Deodorant for sensitive menopausal skin: how to choose

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

Choosing a deodorant for sensitive menopausal skin

During menopause, your skin can go through a lot of changes. A drop in oestrogen levels can cause you to experience hot flushes, night sweats and leave your skin feeling dry, itchy and irritated. You may also notice your skin is more sensitive to skincare products that it could previously tolerate, including deodorant. Read on to find out more about sensitive skin in menopause and other menopause skin changes. We’ll look at how to avoid skin irritation and the best deodorant for menopause and body odour.

Why does menopausal skin become more sensitive?

Declining oestrogen is at the root of most menopause skin changes, and it can cause your skin to become more sensitive during this time. 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 irritated or more sensitive to skincare products. Add excessive sweating at night or hot flushes into the mix, and this can cause further moisture loss and irritation to your skin.

How to choose a deodorant for sensitive menopausal skin

If you’ve noticed a change in how you smell, you’re not crazy; there is a link between menopause and body odour. During menopause, you may experience symptoms like hot flushes or night sweats that cause you to perspire more. Lower oestrogen levels also make your sweat more acidic, meaning it may have a stronger scent than before.

So, what is the best deodorant for women in menopause? Try to avoid the following ingredients that may cause irritation to sensitive skin in menopause:

• Alcohol – may also be called ethanol on the ingredients list. A formula that contains alcohol may cause stinging on sensitive skin; it’s often found in sprays and roll-on deodorants.
• Fragrance – deodorants that have a strong scent can trigger allergies and other skin reactions. The best deodorant for menopause uses natural scent, like essential oils, or is scent-free.
• Aluminium chlorohydrate – antiperspirant deodorants contain aluminium chlorohydrate, as it’s the only ingredient that will block sweat secretion and keep you dry. If you experience excessive sweating during menopause, a good antiperspirant is helpful. However, if you’re experiencing menopause skin changes like sensitivity, it may cause you more dryness and irritation.

How to avoid irritation when using deodorant

During menopause, your skin may be particularly sensitive to skincare and body products like shower gel, exfoliators or perfume. Your deodorant may also cause irritation and dryness to your delicate underarm skin. Here are some tips for avoiding underarm irritation:

• Wash your underarms with a gentle body wash in the shower. Avoid harsh ingredients that can cause irritation, like sulphates, fragrance and alcohol.
• Once a week, use an exfoliating glove or brush to gently remove any dead skin cells and leave your underarms feeling smooth.
• Use a hydrating moisturiser with ceramides on your underarms to combat dry skin and add moisture to the area.
• Choose a gentle deodorant for sensitive skin. If your deodorant is causing irritation, try using less or leave longer between uses.
• Wear breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that are less likely to hold in moisture, causing underarm irritation.
• If you do have a rash, itching or sensitivity, take a break from shaving and deodorant and concentrate on cleansing and moisturising your armpits for a few days to allow them to heal.

Skincare routine for sensitive menopausal skin

Here are some tips for caring for skin that feels sensitive, dry or irritated during menopause:

• When using skincare and shower products, stick to hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Look for formulas that are free from fragrance, alcohol, sulphates and colourants. The Sanex Zero range contains 0% sulphates, soap and colourants. It gently cleanses and naturally moisturises your skin, leaving it feeling comfortable and cared for.
• Take warm showers and baths for around 15 minutes at a time. Longer and hotter showers can dry out and irritate your skin even more.
• Pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturiser within 3 minutes of showering to help to lock in hydration.
• Use a gentle antiperspirant deodorant for sensitive skin. Sanex Dermo Sensitive Roll-On Antiperspirant protects and respects sensitive skin while keeping you fresh and dry.
• Use a broad-spectrum SPF every day, and an antioxidant serum can also help to protect your skin from the sun.
• If you plan on speaking to a doctor or dermatologist, keep a note of any skincare changes and when they happen, along with any potential triggers you suspect.

When to see a doctor

Sensitive, itchy armpits can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. If you have any lumps, swelling or ongoing sensitivity under your arms, make an appointment to see your doctor. Similarly, if menopause skin changes and other symptoms are impacting your quality of life, speak to your doctor about solutions. They may suggest starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate menopause symptoms.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about menopause and body odour and how to choose an antiperspirant deodorant for sensitive skin:

Is your skin more sensitive during menopause?

Declining oestrogen levels during menopause can leave you with sensitive skin that feels drier and thinner; it may also bruise more easily and be more susceptible to sun damage. You can help your skin during this time by using natural and hydrating skincare products and protecting yourself from the sun.

What ingredients should I avoid in deodorant for sensitive menopausal skin?

If you have sensitive skin on your underarms during menopause, try to avoid deodorants that contain alcohol and fragrance, as these can dry your skin out more. Some people may also have an intolerance to aluminium in antiperspirant; however, it’s the only ingredient that will block your sweat glands and stop you from sweating. An antiperspirant deodorant for sensitive skin may help.

Why do my armpits smell so bad during menopause?

While sweat itself doesn’t smell, it combines with bacteria on your skin and creates body odour. Menopause and body odour are linked, and you may sweat more during this time because of hot flushes and night sweats, so keeping on top of your personal hygiene is crucial. Follow our tips above and invest in a deodorant for sensitive skin to combat body odour.