Everything is Perimenopause

I’m a 43-year-old toddler Mom with a full-time lawyering job, a house to keep, a blog to write, and a to-do list a mile long. I’m tired. I’ve gained weight. My hair is falling out. I’m not sleeping well. And according to the Internet: Everything is Perimenopause.

But while all that ails me may or may not be the early days of the dreaded Change, the changes to my skin likely are peri related. Here’s how I’ve changed up the products I’m using to help address my new skincare and beauty needs.

My Hands // Wrinkles are an inevitable, though unwelcome, part of aging. To keep my hands looking as young as possible, while combatting the dry skin that has afflicted me thanks to perimenopause, I do a few things differently.

1. I apply my skincare products to the back of my hands. Just whatever is left after face application gets rubbed onto my hands.
2. I use Soft Services Theraplush hand creme every night before bed. It’s lush and moisturizing and feels luxurious.
3. I use Essie Apricot Oil on my cuticles to keep them from splitting. Yes, I still LOVE the Dior Creme Abricot, but in this economy, sometimes expenses need to be cut.

My Body // I apply lotion after my shower, and I swear, by noon, my calves feel like the sands of the Kalahari. What is this?! I don’t know, but this Versed body lotion that I randomly snapped up at Target one day seems to help. Also, for emergency dryness (like when you wear wool pants on a hot day), I keep this Aquaphor stick in my purse.

Has anyone else noticed a smell? Harvard says body odor can change during perimenopause, and it just feels insulting that this is happening, but here we are. I’ve started using Dial soap under my arms and switched my antiperspirant.

My Face // Nora Ephron was right. I do feel bad about my neck. Luckily, this Ordinary serum seems to be helping. A little. I also bought this red light collar from The Light Salon, which seems to be helping more. It’s not the most comfy thing to wear, but I can use it on multiple parts of my face.

As for the skin laxity that has led my cheeks to sag to a point where I can throw them over my shoulder like a regimental soldier, I started using the ZIIP Halo. It’s a micro current device that Cheryl of If It’s Tuesday convinced me to buy after seeing her results. I confess, I don’t use it enough. (I have a toddler, and sometimes, I just want to go to bed.) But I do see a difference if I do use it. My skin sags a little less, my skincare penetrates more deeply, and things just seem tighter, especially around the jawline.

I also changed my face wash. And, even though it’s been years, I still sing Gleanser’s praises like we fell in love yesterday.

Lastly, let’s talk about serums. Between purchases and gifting, I’ve tried more than two-dozen new serums this year. Most went in the trash. This Mother Science Hero Serum went in the cart. Twice. It’s a great serum if you just want to use one, instead of having a whole routine.

My Hair // Dry. It’s dry. Luckily, my Commence shampoo is keeping it looking nice. And my Aveda spray is giving it a boost. But the real issue is hair growth. There’s very little happening on my head, and a lot happening on my chin.

A popular hair supplement company offered me a sizable sum if I would promote their product. I said, no. I don’t promote health supplements of any kind. The supplement industry is an unregulated wasteland and I made a mistake years ago promoting a vitamin without being a doctor (ask me about commercial liability insurance policies instead). I’d rather just take a multi-vitamin and hope for the best.

As for that chin hair, I just tweeze. I like a precision tweezer with a really sharp point. Though I may start waxing at home. And I know, I see the comments, hair removal is life changing. Maybe next year.

So what are you doing to help combat physical changes related to perimenopause? Leave your favorite products and ideas in the comments.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}