Corbin Rd

Understanding the Three Stages of Menopause: What’s Happening to Your Body and Skin A Personal Awakening My eyes were really opened after reading Niki Bezzant’s book This Changes Everything. I mean wow — how did I not know this!!! Since then I’ve eagerly educated myself at every opportunity and revel in events that are now more common thanks to the commitment of our local specialists, such as Dr Samantha Newman here in Hawke’s Bay, who has been tireless in educating us on this subject. And of course, my favourite podcast is Dr Louise Newson’s, where she has been championing the conversation on menopause for years. Between Bezzant’s honesty, Newman’s practical medical expertise, and Newson’s deep research, I’ve come to see menopause not as a “moment” but a transition that affects every part of our health — including our skin. Perimenopause: The Transition Phase What it is:Perimenopause is the beginning of hormonal change, usually starting in your late 30s or 40s. It can last anywhere from 4–8 years, as your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal changes:Estrogen fluctuates unpredictably — rising and falling from month to month — which causes many of the classic symptoms. Common symptoms: Irregular or heavy periods Hot flashes and night sweats Mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue Sleep disruption and brain fog Skin sensitivity, dryness, or breakouts How to manage: Track your cycle to identify patterns. Support your skin barrier with gentle, hydrating care — try Corbin Rd’s Radiance Boosting Foaming Cleanser and Multivitamin Face Oil for balanced, replenished skin. Prioritise lifestyle balance: reduce caffeine and alcohol, increase whole foods, and move daily. Embrace calm: mindfulness, yoga, or breathwork can reduce stress-driven hormonal spikes. Menopause: The Milestone What it is:Menopause officially begins after 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age is around 51, but genetics, lifestyle, and medical history all play a part. Hormonal changes:Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all stabilise at low levels, influencing energy, mood, metabolism, and skin health. Common symptoms: Persistent hot flashes or night sweats Vaginal dryness Thinning hair and dry, itchy skin Low libido Mood fluctuations and poor sleep How to manage: Stay hydrated — inside and out: drink water consistently and use barrier-restoring skincare. Exercise regularly: weight-bearing activity supports bones and mental wellbeing. Nourish your body: include calcium, vitamin D, and phytoestrogens (from flaxseed, soy, and chickpeas). Rest well: a regular bedtime and tech-free wind-down routine make a difference.  Postmenopause: The New Normal What it is:Postmenopause begins once you’ve gone a year without menstruation and lasts for the rest of your life. Hormone levels stay low and stable, and some symptoms fade while others persist. Hormonal changes:Low estrogen affects collagen, bone density, and cardiovascular health. Skin becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture. Common symptoms: Ongoing dryness (skin, eyes, vaginal tissue) Reduced elasticity and slower healing Possible sleep and mood challenges How to manage: Rebuild your skin barrier: use lipid-rich moisturisers and antioxidant oils such as Corbin Rd’s Multivitamin Face Oil. Keep moving: weight training and resistance exercises maintain bone strength. Stay proactive: schedule regular heart, bone, and breast health checks. When to See a Doctor or Specialist As Nikki Bezant writes in This Changes Everything: “When women understand what’s happening in their bodies, they can reclaim their power.” See your GP or a menopause specialist if you are experiencing any of the below and from as early as 30 years and up. Symptoms disrupt your sleep, mood, or quality of life You experience heavy or irregular bleeding You feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed You’re uncertain whether your symptoms are hormonal  Treatment Options and Support Pathways Managing menopause is not a one-size-fits-all journey. The best plan blends medical, lifestyle, and holistic approaches that align with your body and preferences. You have options — from HRT to natural therapies.Lifestyle Changes Eat a nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. Move daily — strength and cardio both matter. Limit alcohol, caffeine, and ultra-processed foods. Prioritise rest, relaxation, and skincare rituals that restore calm and confidence. Clean, natural skincare can soothe dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation without harsh chemicals — aligning with Corbin Rd’s Less is More for Beautiful Skin philosophy. Menopause is not the end — it’s a transformation. With knowledge, self-compassion, and the right care, this new phase can bring strength, freedom, and clarity. How Corbin Rd Supports Menopausal Skin At Corbin Rd, our Less is More for Beautiful Skin philosophy aligns beautifully with these expert insights. Skin at this stage doesn’t need complication — it needs nourishment, strength, and protection. Our multifunctional, clean formulations support the barrier and help skin feel comfortable and resilient through every stage. Radiance Boosting finger lime and Pineapple Lactic  Foaming Cleanser offers gentle renewal, brightening and smoothing without harsh scrubs. Gentle Cleansing Balm melts away makeup and impurities while soothing dryness and sensitivity. 