Dry skin during menopause: hydrating solutions

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

Dry skin during menopause: hydrating solutions

Women’s bodies go through a lot, and unfortunately, the changes continue as you get older. Menopause causes your periods to stop, but it also comes with a whole host of other changes to your body that you might not expect. One of the most notable changes to your appearance can be the texture and appearance of your skin. Your changing hormone levels can leave it feeling dry and lacklustre, but luckily, there are things you can do to help it. Read on to find out more about menopause and skin dryness, what causes it and how to prevent dry skin during menopause.

Why does menopause cause dry skin?

When you reach menopause, your oestrogen levels drop, and drier 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.

Oestrogen also keeps your skin looking bouncy and plump by promoting collagen production in your body. When the oestrogen drops, your collagen levels also drop, and this is when you may notice your skin looking more saggy or droopy. This may sound drastic, but if you look after your skin, you’ll be able to face these problems in the early stages.

Key symptoms of menopause dry skin

You’re in menopause when you haven’t had a period for one year. This usually happens in your 50s. However, perimenopause, the time before your body is officially in menopause, can begin in your 40s, so it’s hard to know if your skin just needs some TLC or if you have the first symptoms of menopause. There are a few signs to look out for that can indicate menopause dry skin:

• Tight skin or a general feeling of discomfort.
• Irritation and itching.
• Skin peeling or flaking.
• A lacklustre or dull complexion.
• Sensitivity to skincare and shower product.

The best skincare ingredients for mature, dry skin

The first step to looking after dry skin during menopause is to choose skin and body care products that contain ingredients that will help to hydrate and nourish your skin. Here are some key ingredients to look out for:

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your skin and keeps it looking plump and hydrated. This super ingredient has molecules that can hold 1000 times their weight in water, giving your skin a boost of moisture. Using skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid can help restore your skin’s natural radiance and hydration. Sanex Skin Therapy Anti-Dryness Shower Cream contains hyaluronic acid and has been specially created to relieve dryness and leave your skin feeling deeply nourished.

Ceramides

Once you’ve had a moisture boost from hyaluronic acid, use a moisturiser that contains ceramides on both your face and body to lock in the hydration. The lipids (a type of fatty acid) it contains help to strengthen your skin barrier by keeping hydration in and bacteria out.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a great ingredient that helps to maintain normal skin function, encourages cell turnover and works hand in hand with collagen. It can help to offset some of the skin changes that occur during menopause. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that can be used on your skin at night. When using retinol, be sure to use SPF50 to protect your skin during the day, as the Vitamin A makes it more prone to sun damage.

Vitamin C

Our body can’t make Vitamin C itself, so eating foods that are rich in it (fruits, berries, broccoli) and using it in your skincare routine can be beneficial. Vitamin C must be present in your skin for your body to be able to produce collagen, and collagen will help your skin to appear more plump, firm and smooth fine lines.

How to prevent dry skin during menopause

Now you know the skincare ingredients to look out for to hydrate your skin, here are some small lifestyle changes you can make that can benefit your skin:

• Take warm showers instead of hot; water that is too hot can leave your skin feeling drier.
• Avoid soaps, highly scented or coloured shower and bath products. Focus on products that contain natural ingredients and prioritise hydration.
• Use a gentle exfoliator on your face and body once a week.
• Pat yourself dry using a soft towel.
• 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 time to lock in moisture. The best lotion for menopausal dry skin contains hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
• Eat a diet that focuses on whole foods, fruits and vegetables. 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.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated from the inside out. This will help to prevent dehydration in menopause.

FAQs

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

How do you hydrate menopause dry skin?

There are plenty of things you can do to keep your skin hydrated during menopause. Use gentle, hydrating skincare and shower products, eat a healthy diet full of antioxidants and Omega-3, drink water every day and prioritise sleep and exercise.

Does drinking more water help with skin dehydration in menopause?

Of course! Drinking water is crucial for keeping your skin hydrated, whether during menopause or not. 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.

What is the best way to hydrate menopause dry skin?

Aside from skincare, what you eat and drink can have a big effect on hydrating menopausal skin. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol as much as possible and prioritise water, herbal teas and clear soups. Hydrating foods like cucumber, celery, strawberries and watermelon can also have a positive effect on your skin and contain other key vitamins and nutrients.