How Can Beauty Professionals Support Menopause Clients?

Menopause, often whispered about but rarely openly discussed, stands at the precipice of a long-overdue societal reckoning. As the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce grapples with its myriad complexities, the conversation surrounding menopause is evolving from hushed tones in private forums to loud, assertive dialogues in public domains, including workplaces and social media platforms. With over 48 recognized symptoms (and the list is constantly growing) ranging from physical to psychological, menopause is not a mere cessation of menstruation but a multifaceted life phase that significantly impacts millions. BMC Women’s Health, revealed that menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce, which will also extend to your clients, it is key therefore to stay aware of what can be done to understand and support staff and clients.

To begin with, what is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. During this period, the body undergoes significant hormonal shifts, most notably a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can trigger a range of physical and psychological symptoms. This transitional phase, often spanning several years, is characterized by changes in menstrual patterns leading up to the cessation of menstruation altogether. Menopause can introduce various symptoms, including skin changes, hair loss, and emotional fluctuations.

Here’s the trick - we often use the term “menopause” but menopause is actually only a period of 24 hours. Menopause marks the day when you haven’t had your period for 12 months, everything before this day is peri-menopause and everything after this day is postmenopause. This means, that most women with menopause symptoms are in perimenopause and might still be getting regular periods - without knowing and attributing their symptoms to menopause. One of the most important thing is to ensure all clients and staff are educated on the symptoms, to be able to recognise them, even when their periods remain regular.

How beauty treatments help with menopause treatments

The onset of menopause often leads to skin becoming drier, less elastic, and more prone to wrinkles. Offering collagen-boosting treatments like micro-needling, radiofrequency, or LED light therapy can significantly benefit menopausal skin by improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. It's also essential to recommend skincare products that are specifically formulated for menopausal skin, focusing on ingredients such as retinol, peptides, niacinamide, and antioxidants. These ingredients address common concerns like wrinkles, sagging, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity​.

Facial massage and lymphatic drainage techniques should be incorporated into treatments to enhance circulation and reduce puffiness, promoting a radiant complexion. Additionally, gentle cleansing products and daily sun protection are crucial to protect the skin from further damage​.

ESPA Menopause Campaign curated treatment

If you’re able to, consider offering a personalised treatment plan to your menopausal clients, building awareness of treatments that would be most beneficial to their symptoms such as in the ESPA Menopause campaign, where the spa brand cultivated six expertly designed facials and body massages seek to aid in the changes to the body caused by Menopause.

“ESPA's Menopause treatment menu helps relieve perimenopausal symptoms through targeted treatments, carefully selected products, and a holistic approach. Treatments incorporate massage, acupressure points and lymphatic drainage to help balance and regulate symptoms, while deeply hydrating and cooling formulations soothe dry, sensitive skin. Massage helps to reduces puffiness and promotes relaxation, whilst stress-relieving techniques address the emotional aspects of perimenopause. Each treatment is personalised to the individual's specific symptoms and concerns, providing comprehensive support and relief. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects, ESPA's treatments help clients feel more balanced, comfortable and confident during this transitional phase.” comments Joanne Browne, ESPA Training Director on the Menopause treatment menu.

The emotional support

Beyond physical treatments, acknowledging the emotional and psychological impacts of menopause is vital. Beauty professionals can create a supportive environment by offering skincare consultations, educational workshops, and spaces for open discussions about menopause. Empowering clients with knowledge and understanding helps build trust and loyalty, encouraging them to embrace this new life stage confidently​. This may be harder to do with clients, depending on how emotionally entangled you are with them, but much easier to consider with your staff. As your staff members go through menopause, it’s important to offer wellbeing checks and ensure they are receiving the support necessary.

Continuing professional development

Staying informed about the latest research and treatments for menopause is crucial for beauty professionals, and the only way to ensure you can recognise menopause symptoms when they are described to you. Engaging in accredited training and courses on menopause care and hormonal balancing treatments can elevate the level of support provided to clients. Organizations like The Menopause Charity offer resources and training to healthcare professionals, which can also be valuable for those in the beauty industry looking to specialize in menopause care and being aware of the GenM tick on products will help make decisions as to the best routines to stick to for menopausal clients.

ESPA offers all beauty therapists menopause training, to ensure quality service for menopausal clients. “Spa & Wellness professionals support clients through menopause with personalised treatments, products, holistic advice, and emotional support. ESPA provides comprehensive training, covering menopausal changes, specialised treatment protocols, communication skills, product knowledge, and a holistic approach.

Specialised training ensures therapists understand how ESPA's menopause treatments and nourishing product formulations can help manage symptoms. Therapists recommend suitable products for at-home care, such as the cooling and hydrating skincare line for menopausal skin.

By providing knowledgeable care in a supportive environment, ESPA therapists are well-prepared to assist clients who are navigating menopause, ensuring the highest level of support.” shares Joanne.

As the dialogue around menopause shifts from the shadows into the spotlight, it's clear that understanding and supporting those undergoing this change is more than a health issue—it's a societal imperative. The beauty industry, with its unique position at the intersection of wellness and personal care, has a pivotal role to play. By integrating targeted treatments and fostering open conversations, professionals can demystify menopause, transforming it from a phase of loss to one of empowerment and renewal.

Furthermore, the emphasis on emotional support and professional development is crucial. Creating an environment where menopause is openly discussed, not just with clients but also within teams, ensures a culture of empathy and understanding. As we move forward, the beauty sector's proactive stance on menopause care not only enhances the client experience but also enriches the professional environment, making it a space of holistic support.

Menopause, with its complex web of symptoms and impacts, is finally receiving the attention and understanding it deserves. Through education, tailored treatments, and a supportive community, the journey through menopause can be met with knowledge and compassion, highlighting the beauty industry's role in navigating this natural yet profound life stage.