There has been a lot in the press and social media about the Menopause lately, and rightly so. For many years it was a taboo subject and not spoken about or referred to as ‘Women’s Problems’. This has meant many women have suffered in silence and in some cases left the profession they loved because they were finding it either hard to cope with the debilitating symptoms or didn’t get the understanding and support needed.
HRT is an amazing innovation but until recently was restricted to some women because of certain medical conditions or the history of hormone triggered cancers I.e., breast cancer. Thankfully, that too is changing with a variety of different types of HRT and the way in which it is administered. So, if at first you don’t get on with one method or type do not give up, persevere and make sure your doctor understands your needs.
A group of high-profile celebrity ladies, including Davina McCall and Penny Lancaster, have been doing amazing work bringing the issues experienced by women during the Menopause and Perimenopause to the fore. Including lobbying to have HRT on free prescription and a dedicated Menopause Professional in each Doctor’s Surgery. These things are still to be introduced but fingers crossed they are much closer.
Many women experience Perimenopause symptoms, similar to those of the menopause, without realising what they are. These can go on for quite a few years before they go into the Menopause. This is because they still have their periods and are therefore still fertile. The Menopause is the physiological aging process for women and occurs once she has not had a period for a full 12 months. This reduces the production of the hormone estrogen which in turn slows down the activity of cells such as fibroblasts. These fibroblasts are responsible for producing collogen for firmness, elastin for elasticity and the dermal matrix which is the skin’s natural mattress.
Here at The Courtyard, we want to help with the effects both the Perimenopause and The Menopause can have on your skin. We have a variety of suggestions on how to deal with Hot Flushes and also tweaks that can be made to your skincare routine if you find the products you usually use are not working as well as they should.
The Clarins Super Restorative Day and Night creams have been reformulated to increase their effectiveness against the effects of the menopause. This amazing duo firms, brightens, redensifies and evens the skin. With ingredients such as Organic Harungana which has the same benefits as retinol without any discomfort or irritation. This helps to reduce pigmentation and dark spots. Organic Gorse Extract which improves the tone of fibroblasts by up to 89%, combating one of the causes of menopausal skin ageing.
Along with these new products we would also recommend adding a face oil if you are finding that your skin is now feeling as though it needs a bit more toward the end of the day. These would be Santal Oil for dryness, Calm Essential Oil for sensitivity and Blue Orchid Oil for dehydration. Clarins have also reformulated the Treatment Essence. This is an amazing product that prepares the skin for the products you are about to apply, reducing the quantity needed . Therefore, your morning routine should be as follows:

–  Cleanse

– Tone

– Treatment Essence

– Eye Serum

– Face Serum

– Moisturiser

– Neck and Decollate Cream

– SPF Factor 50

Your evening routine should be:

– Eye Make-up Remover

– First Cleanse

– Second Cleanse (to remove SPF)

– Tone

– Treatment Essence

– Eye Serum

– Night Cream

– Neck and Decollate Cream

If you are unsure which products you should be using why not book in for a Skin Analysis with one of our fantastic therapists. These are a 30-minute treatment where your therapist will analyse your skin and recommend products that would best suit your requirements. They are usually priced at £15 but for the month of July we will offset this against the purchase of any Essences, Serums, Oils or Moisturisers.

Not only does your complexion suffer during the Menopause but your whole body can change. With dryness and slackness being some of the concerns, along with a thickening of the waist due to the decrease of estrogen and the increase of the hormone testosterone. Super Restorative Redefining Body Care streamlines and reshapes the waistline whilst tightening the skin. Body Fit has an anti-cellulite formulation which visibly smooths, firms and lifts. Moisture Rich combats dryness.
A spritz with one of the Treatment Fragrances or the Make-Up Fix can help with a ‘flush’, especially if they are kept in the fridge. A few lifestyle changes can also help. Wear layers of light clothing made from natural fibres, which can be removed as and when needed. Drink plenty of water and reduce your alcohol consumption if possible – not always easy when looking forward to a nice glass of wine at the end of a stressful day. Help increase bone density with exercise but don’t be tempted to overdo the high impact, try Yoga or Pilates. Vitamin D is also recommended taken as a supplement along with turmeric.
Above all make time for yourself and don’t be embarrassed to talk about what you are going through. We are here for you and are all good listeners so please speak to your therapist. Whether you are having a massage or treating yourself to a manicure of pedicure we will be happy to discuss any concerns you have or just listen.

Take care.