Marla Ahlgrimm: Combat Aging Skin During Pre-Menopause

Women of all ages can experience skin concerns, but Marla Ahlgrimm says those of us in the pre-menopausal stage are more likely to notice a rapid change in texture and fullness, especially on the face. But what do we do when we don't want to let go of our youth? Keep reading as Marla Ahlgrimm explains how derma rolling and microneedling may help some women combat the signs of aging.

Pre-menopause and Skin

Many women see significant changes in their skin during the pre-menopausal years. This is due to fluctuations and the eventual decline of estrogen. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that, while skin ages naturally over time, the hormone shifts of perimenopause can accelerate and exacerbate these changes.

Collagen and Elastin Loss

Before Marla Ahlgrimm goes further into potential treatments, she says it's important to further explain why perimenopause causes changes so suddenly. She explains that it's because of the reduction in estrogen, which is crucial for the production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins are primarily responsible for the skin's firmness, plumpness, and elasticity. 

Menopause is the start of estrogen levels declining, which means the body's ability to produce the proteins necessary for facial elasticity is compromised. In the first five years of pre-menopause, women can lose up to 30% of their collagen, which leads to increased wrinkles, sagging skin, and thinning skin.

Microneedling Versus Derma Rolling

While some women are completely fine with accelerated aging, others are not. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that microneedling and derma rolling are two minimally-invasive ways to combat the signs of aging. Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure performed by a trained aesthetician. It uses a motorized pen that offers targeted results by creating small punctures in the skin. These then trigger the body to produce more collagen, which effectively plumps and smooths the skin.

A derma roller is typically used at home and is a handheld device covered in tiny needles that penetrate between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm into the skin. Marla Ahlgrimm says that a derma roller is best used for women who want to get maximum effectiveness out of their serums and moisturizers. A derma roller will create micro-channels that treat minor sun damage, fine lines, and dullness.

Microneedling is a substantially larger investment than derma rolling. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says it is typically more effective and safer since it's done by a licensed aesthetician. However, derma rolling can also be effective when done safely. Marla Ahlgrimm cautions that women opting to use a derma roller should maintain best hygiene practices, which can be found on the derma roller's instructions.

Which is Best?

Marla Ahlgrimm says that the best option is the one that's most affordable for each woman. However, microneedling may offer superior results to derma rolling as it is a clinical treatment performed in a controlled environment. When done safely, derma rolling can help a woman improve moisture retention and skin texture while reducing some signs of early aging.

Ultimately, there is nothing we can do to stop the changes brought on by the natural aging process. But that doesn't mean that we have to let nature take its course and accept accelerated age-related changes. Whether you choose to age naturally or fight Mother Nature, Marla Ahlgrimm says to remember that menopause is a natural process and one that all women will experience.