Gentle cleansing: choosing the right shower product for menopause and dry skin

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

During menopause, your skin goes through a lot of changes, and it can feel drier, flakier, irritated or more sensitive than usual. Luckily, the way you look after your skin and the products you choose can combat the negative effects of menopausal skin changes and keep it feeling hydrated and nourished. Read on to find out more about menopause and dry skin. We’ll look at why your shower routine is so important and the key ingredients to look for in a body wash for menopausal skin.

Understanding menopausal skin: beyond just dryness

When you reach menopause, your oestrogen levels drop, and dry skin is one of the first changes you may notice. Oestrogen is known as “the beauty hormone” due to the positive role it plays in your skin health. It helps to regulate the natural oil production in your skin and maintains your skin barrier, which prevents it from losing moisture. When your oestrogen levels decline, your skin can be left feeling dry and dull.

Why your usual cleanser might not be working

During menopause, many women continue to use body washes and shower creams that contain harsh ingredients their skin can no longer tolerate. Products that contain soap, sulphates, alcohol and dyes can all cause further dryness. This also applies to skincare for your face. If you’ve noticed your skin feels dry and tight, even after showering or doing your skincare routine, it may be time to switch to products that will help to nourish and hydrate, like a body wash for menopausal skin.

What to look for: essential ingredients in body wash for menopausal skin

The first step to understanding menopause and dry skin is to choose skin and body care products that contain ingredients to help hydrate and maintain your skin health. Here are some key ingredients to look out for:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A

pH-balanced formulas: supporting your skin’s acidity

Your skin’s pH level plays a big role in keeping it feeling balanced and comfortable, but it’s something you may not often consider. Skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH, which helps to protect it against dryness, irritation and harmful bacteria. During menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can throw this pH level off balance, leaving you to deal with skin that feels tight or uncomfortable. A pH-balanced shower gel for very dry skin or a cleanser for menopausal skin can make a big difference by cleansing your skin without disrupting your moisture levels.

Your gentle cleansing routine: how to use your shower cream effectively

The way you look after your skin on a daily basis can have a big impact on how your skin feels. Here are some tips for showering that can help:

• Take warm showers instead of hot: many people make the mistake of showering using very hot water; however, this can leave your skin feeling drier. 
• Cleanse your skin: use a gentle and hydrating shower cream for dry, mature skin or a body wash for menopausal skin that respects your skin’s pH level. Choose one that soothes and reduces tightness, like Sanex Expert Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash. 
• Don’t scrub: use a soft shower puff or cloth to work the body wash into a lather and gently cleanse your body.
• Use a gentle exfoliator: gently exfoliating your face and body once a week can help to remove dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling softer. 
• Pat yourself dry: after showering, use a soft towel and pat yourself dry rather than scrubbing your skin. 
• Moisturise quickly: apply face and body moisturiser within 3 minutes of getting out of the shower or bath, while your skin is still damp. This is the best way to lock in moisture.
  

Lifestyle tips to support your cleansing routine

As well as your showering routine, certain daily habits and lifestyle choices can also have an impact on menopausal skin.

The role of diet and hydration

A diet that focuses on whole foods, fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for anyone, but especially during menopause. Foods that are high in antioxidants and Omega-3 can promote skin health. This includes foods like salmon or oily fish, walnuts, berries and chia seeds. Drinking water is crucial for keeping your skin hydrated, no matter what age you are. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses, or two litres a day. Drinking coffee and tea also contributes to your water intake, but you shouldn’t rely solely on this, as they also contain caffeine. If you struggle with drinking water, set an alarm or a reminder on your phone to give you a nudge. 

Environmental factors 

Environmental factors can also be at play when it comes to menopausal skin changes. Keeping your home too hot can be drying for your skin, as can living somewhere with very high or low temperatures. UV rays can be very damaging to your skin, and you should avoid sitting in the sun for long periods. Prioritise a high-factor sun lotion if you’re outside on sunny days and wear SPF50 on your face, even on cloudy days. 

Discover Sanex soothing body wash for menopausal skin

Your menopause skin care routine should focus on hydrating and nourishing ingredients that work to maintain your skin health – this means for both your face and body. When it comes to body care, choose a moisturising shower gel or body wash made to soothe and reduce tightness in menopausal and perimenopausal skin, like Sanex Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about body wash for menopausal skin:

Why is it important to use body wash for menopausal skin?

Menopausal skin can feel dry, itchy and easily irritated. Because of this, it’s important to use a body wash that prioritises hydration, respects your skin’s pH balance and won’t strip it of further moisture. 

What ingredients should be in a gentle shower cream?

A shower cream or body wash for menopausal skin will use a gentle formula that’s free from sulphates, fragrance and colourants. It should enrich your skin with moisturising and nourishing ingredients, such as almond oil or shea butter, or contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. 

What’s the best cleanser for menopausal skin?

The best cleanser for menopausal skin is pH-balanced to support your skin barrier, while also maintaining hydration. Choose gentle formulas that help to prevent dryness and irritation.