According to the American Academy of Dermatology, menopause, which officially begins one year after a woman’s last period, can lead to many undesirable changes to the body, skin, and hair. In addition to the widely known effects like mood change, weight gain, and hot flashes, skin can become dry, slack, and thin; age spots and larger areas of darker skin might start developing on the face, hands, neck, arms, or chest; and fine lines, wrinkles, and pimples can become more frequent and obvious. “Menopause is a hot topic for anyone in the skincare business, specifically because of the skin changes that are caused by this time in a woman’s life,” says Lindsey Sikora Subrinsky, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, owner and operator of Shot Bar Chicago. “Menopause causes a 30 percent decrease in collagen in the first few years and the decrease continues to climb to greater numbers as we age. Furthermore, we also lose elastin and our skin becomes dry. These decreases cause wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.”
While going through menopause is unavoidable, the spa and wellness industry is working to help women alleviate and treat these symptoms to help them look and feel younger and healthier. “The spa industry can be a game-changer for women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause in their skin,” says Subrinsky. “There are regenerative skin treatments that are powerhouses to help lift the skin and cause collagen and elastin production. I also always recommend fresh fruit and veggies, protein, drinking a lot of water, and avoiding spicy foods, fatty foods other than fatty fishes, and the daily consumption of alcohol. I also think it’s of benefit to send my patients to a hormone specialist to get professional guidance and evaluate whether hormone replacement therapy is right for them, especially at the perimenopausal stage.”
Journey to Wellness
Discover some of the multi-day retreats designed to empower women as they navigate menopause. The Menopause Retreat at Rancho La Puerta (Tecate, Mexico) includes classes and lectures led by specialty experts who focus on hormonal health and navigating the stress of the menopausal transition. From hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, irritability, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and skin changes, this retreat provides participants with information on how to best minimize discomforts, optimize wellbeing, and make the most of the menopausal life stage.
The six-day Women’s Retreat at Preidlhof (Naturno, Italy) is a supportive experience for menopausal and perimenopausal women, offering healing classes and consultations that amplify the pleasure of being alive and of being a woman.
Six Senses Vana (Dehradun, India) offers the Menopause Journey, a seven-night retreat that is designed to support and empower women by giving them tools and wellness strategies to manage symptoms and thrive during this phase of life. Areas of focus include symptom management, fitness, emotional and mental wellness, and lifestyle education.
At Rock Springs Retreat Center (Nashville, TN), guests can participate in the Seasons of Change: Menopause Retreat, which is tailored for women approaching or in menopause to learn more about diet, exercise, and hormonal shifts during this time.
The Stage is Set
Learn about some of the services available at spas today that help treat menopause-related symptoms and concerns.
At Acqua Spa at O2 Beach Club & Spa (Christ Church, Barbados), guests can enjoy the Vagus Nerve Meditative Massage ($225, 80 minutes), which helps support stress reduction, hormone regulation, improved sleep, enhanced mood, and more. The massage activates the calming effects of the vagus nerve response using a combination of steaming aromatic compresses, gentle neck and body massage strokes, cranial holds, and a soothing essential oil blend. What’s more, O2 partnered with BioConnect Medical Centre, a nearby medical clinic specifically dedicated to women in perimenopause or menopause. In addition to offering non-invasive treatments to help relieve painful sex issues and boost pelvic floor health, the team also specializes in nutrition, weight management, and hormones. Guests can have telemedicine consultations prior to arrival and have their treatments booked ahead of time for their stay.
Chewton Glen Spa at Chewton Glen (New Milton, England) offers the [Meno]pause and Restore (starting at $246, 90 minutes) treatment, which includes a stomach massage to release emotional heaviness and aid digestion while providing cell-regenerating, anti-inflammatory properties to the skin and deeper tissues. Live sound is incorporated throughout the experience, such as calming melodies that soothe the mind and body to help guests relax, refresh, and renew.
Retail Relief
Consider offering a selection of products like these to help support your menopausal guests.
Radiate Vitality from Radiate Wellness is a lightweight cream that contains estriol, estradiol, and progesterone to help women look and feel their best during and after menopause. www.radiatewellnessproducts.com
In Beyond Hormones: 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Through Menopause, Clarissa Kristjansson, neuroscientist and holistic menopause health expert, contends that menopause is a life experience that deserves a wide-ranging approach combining aspects of mindfulness, nutrition, daily movement, therapy, and psychobiology grounded in science, alongside the support that can come from medical solutions. She focuses on vital non-hormonal support that women can easily implement. www.clarissakristjansson.com
The Cooling Pearl Necklaces from Hot Girls Pearls come in a variety of colors and are freezable to help women stay cool wherever they are. Each light-weight patented pearl is filled with a non-toxic gel that when frozen, can provide up to 30 minutes of instant cooling relief. www.hotgirlspearls.com