For generations, the subject of Menopause has been strictly taboo; a confusing mid-life stage rarely spoken about and generally navigated with uncertainty. A time of life shrouded in shame and symptoms such as vasomotor (hot flashes), insomnia, wrinkles and anxiety, Menopause has a bad rap for good reason. Now, with increased health literacy, changing societal attitudes and the recognition of menopause as a natural life stage, there is a more open dialogue about this aspect of women’s health. With brands and celebrities also stepping up and focusing on this transformative time, it is becoming a buzzword globally, and the Menopause-wellness space is on its way to becoming big business.

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause is derived from the Greek root word meaning "month" and "pause ", meaning pause or cessation. Perimenopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 when a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs, and the production of female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) declines. At this time, menstrual periods become irregular, and after they have stopped for 12 months, a woman is considered to have reached Menopause. 

Perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms are diverse and range from mild to severe. They can begin during Perimenopause and last for a short time or until a woman reaches full Menopause.  Symptoms can include hot flashes, sleep issues, mood swings, hormonal acne and skin signs of ageing.

MENOPAUSE IS HOT

Recent years have seen a drastic rethink of what "the big change" is. For generations, Menopause was considered hush-hush, but with celebrities such as Naomi Watts and Oprah Winfrey creating open conversations about their journeys, Menopause is being redefined.

With less taboo surrounding Menopause, there is an increase in available solutions for women to help manage its symptoms. 

THE BUSINESS OF MENOPAUSE

The global menopause market size was valued at USD 16.9 billion in 2022, and along with the increasing conversation around Menopause, the global Menopause wellness market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.33% from 2023 to 2030, with Menopause-specific offerings ranging from natural personal care products to herbal supplements, vitamins, probiotics, and omega-3 supplements. With the Female Founders Fund reporting that only 36% of survey respondents feel prepared for Menopause, there is vast room for forward-thinking brands to grow in this industry. 

Sandalwood for Wellbeing and Skin Health Concerns 

Mind Calming and Skin Health

Clinical studies show Indian sandalwood, when applied topically, stimulates the parasympathetic responses, promoting relaxation and rest by reducing nervous system markers such as heart rate and blood pressure.

The same study found it increases physical attentiveness, calming the mind and helping people to focus and stay alert.

Its calming properties also reduce stress, helping to improve the overall health, sleep and appearance of the skin.

The skincare landscape is evolving, and now, more than ever, it's recognised that mood and stress management play crucial roles in achieving healthy skin. Stress, a known trigger for various skin issues, can disrupt hormonal balance by causing the body to prioritise cortisol over essential hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. This imbalance is particularly relevant during menopause, when sleep deprivation is common, leading to elevated cortisol levels. Additionally, diets high in sugar can contribute to this hormonal imbalance. As consumers increasingly recognise the connection between mental well-being and skin health, there's a growing opportunity for a comprehensive approach. By addressing stress, mood, and lifestyle factors like nutrition, individuals can embrace a holistic strategy for their physical and skin health.

Reduces the Visible Signs of Ageing

Oestrogen is linked to high collagen production. During the years leading up to Menopause, its gradual decline causes a significant decrease in collagen and elastin, causing the skin to lose its youthful plumpness and become dryer, duller, and thinner. Targeting these symptoms with active ingredients is imperative to repairing and treating skin.

As a potent antioxidant, Indian Sandalwood oil reduces oxidative damage thanks to its capacity to reduce Reactive Oxygen Species (otherwise known as Free Radicals) levels more effectively than vitamin E. 

Human skin produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)when exposed to internal stressors such as lifestyle, psychological and chronological stress. 
ROS, a type of unstable molecule that reacts with other molecules in a cell., also contributes to the loss of collagen and elastin fibres. 

This results in fine lines, wrinkles and texture changes. This can also trigger skin discolouration and dark spots. Sandalwood neutralises and prevents the production of ROS, acting as a natural ‘off switch’ for ROS activity. 

Indian sandalwood also reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin's antioxidant defence by regulating the activity of NF-kB, encouraging a healthy-looking complexion. It is also scientifically proven to prevent collagen depletion by inhibiting the production of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) enzyme, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and showing fewer signs of ageing and skin conditions. 

Reduces the Appearance of Acne

Acne typically stems from inflammation, which breaks down the cellular wall, leading to swelling and the blockage of sebum ducts. As a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-proliferative agent, Indian sandalwood helps significantly reduce breakouts and inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria, while its astringent properties tighten skin and reduce pore size, which helps prevent clogging. 

Prevention of Pigmentation and Dull Skin

Known for its natural inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, a critical enzyme in melanin production, Indian sandalwood helps minimise age spots, the result of hormonal changes during Menopause, while fighting dullness and restoring radiance. 

Cool, Calm and Collected

Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing sciences, originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Its natural healing systems draw from the ancient Vedic culture, which recognises Indian Sandalwood for its soothing and cooling effects on the skin. These properties make it a critical ingredient in managing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and disturbed sleep. 

In collaboration with Amy Galper, a renowned aromatherapist from the New York Institute of Aromatherapy, Quintis has crafted specialised blends aimed at providing relief from the physical and emotional stresses experienced during Menopause. Each blend provides aromatherapy advantages that span the energetic and emotional. Grounding, centring, spiritual, and calming, Indian Sandalwood's unique aroma offers emotional and physical menopausal relief while encouraging a connection to the higher self that settles emotional uncertainty and imbues a feeling of inner power and confidence.

SAVVY SKINCARE

Skin conditions such as lines, wrinkles, and dehydration are commonly the first symptoms of hormonal imbalance in menopausal women. Korres, Bioeffect, Clarins and Vichy are a few global brands formulating moisturising products to restore menopausal skin equilibrium by zeroing in on the visible signs of ageing and hydrating the skin deep into the dermis.

Australian brand About Time We Met draws on the centuries-old benefits of Indian Sandalwood and its mind calming properties. Their wellbeing skincare range includes cleansers, serums, day and night creams, and best-selling Naturally Brilliant Face Oil, formulated with natural oils, including game-changing Indian Sandalwood. Designed to be used at night alone or layered over the brand's Repair Serum or Radiance Serum, it works to hydrate, brighten, tighten and boost elasticity while reducing pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles all while calming the mind.

Madame Ovary, one of Goop's multivitamin protocols and The Beauty Chef's herbal probiotic Supergenes Menopausal Balance, targets menopause symptoms from the inside. Packed with vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, phytonutrients, adaptogens, and omega-3 fatty acids, they help holistically support dehydration, immune health, mild hot flashes and menopause-related mood swings.

At Quintis, we are the global leader in the supply of premium, sustainable Indian and Australian Sandalwood raw materials. Our sustainable practices have made us a trusted supplier of this precious ingredient for over twenty years. This natural active is the perfect product for menopausal-specific skincare well-being products.

Contact us to learn more about the physical and mental benefits of Indian Sandalwood here, or contact us for a copy of the aromatherapy blend formulations.