Dry skin in menopause and natural remedies

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

It may be a side effect you weren’t expecting, but the hormonal changes that occur during menopause can wreak havoc on your skin. It may feel more sensitive, suffer from breakouts, lose volume and firmness and, most commonly, be left feeling dry and flaky. So what can you do about dry skin during menopause? Read on to find out more about how to remedy dry skin in menopause, including lifestyle tips that can help and natural remedies for dry skin and itchy, flaky skin.

Understanding dry skin in menopause

Oestrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that fluctuate and decline during menopause. Oestrogen is also the hormone in charge of regulating 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 oestrogen declines and stops doing its job properly, it will also have an impact on your skin, leaving it feeling dry, flaky or 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 jowls or feel like your skin is less firm.

Natural remedies for dry skin in menopause

Falling oestrogen levels mean your collagen levels break down, and your skin stops producing as much oil, leaving it feeling dry, itchy and flaky. Your skin barrier can also become compromised due to skin thinning, making it more susceptible to water loss and irritation. Luckily, there are lots of natural remedies for dry skin during menopause that you can try to help boost hydration and make you feel comfortable again. 

Keep your skin hydrated

It sounds boring, but drinking enough water throughout the day is the best way to hydrate your body from the inside. To keep your skin feeling soft and nourished, take lukewarm showers, pat your skin dry and apply moisturiser to your face and body within 3 minutes of drying. 

Eat collagen-boosting foods

Foods rich in vitamin C encourage your skin to produce collagen naturally. Eating red peppers, strawberries, kale and citrus fruits can all support your skin’s health. Drinking bone broth is also a great source of collagen; it doesn’t have an unpleasant taste and can also be added to soups or sauces.

Focus on “good” fats

Foods that contain healthy omega-3 fats like salmon, mackerel, avocado and nuts can support your skin health by regulating oil production and blocking the enzymes that destroy collagen. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to repair and protect damaged skin. 

Avoid harsh ingredients 

Avoid soaps, highly scented or coloured shower and bath products. Focus on products that contain natural ingredients and prioritise hydration. Sanex Expert Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash is a great remedy for dry, itchy skin. It’s made to instantly soothe and reduce tightness in menopausal skin, can help to preserve your skin barrier and leaves your skin visibly hydrated and smooth. 

Try an oat bath

A few scoops of porridge oats added to your bath can be an easy remedy for dry, itchy skin and provide instant relief. If you have small areas of broken skin, try soaking a cloth in milk and applying it to the area for around 5 minutes. 

Daily habits to support your skin through menopause

How you treat your skin on a daily basis can make a big difference. Here are some small changes to your shower routine that can benefit your skin during menopause:

• Take warm showers instead of hot; water that is too hot can strip your skin of more moisture and leave it feeling dry. 
• Use a gentle exfoliator on your face and body once a week to remove dead skin cells. 
• Pat yourself dry using a soft towel; don’t scrub. 
• 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.
  

Lifestyle tips for menopause

If you’re wondering how to remedy dry skin or navigate menopause generally, here are some lifestyle tips that can help to support your body and skin health:

• Get plenty of rest and try to stick to a regular sleep routine. 
• Exercise regularly and try to do a combination of strength training (lifting weights) and cardio (walking, jogging, dancing). 
• Try out relaxing hobbies like yoga or meditation that can benefit your overall wellbeing. 
• Speak to your doctor before starting any supplements or making any diet changes.
  

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about natural remedies for dry skin:

How to remedy dry skin during menopause?

Some natural remedies for dry skin during menopause include moisturising regularly, keeping your body hydrated, using gentle cleansers and shower products that don’t contain irritants. Taking care of your skin can make a significant difference in how hydrated and healthy it feels. 

Can natural remedies for dry skin help during menopause?

If you’re suffering from dry and itchy skin during menopause, there are some steps you can take to minimise irritation. Have cool baths or showers and use fragrance-free shower products and moisturisers that add hydration. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel, and avoid scrubbing. Try to wear loose clothing that lets your skin breathe, and try not to scratch. 

Which ingredients treat dry and flaky skin during menopause?

Soap can be very drying for skin that is already struggling with moisture loss. Stick to hydrating shower products and moisturisers that contain humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and emollients, like ceramides, that are great for locking moisture into your skin.