Ten treatments to make the menopause a little more bearable

Menopause is not easy, and while the following wellness and beauty salves will absolutely not take away the challenges it poses, they might at least make things feel less catastrophic. Deep breaths.

The cleansing butter

Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter, €33.90

Caroline Hirons, the renowned skincare guru, has developed a ‘menopause box’ of skincare that she recommends for women going through it. Top of her list? This Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter, €33.90. It’s a fragrance-free cleansing balm that emulsifies to remove make-up and all the day’s residue, leaving you with fresh and clean skin that doesn’t feel parched. It’s suitable for all skin types, too.

The protective retinol

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules, €52

Around since 1990, these retinol capsules are shown to be up to 76 per cent more potent (hence, you’d think, more effective?) than unencapsulated retinol. Their purpose is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as to improve skin tone. The key thing, though is the ceramides element. That will mean the efficacy of the skincare is still tops without risking damage to what’s already good about your skin.

The superfusion

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil, €72

There are lots of lovely words related to this facial oil – super charged, radiant, plumping, glowing... Things we all want used as descriptors for our skin. But the best thing? For extra-dry skin (or skin that has seemed to become dry overnight as menopause enters the frame), it is a truly wonderful hydrator. Aside from that, there’s the collagen, and collagen production drops off a cliff as we get older. Plump, firm skin in a bottle.

The calming nutraceutical

Hush & Hush Mind Your Mind, €55 for 60 capsules

Hush & Hush tell their customers of this particular supplement to ‘forget the sheep, and count on science instead’, which is a wonderfully vivid hook with which to convince people of its powers. Tried and tested and shown to work, Mind Your Mind uses valerian root (which is known as nature’s Valium!) to help calm and relax the mind, as well as other key ingredients that help to reduce stress, inflammation and regulate cortisol spikes.

The body function supplement

Anatome Menosupport and Renewal, €38.40 for 60 capsules

Developed with the help of sports scientists, nutritionists and aromacologists, this uses organic and scientifically proven ingredients to promote both physical and emotional wellbeing, something our bodies and minds particularly call out for during menopause. It works to improve day-to-day body function, including maintaining heart health, vision, immunity and psychological health.

The slumber associate

M&S Kally Sleep Weighted Blanket, €109

If you are menopausal, chances are you might be struggling with your sleep. If you haven’t tried a weighted blanket as a route to better sleep, give this one a go. Tiny glass beads inside it provide even pressure, and the soft cotton cover ensures maximum comfort while you try to get to sleep. Weighted blankets harness the power of touch and pressure to help reduce anxiety, promoting a calming sensation, making rest easier.

The cooling cryo sticks

Biologique Recherche Cryo Sticks, from €175

Facialist Dawn Hill of Floraison in Dublin says of cryosticks: “I use these at the end of every facial and have my own pair at home. These cold sticks are incredible used under the eyes to de-puff and over the entire face to soothe and firm. Keep them in the fridge and try them over your favourite mask”. What she doesn’t mention is the bonus of the coldness on a face that might be having hot flushes. A life-saver!

The calming candle

D8 Design Co Nighty Night handmade candle, €33

Containing “lavender, chamomile and sweet dreams”, this 100 per cent soy handmade candle will fill your resting space with the scents that you need to feel calm and at ease. The Nighty Night candle is scented with essential lavender oil, vanilla and chamomile. Burn time is approximately 40 hours.

The CBD saving kit

Ground Wellbeing: The Change, €55

Billed as ‘natural aromatherapy remedies to comfort and support during hormonal fluctuations’, this is the ultimate in menopause self-care. It includes a balancing CBD-infused balm and a pillow spray to assist in achieving a more restful sleep.

The hair hero

Dr Barbara Sturm Super Anti-ageing Scalp Serum, €90

Often when hormonal changes rage, hair seems to feel the brunt of things. This Dr Barbara Sturm scalp serum makes your hair more resilient, improves the hair condition and protects it against aggressors that could make the whole thing worse. It’s an antioxidant-rich formula that also contains hyaluronic acid and purslane extract, which has an anti-itch effect.