No. More. Periods.
Praise mother nature! Right?
Not quite...women are truly the queens of the world.
We know what happened to our bodies after going through puberty but what happens during menopause?
First, the entire process of menopause is a result of a decrease in female hormone levels (yup..the same ones we gained as teens are leaving the party early).
Perimenopause is a word that refers to the start of an irregular period schedule leading to one year of consecutively missed cycles. This phase can begin from four to eight years before menopause is in full swing. And shocker to me - I assumed "irregular" meant gently waning frequency and flow. NOPE. Well, it can be. It can also be more frequent and way heavier periods with increased clots. (The first time this happened to me I legit thought something was seriously wrong with me.)
Menopause is declared after a woman has missed her period for twelve consecutive months between ages 40-58. The average age is 51. Though, not all women experience the same effects. Besides age, there are other common indicators of this maturity.
Many women have shared their stories of having hot flashes (lasting between 1 and 5 minutes) which are often accompanied by a cold chill afterwards. Hot flashes can come about any time of day, sometimes causing a lack of sleep, or overall irritability.
Menopause also causes changes to the hair and skin:
Hair:
- Hair loss/thinning
- Facial hair growth along the chin and jawline (as if the indignity of breaking out in a cold sweat in public wasn’t enough)
Skin:
- Age spots become more apparent
- The skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity due to falling estrogen levels
- The skin loses collagen, allowing wrinkles and dips in the skin to show
- The skin also becomes less able to retain moisture leading to dry skin
- Increased skin sensitivity and/or acne
- Recovery time for skin wounds lengthens
This time in our life is nonetheless uncomfortable. Knowing why these changes are occurring and what to expect puts us at a good place for learning how to lessen the effects of menopause; because ageing doesn’t have to be a downfall.
Drum-roll please…
We are so excited to be launching CAIRE. Created by women who want to address the very specific needs of women as they navigate the changes of perimenopause and menopause. These all-natural non-pore-clogging, vegan, gluten-free and cruelty-free products are a double advantage to renewing the skin during menopause and we’re happy to announce that they are now available at AILLEA!
Caire
The Caire brand is sure to blow competitors out of the water- All of their products are composed of ingredients ONLY derived from plants, trees, and the sea. In addition, the company has an impressive list of badges: vegan, cruelty free, paraben free, phthalate free, no sulfates, no silicones, no artificial dye and no fragrance. Woo hoo!
Most over the counter skin care products are made for the general public. That’s a very wide range of skin to satisfy considering our differences. Specifically, a whopping 99% of anti-aging products are designed to work on the skin's surface. Caire's products stand out from the crowd because their formulas are crafted to reach beneath the skins layers in order to receive the maximum benefits.
Caire Theorem Serum Boost-
How to give an introduction for this serum when it truly speaks for itself; giving the skin an instant hydrated glow by absorbing deep into the skin with triple hyaluronic acid. Caire performed a study with the Theorem Serum Boost on 25 women (ages 40-65, dry/combination/oily skin types) and the results were ASTOUNDING!
All 25 volunteers applied the serum twice a day, for two weeks. 100% of the women in the clinical study reported a visible improvement on drooping skin, redness, irritation, acne, and wrinkles/lines with an overall smoother texture. Other fans are raving about how rejuvenated and soft their skin feels since using the product.
The Theorem Serum must be applied morning and night (serving size: about one dropper per use). It can be applied on the face, neck, chest, and/or back of hands. When applying to the face, remember to pat the product on instead of using motions that pull at the skin.
Caire calls this mask “a smoothing game changer” and we totally agree! The power is all in its name- made with fermented polysaccharides, and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, the Triple Lift Molecule Mask tightens, hydrates, heals, and above all, lifts.
Like the Theorem Serum Boost, 20 women (40-65, all skin types and tones) volunteered to test the Triple Lift Molecule Mask for a one week clinical trial. The mask was applied twice throughout the week and all women reported less irritated, smoother, brighter, supple skin.
For the best results, it is recommended to use the mask after cleansing, 2x times a week for at least one month but you can choose how often you would like to apply the mask based on your skin's sensitivity. Use a beauty brush or your fingers to apply about a tablespoon serving of the mask onto the face, hands, neck, and chest. Let the Triple Lift Molecule Mask sit for about 15-30 minutes. Allow the mask to dry and tighten completely. Rinse with warm water and a gentle towel using circular motions to wipe away the mask and reveal your refreshed, glowing complexion!
Because Caire's products are safe and all natural, the Theorem Serum pairs perfectly for added hydration and long lasting nourishment.
At 49, I am in the throws of these changes happening to my hair skin and nails. Over the last 6 months, I have noticed a dramatic decrease in the moisture levels in my skin and hair and my nails have become more brittle. I was blown away by how hydrated, plump and youthful these products made my skin feel and absolutely had to have them at AILLEA!
The CAIRE products have become a staple in my skincare routine. Here are some other great products to help with the impacts of perimenopause and menopause:
Address skin firmness, texture and tone with this active conditioning serum. Echinacea Stem Cells work to promote the appearance of increased collagen, Alpine Rose helps protect against pollution while nourishing Bamboo extracts, and Hyaluronic Acid leaves the skin hydrated and supple.
The Maya Chia Straight A serum is a gentle retinol treatment that uses three different all-natural forms of Retinol to significantly improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting plumper, smoother, more radiant, healthier-looking skin.
Transform dry, dull, brittle hair with this ultra-hydrating shampoo and conditioner by Rahua! Amazonian oils and natural protein-bonding sugars drive hydration deep into each strand of hair. Scented with the tropical aromas of passion fruit and mango, this innovative formula leaves scalp hydrated and balanced and hair stronger, healthier, smoother and shinier.
When you find your hair tied up, the Innersense Leave in Conditioner has your back. I have used detangling sprays in the past that leave a funky residue on the hair causing it to be oily and weighed down. The Sweet Spirit conditioning mist is infused with emollient oils, fragrant herbs, flower essences and a touch of bee-friendly honey to maintain body and manageability. Lavender adds a delicate, healing fragrance. Certified Organic plant extracts leave hair free flowing and ready for any style.
Sources:
Menopause 101: A primer for the perimenopausalCARING FOR YOUR SKIN IN MENOPAUSE
Caire Beauty: Menopausal Skin Care for Women
Caire Theorem Serum Boost
Triple Lift Molecule Mask
Agent Nateur
AILLEA