Hormones play a huge role in skin health and aging—and for women going through menopause (which typically occurs in women ages 45 to 55, according to the National Institutes of Health), one of the biggest contributors to skin changes during this transition is due to the loss of the hormone estrogen.
“As women lose their estrogen, the skin loses its blood flow, as well as subsequent collagen and supportive function,” explains Dr. Bruce Dorr, MD, FACOG, URPS, board-certified OB/GYN and senior medical advisor at Biote. “This leads to less elasticity and support causing acceleration in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
That’s because estrogen is important for promoting the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep skin firm and youthful and help maintain skin hydration (translation: plump and juicy skin), adds Dr. Ali Chappell PhD, MS, RD, founder and CEO at Lilli Health who specializes in reproductive endocrinology and the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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During menopause, the drop in estrogen levels also impacts metabolic changes, which can impact skin.
“It leads to a rise in insulin levels and insulin resistance,” says Dr. Chappell. “First, the drop in estrogen is associated with loss of elasticity and collagen. Second, insulin resistance leads to inflammation, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and prevent collagen repair, largely through the production of advanced glycation endproducts (or AGEs).”
Dr. Chappell adds that insulin resistance is also the underlying cause of adult-onset acne and abnormal hair growth on the chin, which many peri- and postmenopausal women experience.
Together, lower estrogen levels and higher insulin levels can change skin texture after menopause. This can lead to many women dealing with the appearance of “chicken chin.”
Related: ‘I’m 61, but My Friends Tell Me My Skin Looks Like I’m in My 40s—Here’s My Exact Skincare Routine’
What Is Chicken Chin?
“Chicken chin,” “chicken neck” and “turkey neck” are all terms to describe the loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin around the neck and below the jawline, says Dr. Chappell.
“It is typically characterized by sagging, wrinkled, thin or loose skin that has been likened to a ‘chicken neck,'” adds Dr. Chappell. “This is most commonly seen after menopause because of how hormonal changes can affect the appearance of youthful skin.”
However, chicken chin goes deeper than just the skin—and it’s also caused by muscle and fat deposits that stretch the skin over time, says Dr. Dorr. The displacement is also impacted by gravity, which can enhance the appearance of chicken chin.
Another contributor to chicken chin is sun damage.
“This is because prolonged UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin,” Dr. Chappell explains.
Related: The One Thing a Skincare Expert Is Begging Women Over 50 to Start Doing
The #1 Tip To Get Rid of Chicken Chin
If you are looking to get rid of chicken chin, the No. 1 thing you can do is feed your body with nutrient-dense food, and not with easy, sugar-rich, processed food. This can help lower insulin levels and reverse insulin resistance are key for preventing further collagen damage.
“Increasing your intake of lean proteins, fatty fish, eggs, non-starchy vegetables, whole fruits, nuts and seeds (and water!) can provide antioxidants, amino acids and healthy fats, all of which help improve skin health and texture,” Dr. Chappell advises. “By limiting starch and sugar, patients can reverse insulin resistance and improve the appearance of their skin.”
Related: How To Get Rid of Forehead Wrinkles Over 50, According to Dermatologists
Skin Care Tips For Menopausal Skin
Take care your your skin during menopause with these easy tips.
Reduce stress
Keep your stress at bay for better skin.
“Reducing stress, both physically and emotionally, and getting plenty of rest keeps the hormones in balance and helps our bodies respond better to the hormones that we have,” says Dr. Dorr.
Always wear sunscreen
Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage and prevents collagen breakdown.
“Making lifestyle changes but going out in the sun without protection is like taking two steps forward and one step back,” says Dr. Chappell.
Use vitamin C serum
One topical that may help your skin is a vitamin C serum.
“Use a 15% to 20% vitamin C serum with L-ascorbic-acid. L-ascorbic-acid is the most effective form of vitamin C, and has been clinically shown to improve collagen repair,” Dr. Chappell recommends.
Consult with an expert
Professional help can help you achieve your skin goals in menopause and post menopause.
“Consider seeking a menopause expert who can discuss hormone replacement therapy that includes estrogen, testosterone and progesterone,” Dr. Dorr told us. “All three of these hormones can have positive and long-lasting skin benefits.”
Dr. Chappell added that medical providers can also help you with a variety of changes that occur to the skin after menopause due to a drop in estrogen and insulin resistance, including acne, unwanted facial hair growth and pigmentation issues.
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