Those in menopause know well how the hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your skin - especially during the harsh winter months. That’s why practicing healthful diet and lifestyle choices are vital during “the change”, but it’s also important to change your skin care regime as you enter menopause.

Your skin is greatly affected during menopause because of hormones. Basically, menopause throws a woman's levels of estrogen off balance, which causes the skin to become thinner and drier. When the body produces less estrogen - it produces less natural moisturizig oils via the oil glands - and the skin loses much of its elasticity as a result.

To help keep your skin supple and moisturized, try the following skin care treatments for menopausal skin:

• Add a teaspoon of healthful oil - to your salads, salad dressings and cooking in the form of olive oil, safflower oil, coconut oil and flaxseed oil – which are especially high in omega 3 fatty acids and excellent for the hair, nails and skin.
• Go fishing - If you don’t want to add oil to your food, eat fresh and frozen fish. Try incorporating a cut of lean broiled or baked mackerel, salmon, albacore tuna and herring into your weekly meal schedule.
• Grab a glass of water – make that at least 8 to 10 glasses a day – more if you perform intense exercise. Water will cleanse the body and skin or bad toxins and chemicals that will dry it out.
• Protect your mug from UV rays - Start using daily moisturizer with UV protection of at least SPF 15. Even in the winter months, the sun reflects off of the snow and UV rays can wreak havoc on your skin.
• Have a cuppa green tea - Scientific studies show that green tea extract is extremely high in antioxidants. These protect the body from free radicals, which are natural particles in the body that accelerate the ageing process. If you don’t like the taste of green tea, look for a moisturizer containing natural green tea extract, or apply loose green tea leaves right to your skin as a gentle exfoliant.
• Hit the hay - for a restful night of sleep. Aim for at least 8 hours of zzzzzz’s per night.
• Get moving - Hit the gym or the pavement for at least a daily 30 minute walk. Exercise will keep your circulation moving - thus flushing toxins out of the body and skin as you sweat. It will also help tone your muscles and promote skin elasticity.
• Practice natural cleansing - Switch to a natural cleanser that is free of chemicals that will dry out your skin.

Remember that during menopause it's important to take care of your body and yourself. This is your time