During menopause, skin drying is very common due to hormone decline and loss. The skin's inability to produce essential oils also results in the itchy, tight feeling on the skin of your body and face. Regularly exfoliating, incorporating high fatty acids into your daily diet and taking warm, instead of hot, showers are simple and effective ways to ease the dry, itching feeling. Consult a physician before beginning a new skincare regimen.
Loss of Estrogen
The changes you may experience in your skin during menopause include a loss of elasticity and increased sensitivity. Loss of estrogen, brought about by menopause, is the primary cause of skin sensitivity during this life phase. Estrogen stimulates your body's production of skin-smoothing collagen and oils, which help keep your skin youthful and resilient. As menopause ensues, estrogen production dwindles. This hormone reduction causes some women's skin to become dry and itchy. Wrinkles can result with this hormone loss.
Inability to Produce Oil
The reduction of estrogen and fluctuating hormones slows down the body's ability to produce and retain oil. The lack of oil and drying of the skin that ensues may become evident in small areas at first, like the T-zone area of the face or excessively dry elbows. Symptoms such as flaky patches and cracking may progress to dry skin in areas such as your back, chest, legs, genitals and nails. This drying is a permanent side effect of menopause.
High Fat Diet
Increasing essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s, which are present in salmon, eggs and walnuts, can strengthen your skin's oil barrier, helping to keep it hydrated. Sardines, soy and flax are all rich in omega-3s. Adding oils such as olive, safflower, sunflower or canola to a balanced diet may also help replace essential oils your body is losing.
Warm, Not Hot, Water
Hot water can dry out your skin because it strips it of natural oils. Take shorter showers with warm water and mild soap to help ease drying and irritation. Hot showers and baths can break down the lipid barriers in the skin, as does frequent swimming in heavily chlorinated pools.
Exfoliate Regularly
Use a gentle exfoliant to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. Once the old, damaged skin is exfoliated away, add a gentle moisturizer to help keep newly exfoliated skin healthy and moisturized. Incorporate a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher, even on overcast days. Apply it to your face and body to ensure sufficient skin protection. Always consult a doctor before beginning a new skin-care regime.
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