at feeding skin the fortification it needs. Plus, the more ECM you have and the better shape it’s in, the younger you look. And yet, during perimenopause there’s a steady depletion of it, flatlining at menopause and causing skin to lose its vitality and compromise its resilience.

What may come as a surprise though, is that our skin’s supply of oxygen is also on the out around the time we enter perimenopause. “By age 40, our skin has lost 60% of its oxygen capacity,” warns LYMA Founder Lucy Goff.

“So it’s incredibly important for skin health, to return oxygen to the skin. Skin cells have a limited lifespan and increased oxygen supports regeneration and the metabolism of waste which in turn helps with production of collagen, elastin and migration of new cells to the surface”.

On the surface, this decline in oxygen supply to skin cells speeds up the aging process and we begin to visibly age quicker.

“Mitochondria need oxygen to make ATP so when that becomes increasingly scarce, the impact on skin is profound. Cell energy depletes, renewal functions are compromised and free radical damage increases,” says Dr Graeme Glass, Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon and LYMA’s Aesthetic Director.

“When skin cells receive enough oxygen new cells are more readily produced, skin is brighter, smoother, tone is unified, fine lines and wrinkles are plumped out and skin elasticity is improved immeasurably. Quite simply, oxygen helps skin thrive,” explains Dr Glass.

Active Stabilised Oxygen (ASO) is the best thing to happen to perimenopausal skin. As a liquid, oxygen is in its purest, most absorbable form and penetrates through every layer of the skin. ASO in the LYMA Oxygen Mist floods the skin with this pure nutrient source for increased cellular production, blood flow and moisture retention. All these mechanisms make skin more hydrated, less inflamed, and thankfully, slow down the aging process.

LYMA Oxygen Glide is an at-home oxygen facial mask that floods even the deepest, newly-forming cells with vital oxygen and safeguards hydration at every level. Designed to fit into busy lifestyles, use the Oxygen Mist for a daily spritz and the Oxygen Glide for a weekly drink.

“By temporarily re-aligning the lipid molecules in cell membranes, the polarized light indirectly opens ion channels, increasing the diffusion of lipid-soluble compounds whilst also enhancing the uptake of water-soluble compounds.

The 808 nm wavelength of the LYMA Laser also enhances ATP energy production in cells, optimizing their associated carrier systems, and increases local capillary blood flow leading to better the internal supply of key nutrients to the cells, as well as oxygenation. All these elements make the Laser the perfect trans-dermal topical delivery system,” says Dr Graeme Glass.

Menopausal skin isn’t a fixed skin type, so it’s not necessary to seek out a menopause skin care range. The most important attributes of menopause skin care should be locking in long-term hydration, optimizing cellular function and active ingredients capable of delivering oxygen and nutrients back into the skin.

Like every aspect of menopause, symptoms are transient and personal, so far better to establish a hydrating, nourishing skin routine and stick to it.

The actives in LYMA Skincare are designed to address various aspects of perimenopausal skin. With patented ingredients at carefully selected doses, LYMA Skincare aims to support the skin during menopause. The LYMA Serum and Cream are formulated to promote healthy skin function, support microcirculation, and maintain the skin’s natural processes.

“LYMA Skincare is the first protocol to address the eight causes of skin aging. LYMA Serum and Cream are packed with patented ingredients. LYMA Skincare is the best thing you can do for menopausal skin,” says LYMA Founder Lucy Goff.

Active skincare just got slicked into a new dimension.