5-in-1 SMART Cream - our menopause hero delivers daily hydration, soothing, calming, barrier repair, and pro-aging Multivitamin Face Oil locks in moisture and replenishes essential lipids, leaving skin supple and supported. Firming Body Butter nourishes and improves elasticity, addressing dryness and slackness in body skin. Body Lotion provides everyday hydration for comfort and softness. Sugar & Salt Body Scrub polishes away dullness, stimulates circulation, and prepares the skin to absorb moisture more effectively. Together, these create a prevention-focused ritual: gentle cleansing, consistent hydration, supportive actives, and body care that’s as nurturing as your face routine. References Brincat, M., Moniz, C., Burden, H., & al. (2013). Estrogens and the skin: Effects on aging and collagen content. Climacteric, 16(3), 37-45. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3772914/ Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2007). Skin aging during menopause and the influence of estrogens. Journal of the German Society of Dermatology, 5(5), 389-397. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12374573/ Lephart, E. D. (2018). A review of the role of estrogen in skin aging and function. Dermato-Endocrinology, 10(1), e1442160. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7859014/ Calabrò, P., & al. (2024). Dermatological changes during menopause and their physiological basis. Cosmetics, 11(1), 9. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/1/9 Riggs, B. L., Khosla, S., & Melton, L. J. (2002). Sex steroids and the construction and conservation of the adult skeleton. Endocrine Reviews, 23(3), 279-302. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12050121/ Cauley, J. A., Danielson, M. E., Boudreau, R. M., & al. (2008). Bone mineral density and the menopause transition: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93(3), 861-868. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/93/3/861/2598537 Thurston, R. C., & Joffe, H. (2018). Vasomotor symptoms: Natural history, physiology, and links with health outcomes. Menopause, 25(5), 542-556. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5902802/ Mishra, G. D., Anderson, D., Schoenaker, D., & al. (2017). Symptoms of menopause: Global prevalence, physiology, and implications. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 13(7), 408-420. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2017.180 Lovejoy, J. C., Champagne, C. M., de Jonge, L., Xie, H., & Smith, S. R. (2008). Increased visceral fat and decreased energy expenditure during the menopause transition. International Journal of Obesity, 32(6), 949-958. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18332882/ Endocrine Society. (2023). Menopause and bone loss. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause-and-bone-loss

We are so pleased that Kelly Gibney, a food writer, food stylist, photographer and cookbook author of ‘Wholehearted: Inspiring Real Food for Every Day’ is one of our faces at Corbin Rd. While Kelly has got a serious passion for wholesome real food, she is definitely a food lover first and foremost. Her aim is to show people that healthy food can be utterly delicious and full of joy. Kelly is sharing her luscious recipe for a salted chocolate and rosemary tart. It is a beautiful marriage of dark chocolate, lush rosemary, lemon zest and tiny bursts of sea salt. Kelly adores herbs and loves finding ways to incorporate them into desserts and baking. The tart filling is gently herbaceous without being overpowering or bitter. The brightness of the lemon zest in the crust and in the lemon vanilla cream are the perfect balance to the richness of the rosemary chocolate. Though it is both gluten and grain free, make no mistake this is no healthy treat. The tart is 100% indulgence and it's magnificent. Just what you have been looking for to make any dinner magical.   Salted chocolate & rosemary tart w/ lemon vanilla cream   Tart case 1 cup dates - soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, drained well 2 3/4 cups ground almonds 1/4 tsp nutmeg pinch sea salt seeds from 1 vanilla pod or 1/2 tsp vanilla powder zest of 1 lemon 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter Tart filling 375 grams dark chocolate - no darker than 72% seeds from one vanilla pod or 1/2 tsp of vanilla powder 350 ml cream 3 stems rosemary flaky sea salt for serving. Lemon & Vanilla Cream 300 ml cream seeds from one vanilla pod finely grated zest of one lemon 1 heaped tsp maple syrup   Method Base Preheat oven to 165 degrees Celsius. Place all your ingredients into a food processor and process until the dates are well blended and the mixture is consistent in texture. This may take a minute or two and you will need to scrape down the sides occasionally. Press the mixture into a well-greased tart tin. Try to keep it as even as possible. Use a knife to tidy the top edge. Use a fork to prick a few holes in the base to stop it swelling up during cooking. Alternatively use pie weights. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden. Watch carefully as the nut crust can burn easily. Set aside to cool. Filling Melt the chocolate gently in a metal bowl or pot over simmering water. Do not continue to keep it on the heat after the chocolate has melted. Better to still have a few bits of chocolate left than be overheated. At the same time place the rosemary and cream in a pot and bring to the boil. Stir every now and then while it’s heating to help release the rosemary flavour. Take it off the heat the second it starts to boil. Pour the cream through a sieve (to lift out the rosemary leaves) and into the melted chocolate. Mix until silky and totally combined then pour into the tart shell (you may not need all the filling). Place in the fridge and let it set for at least 3 hours. Vanilla cream Gently whip the cream. Do not over mix. You want soft peaks Stir through the remaining ingredients. To serve Let the tart come to room temperature before serving. Sprinkle the top of the tart with flaky sea salt just prior to serving. Will keep for 4-5 days in the fridge   Enjoy x  

