With over 12 million women currently going through the menopause in the UK, the topic has finally become far less taboo and is spoken about much more openly, with celebrities like Davina McCall, Lisa Snowdon and Marilla Frostrup leading the way. So, ahead of Menopause Awareness Day taking place next week on 18th October, and as we journey through World Menopause Month this October, we’ve rounded up the top wellbeing products and treatments to help women to feel empowered and supported through their menopause journey.
For the face: Mavala
In-house skin expert at Swiss Skincare Brand Mavala, Lynn Mason states: “Going through perimenopause and menopause will see the hormones fluctuate in the body. As a result, the skin cells end up not producing enough lipids, becoming smaller, less dense, and much drier. Not only can this lead to wrinkles, lines, and jowls, but the skin can have some discomfort as it becomes much more sensitive, with less elasticity.
To help the skin bounce back, plump out the cheeks and reduce the look of wrinkles, Mavala has introduced its intense Anti-Age Nutrition range, complete with a patented pro-lipid booster. As a biotechnological active ingredient, the pro-lipids boost the natural lipid replenishment system of stimulating the skin. The key steps of lipid cement formation include recruitment of exogenous transport, liquid synthesis and intracellular transport and formation of a functional cutaneous barrier.
Using just the below 3 steps, the skin starts to recover, glow, bounce and gain back elasticity:
- Nutritional Essential Serum – a crystal like serum that increases the skins moisture by +123% for six hours after use, intensely revitalising the driest of skins
- Nutrition Ultimate Cream – a skin fusion of oil and cream to help regain comfort, youthful looking skin, and vitality day after day
- Nutrition Absolute Night Balm – an ultra-fine balm that transforms into an infusing nutrition for the skin”
Available here, prices vary
For the skin: Westlab
Penny Hamilton, co-founder of the UK’s leading bath salt brand Westlab says: “The menopause is not to be underestimated for the significant impact on daily wellbeing. While for some, it goes seemingly unnoticed, most women will experience unpleasant and challenging side effects brought about by hormonal changes. Symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, headaches, dry skin, aching points, irritability, and low mood, can all be linked to a Magnesium deficiency, yet supplementing this key mineral is often overlooked.
For example, Serotonin, the ‘happy’ hormone, is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate the mood. Studies suggest that Magnesium deficiency can be linked with reduced Serotonin levels, as it supports Serotonin regulation within the body. In addition, Cortisol, the ‘stress’ hormone, becomes more of an issue during the menopause. However, Magnesium supplementation has been shown to help decrease Cortisol levels, which could be especially beneficial during the later stages of the menopause. Finally, the amount of Melatonin, the ‘sleep’ hormone, produced naturally by the body begins to fall during the perimenopause and menopause, which can lead to trouble sleeping. Magnesium also helps to convert glucose into energy, to help combat extreme tiredness and fatigue.
Research has shown that one of the most effective ways to absorb Magnesium is through the skin (transdermally), which is why Magnesium baths can be such an asset to help give your body an extra mineral boost. Full body immersion in a Magnesium solution is the optimum way to achieve this, but if taking a bath isn’t an option, then a foot soak can be a great alternative due to the amount of sweat glands present.”
Available here, RRP £9.49
For hot flushes: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Liquid Castile Soap
Scented with pure peppermint oil, this soap offers a powerful minty burst to help cool down the body, awaken the senses and sharpen the mind – all things that be improved on when going through the menopause! Providing an invigorating sensation on the body, much like an ice bath, the menthol in the peppermint oil activates the cold sensitive receptors in the skin providing that peppermint tingle. This soap really is the secret to beating the hot flushes, perfect for a refresh in the morning, just before bed or even the middle of the day – we won’t judge! It’s no wonder this particular TikTok video has over 500K views with @hazelluve saying she ‘got out of the shower and stepped into the north pole’ after using this soap. Featuring organic and fair-trade ingredients, this soap is the best option for beating the heat for both human, home and the earth.
Available here, RRP £2.69
TREATMENTS:
Mid-Week Meno-Pause Package: The Spa at Bedford Lodge
Complete with everything needed to soothe menopause symptoms, this Spa Day package begins with a relaxing foot soak using mineral-rich, aromatic bath salts that boost resilience, to help the cooling down of tired feet and legs. Meanwhile, expertly trained therapists will explain the 75-minute, bespoke ESPA personalised treatment and discussing individual health concerns. Whether that be purifying an unbalanced skin or working deep into the muscles to relieve tension. Following the treatments, guests are then shown through to the relaxation room where they can enjoy a cup of ESPA herbal tea to finish the therapeutic journey. Inclusive of this package is an ESPA bath and body oil to take home, worth £34. Guests can choose between: Detoxifying to clarify and uplift, Energising to revitalise and awaken the senses or Resistance to revive and boost defences.
Available here from Tuesday to Friday – starting from £140 per person
Pause & Renew Treatment: Moddershall Oaks
Located in the serene Staffordshire countryside, Moddershall Oaks’ Pause & Renew treatment has been created by women for women. Designed for those experiencing hormonal changes, including symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause, last year, the spa collaborated with female-founded product house Tribe517 to create a completely unique experience that provides ultimate comfort and immediate relief. As a 50-minute treatment, the Pause & Renew includes a cool compress and a soothing skin mask to calm hot and sensitive skin. Comforting balms hydrate and nourish dry skin and aching limbs, hypnotic balms aid rest and sleep, and refreshing mists awaken and revive the mind. This nurturing experience includes mindfulness relaxation and deep breathing as a gentle way to ease the mind of overthinking, delivering a new peaceful harmony to mind, body, and spirit.
More information on the spa here, treatment costs £90
Your Best You Treatment: Daniel Thwaites Spa Group
A top-to-toe treatment that is completely bespoke to everyone, guests are sure to feel supported during their second spring, no matter which stage they are at. Leaving them totally energised, yet nurtured and at ease, guests can choose from either warming or cooling stones, with both options promoting stress relief, energy increase and mood boosting properties. With a combination of rhythmic stretches and gentle joint rotation, achy limbs will be rescued, and tension and facial puffiness reduced.
Available to book here, treatment costs £98
EXPERT COMMENT:
Dr Joana Santos, Clinical Director at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel explains: “In addition to the commonly known hot flushes, alterations in weight and heightened anxiety that some experience during the menopause, there could be deeper perimenopausal symptoms that have been building up over months, or even years, under the surface. Many women suffer from these long before linking them to the menopause. For example, in the past, I have experienced clients reporting depression, insomnia, severe hormonal changes, and sometimes skin and nail alterations during the perimenopause journey. Here at Longevity, to help support clients through the process, we offer a personalised approach to the menopause. First, we undertake a full evaluation of the hormones, which includes not just those expected to be affected but also testosterone and some anti-ageing profile hormones, including ACTH and Cortisol. Following results, we create a specific, bio-identical, compound gel for clients to apply daily. We opt for this treatment over oral hormone medicine as the gels offer little to no side effects, and even more vigorous results.”