Advice for menopausal skin from Stratum C

We are always on the look out for skin/hair care that helps our skin look better (we know its not going to change our lives) so when the lovely people from skin care brand Stratum C asked if we would like to try out their specially created for menopausal skin range we were happy to oblige (more of how I get on to come). We also asked Fleur their skincare expert a few questions about our how our skin changes as we get older………

Firstly could you tell us what happens to the skin as we age?

As we age, our skin begins to lose collagen and elastin due to a change in hormones, typically for women, it happens as we approach menopause. The skin starts to lose it’s ability to retain moisture and becomes a lot drier. Due to these factors, the skin can start to thin and sag leading to lines and wrinkles, in addition to often becoming more sensitive.

We are a little fed up with the whole “anti ageing” terminology. Surely there is no way we can stop this process?

Anti-ageing is an interesting term which is vast and vague. It would suggest that products can reverse ageing – which we all know is impossible. We are witnessing a change in the way that women are caring for their skin, and especially for menopause, it is important to find specialist skin care products that suit your needs and skin type. It’s about what’s in the bottle, not what’s written on the outside of it.

Isn’t it about making us look the best we can rather than younger?

We would love to tell you that we have discovered the fountain of youth, but you’re right, you cannot stop the ageing process. However, what you can do is achieve and maintain healthy skin, which will appear to look ‘younger’, and feel better. By creating healthy looking skin, it helps you to feel better inside too. We feel that embracing mother nature and making the best of what you have is a sure way to feeling and looking healthy and confident.

As I age I feel the same way about beauty products as I do about food. I don’t want to put unnatural chemicals onto my skin. I want to know the provanance and origins of my products. Am I right to do this or are chemicals going to work better?

Natural products are an obvious choice for healthier skin and it is important to know where your products and ingredients come from as not only could they be damaging to your skin, but you may also end up spending money on something that is not effective. Always do your research before buying a new brand and don’t just rely on what the companies say in their marketing material, as it’s the scientific evidence that is important.

Groupshot LARGEI find I am less interested and less inclined to spend time on a beauty routine as I age – if  we only use three products as we age – what should they be?

Three products that should be present in every woman’s bathroom are the cleanse, tone and moisturise combination from Stratum C – The Menopause Skin Care range. These products use botanical base ingredients, naturally occurring active ingredients and are based on published scientific research.

The Gentle Cleanser uses no preservatives and has a high concentration of Irish Moss Seaweed Extract and Rose Hip Seed Oil to gently cleanse your skin, replenishing sources of Vitamins A and E which are often lost during menopause.

The Calming Toner is by far a superior toner on the market due to the high levels of CoQ10, botanical extracts and unusually for a toner, the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid which leaves your skin feeling soothed and moisturised.

Last but not least, the Protect Cream is a revolutionary moisturiser that contains a special combination and concentration of peptides, which have been scientifically proven to double your body’s own natural collagen production, tighten the skin and relax the muscles, reducing lines and wrinkles by 50% over 28 days. The natural base ingredients and Hyaluronic Acid mean that your skin stays well hydrated and protected with natural Vitamins from Jojoba and Apricot Kernel Oil, whilst not blocking the pores.

These products use a minimum preservative system meaning they are suitable for all skin types and will leave your skin feeling nourished and healthy.

 And lastly can you name an older style icon with natural (no surgery ) skin that you think is a role model for older women.

Linda Barker. She is amazing. She has beautiful skin and takes great care of her body. She exercises regularly, drinks and eats well and she has been a dedicated fan of Stratum C for over a year now. She is a great believer in all things natural and looks fantastic for her age at 53. And of course being an interior designer, means that her style choices are always perfect, as she knows what looks good. If everyone treated their body and skin like Linda does, we could all look as fabulous as she does in our 50’s!

2 Comments

  • Catbird says:

    “The Gentle Cleanser uses no preservatives and has a high concentration of Irish Moss Seaweed Extract”

    “Irish Moss Seaweed” is the “greenwashing” name for carrageenan, which is a known digestive irritant and believed by many experts to be implicated in gastrointestinal cancer. Easy enough to google it, but see for example this link: http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/carrageenan-natural-ingredient-you-should-ban-your-diet

    Unfortunately (and inexplicably to me) it is widely used by both the natural and organic food and skincare industries. I avoid any product containing carrageenan, or, as manufacturers love to call it because it sounds so lovely, “Irish Moss.”

    I don’t put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t want in my body. And although “derived from a natural source, carrageenan appears to be particularly destructive to the digestive system, triggering an immune response similar to that your body has when invaded by pathogens like Salmonella. The result: ‘Carrageenan predictably causes inflammation, which can lead to ulcerations and bleeding,’ explains veteran carrageenan researcher Joanne Tobacman, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Illinois School of Medicine at Chicago. She says the food ingredient irritates by activating an immune response that dials up inflammation.

    Now explain to me why I would want this on my skin?

  • Jane says:

    Interesting thanks Catbird – I will talk to the people from Stratcm C as I agree – I try not to put stuff on my skin that I wouldn’t want in my body either.
    Jx

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