Menopause and skin care: what to avoid

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

Menopause and skin care can be a bit of a minefield. Skin changes, like dryness, irritation, dullness, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, mean that your old routine just won’t cut it anymore. In fact, certain products and ingredients can make menopausal skin issues worse. So what should you be using? Read on to find out more about menopausal skin care, along with the ingredients to avoid and the best skin care for menopausal skin.

Hormonal changes and your skin barrier

As you approach menopause, your hormones begin to fluctuate, and oestrogen levels drop. Oestrogen is the hormone in charge of your skin health; it also controls the collagen and elastin that keep your skin looking plump and firm. In the first 5 years of menopause, your body can lose around 30% of its collagen supply, leaving your skin barrier weakened. Your skin barrier is made up of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol, which act as natural moisturisers, locking in hydration and keeping environmental stressors out. 

Why your menopausal skin care needs adjustment

When your skin barrier becomes compromised, you can be more prone to redness and irritation. As your skin has less natural hydration, it also becomes more sensitive and reactive. This is why many women find that their old skin care routine no longer works for them. You may become sensitive to products that previously caused you no issues or experience irritation when using skin care products with certain ingredients.

The ingredients to avoid during menopause

As your skin is more sensitive at this time, you may find it reacts to certain face and body products you use in your daily skin care routine. Try to remove products that contain these ingredients from your menopausal skin care routine to see if there’s any improvement:

Fragrance 

When your hormones are fluctuating, synthetic fragrance can irritate sensitive skin or even trigger allergic reactions like contact dermatitis. If you already have signs of a weakened skin barrier, like dryness, redness, stinging or breakouts, your risk of sensitivity is greater. 

Alcohol

Skin care products that contain alcohol can often strip your skin of moisture, leading to increased dryness and irritation. Avoid products that contain ethyl alcohol or alcohol denat; however, fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl are skin-friendly. Alcohol-free skin care products like deodorant and shower gel are much kinder to your skin during menopause. 

Sulphates and chemicals

Sulphates, parabens and phthalates are hormone disruptors that can contribute to skin inflammation and should be avoided during menopause. Silicone is another ingredient often added to skin care products to improve application, and while it isn’t necessarily bad for your skin, it doesn’t contribute to skin health, so it’s better to avoid it. 

Essential oils

Essential oils are great to add to your bath; however, they are extremely concentrated and should be used sparingly, and never on your face or neck. Essential oils are extracted from natural plants and flowers, but watch out for added fragrance that may cause irritation. 

Ingredients for safe menopausal skin care

The best skin care products for menopausal skin contain calming and hydrating ingredients that 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 Expert Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash is formulated with hyaluronic acid, lipids and our patented amino acid complex to help preserve your skin barrier. It instantly soothes and reduces tightness in both menopausal and perimenopausal skin, leaving it smooth and visibly hydrated. 

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 SPF 50 to protect your skin during the day, as Vitamin A makes it more prone to sun damage. 

Vitamin C

Our bodies can’t make Vitamin C on their own, so eating foods 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.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about menopause and skin care products for menopausal skin:

How does menopausal skin care differ from regular skin care?

A drop in oestrogen levels goes hand in hand with drier skin and a loss in elasticity, and you may find that your skin has different needs than before. Menopausal skin care should prioritise active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and retinol, that combat the changes your skin goes through during this time. 

Which ingredients should be avoided during menopause?

Avoid products that contain fragrance and alcohol, as these ingredients can cause more dryness. Sulphates and parabens should also be avoided as they can cause irritation, disrupt hormone balance and contribute to skin inflammation. 

What are the best skin care products for menopausal women?

The best skin care routine for menopausal skin uses gentle products to cleanse and hydrate. You can then gradually introduce other active ingredients, such as vitamin C and retinol, in the form of serums to address issues like hyperpigmentation and fine lines. Finish your routine with a nourishing moisturiser and SPF for sun protection.