Skincare don’ts: common mistakes when treating itchy, dry menopause skin

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

Menopause is a time of change in your life. Along with your periods ending, you may experience other physical symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, or emotional changes like mood swings and increased anxiety. As your hormone levels fluctuate and then drop, you may notice changes in your skin, such as dryness or itching at night. Understanding natural menopause treatments for your skin can help to maintain it and keep it feeling healthy and comfortable. Read on to find out more about the 6 skincare mistakes that can worsen symptoms, along with tips on how to treat dry skin during menopause.

Navigating menopause skin challenges

During menopause, a drop in oestrogen levels affects every organ in your body, including your skin. Oestrogen helps to maintain your skin’s hydration levels, elasticity and appearance. Less oestrogen in your body also means less collagen, leading to a loss of firmness and more wrinkles appearing. Your skin may also feel thinner, drier, more sensitive and prone to redness or inflammation. These changes are normal, but can be a lot to deal with, especially if you’re unprepared for them. Luckily, the way you look after your skin can make a big difference.

6 Skincare mistakes that worsen symptoms

A great skincare routine can make a big difference to how your skin looks and feels. But is your routine equipped for menopausal skin changes? Here are 6 of the most common mistakes that women make when it comes to skincare during menopause:

Not changing your skincare routine

You may have cleansed, toned and moisturised for years and been happy with your routine. But skin changes that occur in menopause, like dryness, uneven skin tone, dullness and wrinkles, require a different set of products. Introduce active skincare ingredients that can help keep your skin looking as great as it always has. Hyaluronic acid is great for plumping and adding hydration, while retinol promotes cell turnover and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Niacinamide helps to strengthen your skin barrier, and vitamin C can brighten a dull complexion. Don’t forget, SPF is necessary every day for sun protection. 

Using harsh products

Using products with harsh ingredients can strip your skin of natural oils and leave it feeling even drier. Opt for gentle shower products that contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and products that respect your body’s natural pH level. Avoid drying or irritating ingredients like soap, fragrance, sulphates, alcohol and artificial colours.  

Overwhelming your skin

Menopausal skin is more sensitive and can be easily irritated. It can be tempting to overhaul your whole skincare routine and introduce a range of new products with active ingredients to combat the changes you’re experiencing. However, doing this can overwhelm your skin and cause redness, irritation or more dryness. Introduce new products slowly and stop use if you experience any adverse reactions. 

Forgetting to moisturise

Menopausal skin benefits from a rich, replenishing moisturiser twice a day on both your face and body. Look for moisturisers or body lotions that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides or glycerin that can help to strengthen your skin barrier. Moisturise straight after showering to lock in as much hydration as possible. 

Ignoring collagen loss

Collagen acts as building blocks for your skin and keeps it looking plump and youthful. When it starts to decline, you should use products that help to stimulate collagen and support skin structure, like vitamin C, retinol and peptide serums. Supplements and certain specialist skin treatments can also help to stimulate your body’s natural collagen again. 

Poor lifestyle choices

What you put in your body is just as important as skincare. Poor diet, dehydration, stress and lack of sleep can all contribute to skin issues like dryness, dull skin and fine lines. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet full of whole foods, fruit and vegetables and aim to drink two litres of water every day to maintain moisture levels in your skin. Get some gentle exercise every day, stick to a sleep schedule and minimise stress as much as possible. These simple changes can act as natural menopause treatments for symptoms like skin changes.

Nurturing your skin through menopause with Sanex

A good skincare routine can act as a great treatment for menopause symptoms, like dryness and itching. Your menopause routine should focus on hydrating and nourishing ingredients that work to maintain skin health – for both your face and body. When it comes to body care, choose a shower gel or body wash made to soothe and reduce tightness in menopausal and perimenopausal skin, like Sanex Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash. Your underarms are another unexpected area that can suffer during this time. Keep them feeling fresh and dry with Sanex Derma Care+ Antiperspirant Roll-on or Spray Deodorant, while protecting against body odour changes, hot flushes and night sweats.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about how to treat dry skin during menopause:

Is menopause itching different to regular itching?

Menopause itching can feel like regular itchy skin and is caused by a drop in oestrogen, making your skin feel drier and more sensitive. Where menopause itching can differ is that, for some women, it may also feel like tingling or prickling skin, a sensation of insects crawling on you (known as formication) or may be intensified at night.

What not to do during menopause?

During menopause, try to look after your body as best you can to minimise the effects of this time of change. Avoid harsh skincare products, spicy or processed foods, too much sugar, alcohol and caffeine, smoking and stress as much as possible. 

How to treat dry skin during menopause?

If you’re wondering how to treat dry skin during menopause, you should try a combination of skin care adjustments and small lifestyle changes. Use nourishing skin care products like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to make your skin feel comfortable again. Avoid hot showers and use a gentle body wash to maintain moisture. Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can also help to hydrate your body from within.