5 Myths about skin during menopause

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

All women go through menopause, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. It’s a time that marks the end of your menstrual cycle and a decrease in hormone levels, along with many other physical and emotional changes. Hormonal changes in menopause can have a big effect on your skin and how it feels, and how you care for it during this time can make a difference. Read on to find out more about the five most common myths about skin changes during menopause and what to expect during this time in your life.

Unveiling the truth: decoding skin changes during menopause

During menopause, you may experience hot flushes, excessive sweating and, more unexpectedly, dry, itchy and irritated skin. This is due to your body’s declining oestrogen levels. 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 menopause hormonal changes cause these collagen and oil levels to drop, it leaves your skin feeling drier, thinner and more uncomfortable than before.

Here are some of the most common skin changes during menopause:

• Dry patches and itching 
• Skin rash
• Acne or breakouts
• Redness or rosacea
• Eczema or other skin conditions
• Sensitivity
• Tightness

Debunking menopause skin myths

It’s true that hormonal changes in menopause have a big impact on your body, but it’s not something to fear. The more information you have on the subject, the better prepared you are for these changes when the time comes. Here, we’re debunking five of the most common menopause skin myths:

Myth 1: Menopause skin is always dry and itchy

A survey reported that around 64% of women will experience dry skin during menopause, and 56% also suffer from skin itching. While this may be a common side effect of hormonal changes in menopause, it doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem. Take care of your skin starting in the shower with Sanex Expert Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash. It can instantly soothe your skin and reduce tightness, all while nourishing your skin with lipids, hyaluronic acid and our patented amino acid complex that helps to preserve your skin barrier. Follow up your shower routine by locking in hydration with a face and body moisturiser containing ceramides to leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.

Myth 2: All women experience severe skin changes during menopause

The extent of the skin changes you experience during menopause varies greatly from woman to woman. Nearly all women (96%) will experience some skin changes, but how severely you’re impacted will depend on factors like genetics, lifestyle and how well you look after your skin. For example, someone who smokes, has had eczema their whole life and doesn’t follow a daily skincare routine may suffer more than someone who drinks lots of water, has a healthy diet and uses hydrating skin and body products every day.

Myth 3: Your current skincare routine will still work

During menopause, your skin has different needs than before, and the skincare routine that worked for you 20 years ago may not have the same effect now. It’s important to understand the skincare products and ingredients that will nourish your skin at this time. Look for hydrating ingredients that help to strengthen your skin barrier, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, lipids and niacinamide. Serums like retinol and vitamin C can help to improve skin texture and brightness, while wearing SPF50 every day will help to protect your skin from sun damage.  

Myth 4: Only your facial skin is affected during menopause

Menopause hormonal changes affect every organ in your body, including your skin. Most oestrogen receptors are found in your face, legs and genitals, so these areas tend to be affected most by skin changes during menopause. The changes to your face may also be more noticeable to you because it’s what you see most often in the mirror. 

Myth 5: Skin changes during menopause have no solutions

If skin changes during menopause are getting you down, don’t lose hope! There are many skincare solutions and small lifestyle changes you can make that can have a positive impact on your skin health. If symptoms are affecting your daily life, you can make an appointment to see your doctor. They may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can help with menopause symptoms by supplying your body with additional oestrogen. This boost of oestrogen can improve skin hydration, texture, collagen production and elasticity, all of which impact the health of your skin. However, HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, so speak to your doctor about whether this could be a good option for you.

Lifestyle tips for skin changes during menopause

Here are some tips for managing skin changes during menopause:

• Avoid harsh body washes containing fragrance, sulphates, soap or artificial colours. Sanex Expert Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash is free from fragrance and sulphates and has been made to reduce irritation and leave menopausal skin feeling hydrated and nourished, while respecting your body’s natural pH level.
• 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.
• For skincare, use gentle cleansers and moisturisers that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Avoid anything that will strip your skin’s natural oils, like exfoliants or foaming cleansers.
• Eat a healthy diet including lots of fruits, vegetables and whole foods. Focus on foods that include fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Foods rich in vitamin E can boost skin health, like avocado, almonds, hazelnuts and pine nuts.
• Prevent dehydrated skin by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Try to drink two litres per day.
• Use a humidifier in your room at night. This will help to add some moisture back into the air.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about skin changes during menopause:

Is itchy skin a symptom of menopause?

Yes, hormonal changes in menopause can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy, especially at night. Menopause itchy skin can occur anywhere, but is common on your face, neck, chest, back, arms and legs. 

Does menopause only affect the skin on your face?

No, skin changes during menopause can affect your whole body. Your face contains a lot of oestrogen receptors, so you may notice a lot of changes in this area, but hormonal changes can affect every organ in your body.  

Do you need to change your skincare routine when menopause begins?

Even if your skin feels healthy, when you reach menopause, you should try to prioritise hydrating and nourishing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin C and SPF50, that keep your skin looking and feeling great.