Decoding menopause skin changes

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

Skin changes during menopause are very common. You may not realise it, but dry, itchy skin, more breakouts, loss of firmness and noticeable sun damage are all linked to this time in your life. Being aware of potential skin changes during menopause and understanding how to treat them can be crucial to keeping your skin feeling healthy and nourished. Read on to find out more about menopause skin changes, how to address them and when to seek professional help.

What is menopause?

Menopause marks the day when you haven’t had a period for one year. The most common age for menopause in the UK is 51, and most women will reach perimenopause (the stage before menopause begins) in their late 40s – the stage after is known as post-menopause. In the years leading up to menopause, you may notice your body going through both physical and emotional changes, like hot flushes, night sweats, increased anxiety or irritability. Skin changes are another side effect that you may not expect, but there’s a good reason that menopause and skin changes go hand in hand.

The hormonal shift: menopause and skin changes

Your body’s fluctuating hormone levels are the cause of menopause skin changes. Oestrogen is the hormone in charge of regulating your skin health. It does this by stimulating the production of natural oils that keep your skin moisturised and collagen that maintains your skin's strength and elasticity. So, when these collagen and oil levels begin to drop during menopause, it causes your skin to become drier than before and can leave it feeling itchy, tight or more sensitive. Add excessive sweating at night or hot flushes into the mix, and this can cause further moisture loss and irritation to your skin.

Common menopause skin changes you might notice

Skin changes in menopause are common and come in many forms. Here are a few skin issues to look out for:

Dry and itchy skin 

Rapidly declining oestrogen levels can leave your skin feeling parched. This dryness will cause further itching and can lead to a chronic itch, known as pruritus. If you scratch your skin, you can create tiny tears in your skin barrier. The skin barrier helps to keep moisture in and bacteria out, so by damaging it, you’ll end up in a cycle of dry skin, itching and scratching. 

Breakouts

Menopause may also cause your skin to break out in spots or even see the return of acne, especially if you suffered with it when you were younger. Higher levels of stress and anxiety during menopause can also trigger the stress hormone, androgen, which can activate the oil glands on your skin, causing breakouts. 

Wrinkles and volume loss

You may also notice your skin feels thinner, has more wrinkles or looks saggy around your jawline due to a loss of collagen. Collagen acts as the building block for your skin, so when it declines, you may notice less volume in the lower half of your face. Women also experience a loss of bone density during menopause, which can lead to a hollowed face, a narrower chin, and less jawline definition.  

Sun damage

If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun in your lifetime, you may notice signs of sun damage becoming more prominent during menopause. Sun spots, thread veins and irregular skin tone may develop, and you may also notice more fine lines and wrinkles.

Addressing menopause skin issues

Small changes to your lifestyle can have a big impact on your skin health. Here are some tips you can use every day to improve the impact of skin changes in menopause:

• Avoid harsh ingredients in your skincare products, especially fragrance, alcohol, sulphates and artificial colours. Your skincare strategy should be to hydrate as much as possible using nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and vitamin C. 
• Try a body wash designed to help with skin changes during menopause. Sanex Expert Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash instantly soothes and reduces tightness, leaving your skin feeling hydrated.   
• Eat a balanced diet full of whole foods, protein and good fats. Avoid ultra-processed food, anything spicy or greasy, takeaways and alcohol as much as possible. 
• Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body from the inside. Aim to drink two litres per day.   
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add some moisture to the air and stop your skin from drying out. 
• If sweating is a problem, try Sanex Derma Care+ Menopause Antiperspirant Spray or Roll-on. It’s suitable for sensitive skin, non-irritating and made to deliver protection against body odour changes, hot flushes and night sweats. 
• Wear natural fabrics like cotton, linen, silk and merino wool that allow your skin to breathe.
• Minimise daily stress as much as possible. Stress and itching are linked, and one can trigger the other. Spend time outdoors, try yoga and meditation or prioritise daily exercise to move your body.

When to seek professional advice for skin changes during menopause

If you’re struggling with skin changes during menopause, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can help with symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats by supplying your body with additional oestrogen. This additional boost of oestrogen can improve skin hydration, texture, collagen production and elasticity, all of which impact how hydrated your skin is. However, HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, so speak to your doctor about whether this could be a good option for you.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about menopause skin changes:

What exactly is menopause?

Menopause marks the day when it’s been exactly one year since your last period. Your ovaries no longer release an egg every month, and your hormone levels decline more quickly. After you’ve hit menopause, you go into the post-menopausal stage. 

What are the most common menopause skin changes?

There are many skin changes during menopause that you may experience. Your skin can feel drier, itchier, flakier, or irritated, or less plump and firm than before. You may also notice more signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles. 

How can you effectively manage menopause skin issues?

The best way to manage menopause skin issues is to prioritise gentle and nourishing skin care products. Avoid anything too harsh and take the time to moisturise your skin with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Looking after your body and general wellbeing can also benefit your skin health.