If you are looking for skincare to address the effects of menopause, No7 could be the place to start. Editor Trudi Brewer shares a skincare collection developed after years of research into menopausal skin changes and in collaboration with more than 7,000 menopausal women. For anyone looking to correct dryness, dullness, sensitivity, or loss of firmness, read on to learn more.
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Up to 89 per cent of New Zealand women aged 40 to 60 experience the start of symptoms associated with menopause. Today, there is a wealth of medical knowledge about this life stage, and it has become a hot topic for beauty brands too. One accessible and affordable example is the No7 Menopause Skincare collection.
As a brand, No7 is well-known for its extensive research and top-selling skincare collections for mature skin. The brand's scientific credibility went viral when the cult favourite Protect and Perfect Intense Serum was famously featured on the BBC’s Horizon in 2007. Independent scientists demonstrated its anti-ageing benefits, prompting an unprecedented customer stampede that sold out five months' worth of stock in a single day. That same anti-ageing expertise, with different targeted ingredients, has been channelled into addressing the effects of menopause in a specific collection to address the symptoms.
How does menopause affect skin?
Anyone living with the effects of perimenopause and menopause will be intimately aware of how they feel. From hot flashes to fatigue, mood swings to a lagging libido. As the body’s hormone levels fluctuate, symptoms vary for every woman, but this life stage also has a big impact on the skin.
The first thing most women notice is dryness and sensitivity. That is because estrogen plays a crucial role in your skin’s health. Studies have shown that collagen and elastin production slows, cell turnover declines, and the skin’s defence mechanisms (its barrier) are compromised. This leads to changes such as dryness, sensitivity, and dull, thinner-looking skin.
HOW DO THE INGREDIENTS IN NO7 MENOPAUSE SKINCARE BENEFIT THE SKIN?
With more than 7,000 menopausal women on board, No7 formulated a range with ingredients that tackle the concerns most associated with perimenopause and menopause, alongside the brand’s 20-year partnership with the University of Manchester. The key ingredients in the collection target the effects of estrogen-deficient skin, including soy and red clover isoflavones. These are plant-based phytoestrogens with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to support skin resilience and boost firmness. Matrixyl 3000+, No7's signature collagen peptide technology, is a blend of two potent peptides, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, which are also used in its Protect and Perfect Intense Serum, mentioned above. These help reduce the signs of ageing and improve skin firmness. Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, protect against environmental aggressors, but, most importantly, prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping your complexion hydrated, plump, and supple. Niacinamide improves firmness and corrects dullness, while further protecting the skin against environmental damage. Finally, hyaluronic acid, that powerful humectant, draws moisture into the skin, plumping fine lines, while keeping skin well hydrated. Together, these ingredients help the skin function more like it did pre-menopause.
How to use No7 Menopause Skincare
No7 Menopause Skincare Instant Radiance Serum, $65
Like all No7 serums, there is an immediate effect when you apply it. The gel-like texture provides a soothing boost to the skin and an instant glow. The "Instant Radiance" name aligns with many reviewers who believe their skin looks brighter after application - I agree. But it’s the cooling metal applicator that helps soothe, ideal if you have hot flushes. The key ingredients are designed to hydrate and firm, with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and lipids making it super moisturising. In contrast, soy isoflavones, Matrixyl 3000+, vitamins B5, C, and E, and Bisabolol offer a calming effect that helps reduce irritation while hydrating. At the same time, Japanese Lily turf root extract improves hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and soothes stressed skin.
The first thing you notice about this cream is how hydrated your skin feels in the morning. Its texture is so luxurious, whipped like a soufflé. That’s thanks to the hydrating cocktail of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, green tea, vitamins B5, C, and E. The Matrixyl 3000+ collagen peptide technology is the heavy-hitter and helps rejuvenate the appearance of dry skin.
Eye cream is one of my favourite beauty buys. I often look for a formula that mixes with concealer so I can wear it during the day to keep the eye area looking hydrated. This ticks that box. Its consistency is a gel-cream with a cooling dome with three massage points on the head. The ceramides and soy isoflavones get to work targeting the visible effects of collagen loss, and the pearly-like finish helps brighten.
Here’s how to use the No7 Menopause Skincare collection
No7 Menopause Skincare range is specifically designed to help support skin through menopause, targeting dryness, sensitivity and loss of firmness while helping restore hydration, comfort and radiance. Editor Trudi Brewer shares the collection.
Read more here.