Dermocosmetic preparations for skin care in menopause

Abstract

As one of the largest organs of the body, the skin is significantly affected by the aging process and menopause. Among others regulatory elements, the estrogen receptor has been detected on the cellular components of the skin. Accordingly, dermal cellular metabolism is influenced by the hypoestrogenoemic state of menopause leading to changes in the collagen content, alterations in the concentration of glycoaminoglycans and most importantly the water content. Clinically, aging may be manifested as wrinkles, skin roughness and dryness, irregular pigmentation, telangiectasia, sallowness and brown spots (lentigines). Wrinkles and telangiectasia are associated with increased risks of actinic keratoses and nonmelanoma skin cancer. For these reasons it is enormously important to use well-designed preparations for everyday cleansing, care and protection. Contemporary preparations contain new biodegradable mild surfactants which are skin- and environmentally-friendly. Also, they include numerous actives: phytosteroids, chosen fats and oils, retinoids, cc-hydroxy acids, non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, vitamins E and C, p-caroten, coenzyme Q10, polyphenols), humectant and emollient moisturisers (pseudocollagen, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, Aloe vera gel...). Additionally, most of these preparations should encompass UV-filters and physical blockers (SPF 4 to 12).