Menopause skin care: tips and products to use

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

Hot flushes, mood swings, night sweats; you’re probably aware of these common symptoms of menopause. But the hormonal changes that cause these symptoms can also affect your skin health and leave it feeling dry, itchy or more sensitive to certain skin care products. During this time, you should take special care with the skin products you use and choose formulas that are made to hydrate and nourish your skin. Read on to find out more about menopause and skin care, including essential tips and the best menopause skin care products to try.

Understanding the impact of menopause on your skin

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 drop during menopause, it causes your skin to become drier than before and can leave it feeling itchy, dry and tight. Add excessive sweating at night or hot flushes into the mix, and this can cause further moisture loss and irritation to your skin. Choose skin care products for menopause to care for and nourish your skin to keep it feeling its best.

Menopause skin care: essential tips

During menopause, you may find your skin feels dry, itchy and tight, or is more prone to breakouts, age spots or discolouration. Luckily, the way you treat your skin and the lifestyle habits you adopt can have a positive effect on your skin health. Here are some tips for menopause skin care that can help to keep your skin feeling hydrated and healthy:

• Take lukewarm showers or baths; overly hot water can leave menopausal skin feeling dry and flaky. Bathe or shower for no longer than 15 minutes. 
• Avoid harsh body washes and soaps; instead, opt for ingredients of natural origin and products that are gentle on skin. 
• Use a humidifier in your room at night. This will help to add some moisture back into the air. A cooling pillow, cotton sheets and a fan in your room can also help your sleep experience.
• Wear cotton pyjamas in bed; synthetic fabrics like polyester can cause you to sweat more.
• Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Try to drink two litres per day to hydrate your skin from the inside. 
• Eat a healthy diet including lots of fruits, vegetables and whole foods. Foods like cucumber, celery, watermelon and strawberries have a high water content and can give your skin some extra hydration. 
• Foods rich in vitamin E can boost skin health, like avocado, almonds, hazelnuts and pine nuts.

Essential skin care products for menopause

The skin care products you choose to use can make a big impact on how healthy your skin feels. Here’s a breakdown of the best menopause skin care products to look for and the ingredients to avoid: 

Soothing cleansers for dry and sensitive skin

When it comes to skin care products for menopause, a gentle, hydrating cleanser will prevent stripping your skin of its natural oils. Choose formulas that add moisture and avoid foaming facial cleansers, as they can be more drying. Avoid soap and deodorant bars for the same reason. For skin that feels itchy and sensitive, again, hydrating and strengthening your skin barrier is key. Use products with simple, natural ingredients and avoid those that contain irritating ingredients, like fragrance, alcohol, colourants, and sulphates. 

Deeply hydrating lotions and creams

The best menopause skin care products prioritise hydration. Hydrated skin feels more nourished and healthy. Using humectants and emollients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides every day can help to strengthen your skin barrier and prevent further water loss. Use a fragrance-free moisturiser or body cream twice a day, or whenever your skin feels parched.  

Caring for your body’s skin during menopause

When it comes to your body, try a body wash made to care for menopausal skin, like Sanex Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash. It uses a formula with lipids, hyaluronic acid and a patented amino acid complex to preserve your skin barrier, leaving it hydrated and visibly smoother.

Nurturing your skin with menopause skin care products

Your menopause skin care routine should focus on hydrating and nourishing ingredients that work to maintain your skin health – for both your face and body. When it comes to body care, choose a shower gel or body wash made to soothe and reduce tightness in menopausal and perimenopausal skin, like Sanex Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash. Your underarms are another unexpected area that can suffer during this time. Keep them feeling fresh and dry with Sanex Derma Care+ Antiperspirant Roll-on or Spray Deodorant, while protecting against body odour changes, hot flushes and night sweats.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about the best menopause skin care products:

Which ingredients should you avoid during menopause?

During menopause, you should try to avoid skin care products that use drying or irritating ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, sulphates, silicones and parabens. Stick to natural and hydrating ingredients that will nourish dry or sensitive skin. 

Can lifestyle changes make a difference to menopause symptoms?

Yes! Following a healthy diet, exercising, sleeping well and looking after your mental wellbeing can all help with symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Follow our lifestyle tips above to help care for menopausal skin. 

Is it normal to have sensitive skin during menopause?

It’s common for your skin to become more sensitive during menopause. During this time, the pH level of your skin changes. Your skin may feel more irritated or become more prone to breakouts or rashes. If you have existing skin conditions, like eczema or rosacea, you may notice them flaring up.