Menopause Skin: How Does My Skin Change During Menopause?

As you reach menopause (brush up on the basics with my Beginner’s Guide to Menopause article!), there’s a whole bunch of changes your body and mind goes through.

One of those changes surrounds skin. So, let’s take a look at menopause skin: how your skin changes in menopause, why those changes happen and what you can do about it.

Before we jump in, though, it’s really important to note that there’s an overlap between aging and menopause. While no one fancies acknowledging that skin changes are partly down to natural aging (because who would want to?), beating yourself up for a natural process really isn’t it.

How common are skin changes in menopause?

Skin changes are actually very common in menopause and perimenopause. One survey showed that a huge 46% of women who attended a menopause clinic had skin concerns and issues that came from the menopause.

How will skin change during menopause?

“Skin changes” is quite the blanket term. How exactly can skin change during menopause? What can you expect your skin to do throughout this period and why? And, more importantly, what can you do about it?

It’s important to know that these skin changes are not only restricted to the menopause itself. They can crop up at any stage, starting at the very beginning of perimenopause.

The most common skin changes in menopause are:

• Itchy, dry and more sensitive skin
• Your skin thinning, becoming more susceptible to damage and bruising
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Spots and acne
• Growth of facial hair
• Redness and flushing of the skin

So, let’s take a look at each of the core problems, the reasons they are arise and how you can manage them.

Itchy and dry skin in menopause

Itchy and dry skin is one of the most common menopause skin changes. Your skin becomes itchy and dry because of the dropping levels of oestrogen.

Keep in mind that oestrogen is responsible to hydrate the skin, helping it produce ceramides, hyaluronic acid (the natural type) and sebum. When you haven’t got those three substances, your skin won’t absorb water as well. The result? Dry, itchy and – sometimes – scaly skin.

It’s important to remember that itchy and dry skin might not be a comprehensive result of menopause. This is also a symptom of other issues, like an iron deficiency and/or thyroid problems. That’s why it’s always recommended that you speak to a healthcare professional to rule other issues out.

What to do about itchy and dry skin during menopause

If you’re experiencing itchy and dry skin in menopause, you’re not alone. It’s actually one of the most common skin complaints during menopause. But there are things you can do improve it, relieving the itchiness and dry skin.

First up, to avoid itchy and dry skin in menopause, look carefully at the soaps you’re using. Some soap can be very dehydrating for your skin. So, if your soaps foam, lather or bubble, chuck them away. These type of soaps will strip away grease from your skin and dehydrate it.

Instead, grab a gentle and non-foamy cleanser on your body in place of soap. If it’s still dry, use a moisturiser.

If your skin is itchy and dry because of menopause, it’s a good idea to moisturise twice daily, instantly after getting out of the bath or shower.

Don’t underestimate the importance of hydration! Drink plenty of water. Your skin, when itchy and dry, is suffering from dehydration. So, if you yourself are dehydrated, your skin has no chance. Water flushes out the pores and hydrates, so don’t sleep on H20!

Redness and flushing in menopause

Flushing (a different thing from hot flushes, but linked!) is a pretty common skin symptom of menopause.

Flushing skin isn’t just down to the menopause, though. It can also be a symptom of rosacea, where the blood vessels in the skin become extremely reactive. As with basically every medical condition, it’s more common in women, specifically during menopause.

What to do about redness and flushing during menopause

You can improve flushing skin in menopause by implementing a few simple lifestyle changes:

• Apply sunscreen when you’re in contact with the sun (regardless of temperature or clouds!)
• Exercise in a cool environment
• Avoid spicy food
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Be careful with the skin care products and cosmetics you use. Avoid products that contain alcohol or harsh chemicals and opt for products suitable for sensitive skin
• Have lukewarm baths and showers rather than piping hot ones
• Routine exercise, of course
• Prioritise a healthy balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Practice stress-management techniques (meditation, breathing exercises etc.) Menopause anxiety can trigger redness and skin flushing.

Spots and acne in menopause

Spots aren’t welcome no matter what stage of life you’re in. Spots and acne are often associated with adolescence, so it can be even more frustrating for them to crop up again in menopause.

If you had acne as a teenager, there’s a likelier chance of you having a flare up during menopause. It’s not particularly clear as to why, but speculation states that it could be down to the lowering levels of oestrogen. As such, male hormones are higher, which could then trigger acne.

What to do about spots and acne during menopause

Are your cosmetic products and sunscreen noncomedogenic? Noncomedogenic products won’t aggravate spots and acne. If they’re not, it’s time to go shopping!

Use a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid to clear blocked pores and exfoliate the skin. Consider a retinol product, but make sure you start with a low ratio as you should build up a tolerance to retinol over time.

Keep in mind that skin care products for acne are highly unlikely to work over night. Be patient and stay consistent. It could be a couple of months before you see progress.

Finally, make sure you’re eating well. It’s no secret that diet has a direct link to skin condition. You’re going to want to consume lots of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods to eat for skin health. Add the following to your shopping list:

• Fatty fish
• Tomatoes
• Leafy greens
• Legumes, beans and nuts
• Berries (a great way to consume berries is with a Berry Smoothie)
• Fruits and vegetables (specifically red, orange and yellow ones.)

Facial hair growth in menopause

Facial hair growth can be a difficult skin side effect of menopause. As your oestrogen levels drop and testosterone levels rise, your brain sends signals to grow facial hair. This is often seen on the upper lip, cheeks, jaw line and chin.

What to do about facial hair growth during menopause

Facial hair in menopause is a tricky pill to swallow. But you can manage it with standard hair removal methods. There’s no “right” way to get rid of facial hair. It’s about knowing which method works best for you and your own priorities.

You could pluck, wax, thread, shave or use hair removal cream. All of these methods do require routine top-ups. A more permanent method of hair removal, though, is electrolysis. Failing that, you have the option of laser hair removal.

Wrinkles, duller skin and jowls in menopause

Facial appearance changes because of menopause can be a source of anger, frustration, and a loss of self-identity for many women. It can knock self confidence seriously.

So, why does it happen? Essentially, wrinkles, duller skin and jowls are often down to the loss of bone density in menopause. The bones become smaller due to the new bone tissue growing slower than the old tissue is lost. Facially, the loss in bone mass can create a hollowing effect in the centre of the face. Therefore, the chin and jowls narrow, and the jaw line loses some definition.

As oestrogen drops, there’s less collagen in the skin. Collagen is all about providing strength for the skin and creates tightness. Without collagen, the skin loses elasticity and this manifests with wrinkles and fine lines.

What to do about wrinkles, dull skin and jowls during menopause

With up to 30% of collagen in your skin being lost within the first 5 years after menopause hits, the best thing you can do is to cut out the things that cause collagen levels to fall. Things like smoking and sun exposure without protection can increase the amount of collagen you’re losing, which then causes wrinkles and sagging.

After quitting habits that reduce your collagen levels, take a look at some products that are rich in anti ageing ingredients. Vitamin C serums and sprays are great, as well as retinol. Again, though, be careful with the intensity of retinol. Start low and build upwards over time.

In a nutshell: menopause skin

As we age, our skin will change. It’s part of life. That said, you shouldn’t have to live with discomfort or pain, and a loss of confidence can be a really tricky thing to live with. The same goes for hair changes in menopause.

While it’s important to be realistic and expect some change, small adjustments can make the world of difference and avoid that loss of confidence, discomfort and/or pain.

From choosing your products carefully to cutting out habits like smoking and unprotected sun exposure, there are a number of ways you can protect your skin in menopause.