Natural Living

Patsy Kensit

Our columnist tells us which natural products have been helping her

I call menopause ‘conscious puberty’ because the experience is so close to the challenges we face in our teens. Bodies that don’t behave, raging hormones and physical changes we don’t expect, wash over us regularly. The near-daily changes to my appearance were also a real challenge to manage – not easy when you’re in the public eye. I know from chatting with many women over the past few years that I’m not alone. It seems that acneprone skin, which is also flaking and dry and sensitive comes with the territory. As does hair that is greasy at the roots, dry at the ends and thinning. And, don’t get me started on the red faces from flushing, the loss of collagen leading to skin drooping and fine lines appearing daily. Not to mention some serious eye bags from the lack of sleep – it doesn’t paint a particularly pretty picture.

It leaves us feeling embarrassed, unsure how to react and less confident, which I believe contributes heavily to the one in three of us diagnosed with depression during the menopause. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. There are some amazing solutions out there so in the interest of sisterhood, here are my top menopause bug-bear solutions.

No more hair woes:

I found that products containing any kind of silicones were not great for my hair, and over-washing contributed to the greasy issues. I discovered the gorgeous Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo (£22) which is light, paraben-free and so soothing on my scalp.

I don’t need a huge amount of conditioner, but I do enjoy a weekly treatment, so I opt for Davines Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle (£18.20) on the ends, which replenish any breakage and leaves it bouncy and fresh.

To tackle any thinning, you need to work from the inside, out. Ouai thinning hair supplements (£26) are great at providing the balance of minerals and vitamins hair needs to remain strong and keep growth active.

Skin solutions:

Our skin gets so unbalanced at this age, and cleansing can strip it so quickly, which doesn’t help with spots or dryness. I love Prager Skincare Foaming Cleanser (£60).

Stratum C is a line created particularly for menopausal women. Their Protect Cream (£49) which contains matrixyl, hyaluronic acid and squalane, does a fantastic job of balancing the skin, plumping fine lines and enhancing the glow.

Organic skincare line S5 developed Replenish Serum (£20) with Arctic sea buckthorn and rosehip oil and it did wonders on flaking and redness. It’s also superabsorbent, so great to settle skin down before applying make-up.

Finally, I rely heavily on Liz Earle’s advice; she recently shared some tips on skin oils which I found fascinating and I have been using her Superskin Concentrate (£23) ever since. My skin is much more balanced and interestingly, less greasy, as a result.

Make-up miracles:

We lose colour in our faces as we age, and can look washed out, so Dr Haushka’s Colour Correcting Palette (£25) is amazing for toning down redness rapidly and I live for Shisheido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper, (£19), which I use to tone down any breakthrough shine throughout the day.

Beat the bags:

Finally, the dreaded eye issues. Firstly, it’s critical to tackle your sleep. A great bio-identical hormonal supplement can lessen anxiety and insomnia. Use cotton sheets to keep you cool and don’t sleep naked. I recently discovered Cucumber Clothing, who’s technically advanced, sustainable nightwear is literally miraculous during a flush. It’s sweatwicking, so you won’t feel sticky and the climate control means you won’t get the sudden freeze afterward either.

The main thing though is to remember, it’s not forever and don’t be afraid to change up your routine. If you’re not sure which products to choose, book yourself in for a session with a professional and work out a skin and beauty regime that works for you – it’s not just great for your body, it’s self-care, which helps your mind and you sense of wellbeing, too!