Experts at NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) are warning to be extra cautious this summer, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels averaging higher compared to 2021. Your skin can be damaged by UV rays even when it's cloudy or hazy. And even if you don't feel like you're burning, it's possible for your skin to still be exposed to enough UV light to cause sunburn, premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. The UV index (UVI) measures the level of UV radiation The higher the UVI, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eye, and the less time it takes for harm to occur. The UV Index corresponds with the idea of ‘time to burn’. As a rough guide, when you are exposed to an UV Index of 12, the ‘time to burn’ is about 12 minutes; versus 24 minutes when exposed to a UV Index of 6. According to NIWA, the maximum UVI in summer in New Zealand is about 12, but it can exceed 13 in the far North. For comparison, a UVI of 8 is rare in the UK, even in the height of summer. Generally, an index of 10 or more should be considered as "extreme". Sunburn can lead to severe skin damage When getting a sunburn, the UV light from the sun causes damage to the skin cells. As a result, your skin becomes inflamed, red and painful. You may feel pain, swelling and itching. The skin can become hot to the touch and cause a burning sensation when touched. In severe cases, your skin may also have blisters or start to peel. A blister is an early stage of the healing process and a sign that your skin needs to heal. Blistering can be uncomfortable, but it is not dangerous by itself. However, if left untreated or if an infection develops from bacteria on your skin due to open blisters, this can cause serious problems such as pain and scarring.   You could experience temporary changes in your blood vessels Sunburn isn't just a skin problem, it can also affect your blood pressure. If you're sunburned, it can cause the blood vessels in your skin to dilate (widen). This can lead to an increase in the amount of blood that flows through them. Your skin may become more sensitive to cold and develop a burning sensation when exposed to cold water or air. The same thing happens on the opposite end of the spectrum, where you may feel that your skin is burning hot even when it's not (this is called heat sensitivity). In extreme cases, you might find it painful to be touched by anything at all. If you're burned badly enough, you might also experience chemical sensitivity, like being unable to handle any perfumes or lotions without getting a headache.   Skin cancer and other skin diseases can develop The damage of the UV rays from the sun can lead to cancerous growths or lesions over time. Skin cancers include melanoma and basal cell carcinomas. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer as it spreads to other parts of your body if not treated early on.   Heliocare® sunscreen and Fernblock® Try to avoid getting sunburned in the first place and increasing your risk for skin cancer by wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreen when you're outdoors (even on cloudy days). Avoid tanning beds at all costs. We at Corbin Rd are a great fan of Heliocare® and its 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF50 which is a light and breathable sun protection product. With a combination of mineral and chemical filters, its efficacy is second to none. It combines anti-ageing benefits, potent sun protection and skin repair actions and is absorbed quickly into the skin with a beautifully silky, clear finish without leaving any white residue. Fernblock®, which is the base active ingredient of Heliocare®, is an exclusive standardised extract of Polypodium Leucotomos with powerful protective, antioxidant and restorative action that works both topically and orally. Its active ingredients act on all four types of radiation (UVB, UVA, Visible and IR) and prevent both their immediate damage (burns) and those that arise over time like skin aging, dark spots, loss of defences, allergies and even skin cancer.   Oral sun protection supplement Oral sunblock is not used to replace topical sunscreen but is taken to complement protection against harmful UV damage. Photoprotection capsules like the Heliocare® 360° capsules protect from the inside against photoaging, dark spots and other skin disorders resulting from sun exposure on all skin types. With Fernblock®+, cysteine, vitamins and prebiotics, these capsules combined with topical photoprotection, increase the skin’s resistance to the sun from the first capsule.