Menopause and Dry Skin: Why It Happens and What to Do About It 

Menopause brings a myriad of physical and emotional transformations. As well as well-known symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, skin also undergoes significant shifts during this period. The onset of menopausal dry skin especially can take many by surprise.

Dry menopausal skin isn't a myth, it's a real issue that leaves many women seeking relief and answers. It's more than just the occasional rough, flaky patch or sensation of tightness. But why does this happen, and why is dry skin, particularly dry skin on the face, so closely tied with menopause?

In this article we'll delve into the connections between menopause and dry skin, exploring the causes and providing expert solutions to manage and restore your skin's health. Let's get started!

How Menopause Changes the Skin 

Does menopause cause dry skin? Generally, one of the earliest symptoms of menopausal skin changes is dryness¹. As you hit menopause, your oestrogen levels drop. Oestrogen isn't only connected with reproduction, it's also a hydration hero for your skin.

Oestrogen helps regulate skin’s oil production and maintain its barrier function, preventing excessive water loss. With less of it to spread around, your skin might start to feel as parched as a desert.

Sometimes you may even start experiencing this dryness during perimenopause, which often kicks off from the mid to late 40’s. So even if you haven't hit menopause yet, changes in your hormone balance can still impact your skin's moisture levels² .

There are a few signs and symptoms of menopausal dry skin. Here’s what to look for:

• Tightness on the skin and a feeling of discomfort.

• Itching and irritation.

• Dull and lacklustre complexion.

• Increased sensitivity to skincare products.

• Peeling and flaking.

As well as dryness, there's also a loss of skin elasticity³. Oestrogen is needed for collagen production, which helps keep our skin springy. As oestrogen takes a bow, your skin might lose some of that bounce. In fact, within the first five years of menopause, you can lose up to 30% of your skin's collagen⁴.

Even when your skin is dry, you might notice some unexpected breakouts. This is because your body may try to compensate for a decrease in oestrogen by producing more androgens, which can lead to greasy skin during menopause⁵. You may find yourself in a bit of a skin paradox, oily and dry at the same time. Excessive oil production can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, a bit like a throwback to being a teenager!

All these skin changes can feel like experiencing rapid ageing after menopause, but don’t worry. These changes are normal and understanding what's happening can help you tackle these menopausal skin problems head on.

5 Ways to Care for Your Dry Skin During Menopause

Feel like you've lost control of your skin? Don't fret, we've got you covered with some top tips to help manage dry skin during menopause.

1. Avoid Hot Steamy Showers

Hot water, although comforting, can be a bit of a trickster. It slyly strips skin of its precious natural oils, leaving it parched and longing for moisture. So next time you want to take a hot shower, treat yourself to a warm bath instead.

5. Use a Retinol Moisturiser at Night

Known as the superstar of anti-ageing, retinol has been widely researched and praised for its powerful skin benefits. It speeds up skin cell turnover, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and reduce spots. That's why it's a fantastic addition to your nighttime skincare routine, especially during menopause.

Retinol is a potent ingredient, so it's wise to introduce it to your skin slowly. Make sure to choose a product with high quality ingredients, without artificial dyes or perfumes.

If your skin is dry and sensitive, start by using a retinol product 2-3 times a week. This will help your skin adjust without becoming overwhelmed.

You may want to try a skin cycling routine where you use products with different active ingredients throughout the 4 day cycle to get the most benefit for your dry sensitive skin.

We recommend Olay Retinol 24 MAX Night Face Cream for menopausal dry skin. Packed with hydrating ingredients, Retinol and Niacinamide, this cream works its magic while you sleep, leaving you with smoother and brighter skin when you wake up.

Remember to always follow up with an SPF 30+ cream in the morning.

How to Prevent Dry Skin During Menopause  

Menopause can be a bit of a rough ride for your skin, but there are things you can do to keep it in check.

• Say goodbye to habits like smoking and alcohol, which can seriously dry out your skin.

• Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

• Make SPF your best friend, applying it diligently every day and reapplying every four hours to protect your skin from the harsh sun rays.

• Consume more foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. They help fortify your skin's cell membranes, locking in moisture and helping your skin stay hydrated. Incorporate Omega-3 rich salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds into your daily diet.

Embracing Your Menopause Skincare Journey

Menopause can feel like a rollercoaster, with your skin taking the brunt of the ride. And just like you, your skin is transitioning and looking for new ways to thrive. It's time to nurture your skin, responding to its new needs for extra moisture and gentle care. Our guide to menopause skin care is packed with tips to help you navigate this journey and maintain that glowing skin you love.

References:

1. Barbo DM. The physiology of the menopause. Med Clin North Am. 1987;71:11–22. [PubMed] 

2. Brincat MP, Baron YM, Galea R. Estrogens and the skin. Climacteric. 2005;8:110–23. [PubMed] 

3. Thornton MJ. Estrogens and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinology. 2013;5:264–270. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

4. Brincat M, Moniz CJ, Studd JW, Darby A, Magos A, Emburey G, et al. Long-term effects of the menopause and sex hormones on skin thickness. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1985;92:256–9. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1985.tb01091.x. [PubMed]

5. Khunger N, Mehrotra K, Menopausal Acne – Challenges And Solutions. Int J Womens Health. 2019; 11: 555–567. [PubMed]