Why your skin changes as you age... and what to do about it

Wrinkles, dryness, or sudden breakouts - sometimes it feels like your skin is changing overnight. The truth is hormonal shifts play a major role in how your skin looks and feels as you age. From teenage acne to menopausal dryness, your complexion is constantly evolving.

But instead of feeling frustrated by these changes, you can work with your body to keep your skin healthy and glowing at any age.

In this week’s newsletter we’ll explore how hormones impact your skin, the key changes to expect as you age, and what you can do to keep your complexion looking its best.

How Hormones Affect Your Skin

Your skin isn’t just affected by external factors like the sun and pollution. It is deeply connected to your body’s internal balance. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone regulate oil production, hydration levels, and collagen production. When these hormones fluctuate, your skin reacts to these changes.

• In your 20s and 30s, estrogen levels are high, helping to keep your skin plump and smooth. However, stress and hormonal fluctuations (especially around your menstrual cycle) can trigger breakouts.

• In your 40s, estrogen levels start to dip, leading to decreased collagen production. This can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable, while skin may begin to lose some of its firmness.

• In your 50s and beyond, menopause causes estrogen levels to drop significantly. Skin becomes drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles. Without enough estrogen to retain moisture, many women experience a loss of elasticity and an increase in sensitivity.

Common Skin Changes and How to Handle Them

Dryness and Loss of Elasticity

As estrogen declines, so does your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and a loss of firmness. To combat this, hydration is key.

• Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin.

• Use a hyaluronic acid serum to draw moisture into the skin.

• Lock in hydration with a rich, nourishing moisturiser, preferably one containing ceramides or peptides.

• Drink plenty of water and add healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olive oil into your diet to support skin hydration from within.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin plump and smooth, starts to decline in your 30s. Without enough collagen, fine lines begin to set in.

• Use a retinol or bakuchiol product to boost collagen production.

• Wear sunscreen every single day - UV exposure is the leading cause of premature wrinkles.

• Consider adding a collagen supplement to your routine to support skin elasticity.

Hormonal Breakouts

If you thought acne was just for teenagers, think again. Fluctuations in testosterone and progesterone can lead to breakouts, especially around the jawline and chin.

• Choose non-comedogenic skincare and makeup to avoid clogging pores.

• Use a gentle exfoliant (like lactic acid or salicylic acid) to keep pores clear.

• Manage stress. Elevated cortisol levels can trigger oil production and worsen breakouts.

Skincare from the Inside Out

Great skin isn’t just about what you put on it. It’s also about how you nourish it from within. Your diet, sleep, and lifestyle choices all contribute to your skin’s health.

• Eat skin-loving foods like berries (rich in antioxidants), fatty fish (high in omega-3s), and leafy greens (packed with vitamins).

• Get enough sleep. Your skin repairs itself overnight, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest.

• Reduce sugar and processed foods. These can spike inflammation and accelerate skin ageing.

Embracing the Changes

Your skin’s evolution is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to keep it looking and feeling great. By understanding what’s happening beneath the surface and adjusting your skincare and lifestyle accordingly, you can support your skin at every stage. The goal isn’t to fight ageing.

The goal is to age beautifully and healthily. Taking care of your skin is an act of self-care, and you deserve to feel confident in the skin you’re in.

Until next time, take care of yourself and your skin!

The information provided in this newsletter is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health and wellness routine.

Wishing you good health,

The Wellness Valet Team

Recipe of the Week: Lemon and Herb Baked Cod with Garlic Butter Mash

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (or any white fish like haddock or sea bass)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp butter

For the Garlic Butter Mash

• 600g potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 100ml milk (or plant-based alternative)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Side Salad

• 100g baby spinach or mixed salad leaves

• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced

• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

• Prepare the fish: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Place the cod fillets on a lined baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Just before serving, top each fillet with a small knob of butter and chopped parsley.

• Make the mash: Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until soft. In a separate pan, melt the butter and gently sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Drain the potatoes, then mash with the garlic butter and warm milk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

• Prepare the salad: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss with the spinach, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.

• Assemble and serve: Plate the baked cod alongside the garlic butter mash and a portion of the fresh salad. Drizzle any remaining fish juices over the cod for extra flavour

This is a nourishing and delicious meal that supports skin health from within. Packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients, it helps maintain elasticity, fight inflammation, and promote a radiant complexion. Enjoy this simple yet indulgent dish as part of your skincare-friendly diet.