Itchy dry skin in menopause? Dr Randhawa from The Aesthetics Doctors in Harborne, Birmingham takes a closer look.
Itchy dry skin can be common but that is not the only change that happens to the skin. In the first five years of menopause, a woman can lose approximately 30% of her skin’s collagen. After that, the natural aging process continues causing women to lose about 2% of collagen each year for about two decades. This can have a huge impact on the skin.
What is the menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs in the late 40s to early 50s and is defined as the end of menstrual periods for at least 12 consecutive months. During the menopause, a woman’s ovaries produce fewer hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. This leads to various physical and emotional symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and changes in menstrual patterns. Many women also get itchy dry skin in menopause.
How do the hormonal changes in menopause impact my skin?
The hormonal changes that occur during the menopause can have various effects on the skin. These changes are primarily due to the decline in oestrogen levels and can include:
- Itchy dry skin: Itchy dry skin in menopause is due to reduced oestrogen which lead to a decrease in the skin’s natural oil production, resulting in drier and less supple skin. This dryness can make the skin more prone to itching and irritation.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Oestrogen helps maintain collagen and elastin production, which are essential for skin elasticity. With lower oestrogen levels, the skin may lose some of its elasticity, leading to the development of wrinkles and fine lines. As the skin is drier, this can also accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In the first five years of menopause, a woman can lose approximately 30% of her skin’s collagen. After that, the natural aging process continues causing women to lose about 2% of collagen each year for about two decades.
- Thinning of the Skin: The skin can become thinner during menopause, which makes it more fragile and prone to bruising.
- Increased Sensitivity: The pH level of the skin changes during the menopause. With this change, the skin becomes more sensitive to environmental factors and skincare products. Women become more likely to develop rashes and easily irritated skin.
- Age Spots: Changes in hormone levels leads to an uneven distribution of melanin, resulting age spots or hyperpigmentation. Skin cancer and pre-cancerous skin growths also become more common.
- Acne or breakouts: Some women may experience acne or breakouts during the menopause. This is due to hormonal imbalances with a relative rise in androgen (male hormone) levels. This can stimulate the oil glands in the skin to produce more oil. It is also influenced by lifestyle factors such as stress and lack of sleep.
- Facial hair: This is due to a relative increase in androgen levels compared to declining oestrogen levels.
- Hair loss on your head: Oestrogen and progesterone both help with hair growth. As these drop, hair grows more slowly and may also fall out quicker.
What is the best way to look after my itchy dry skin during the menopause?
Itchy dry skin
A few small changes to your skincare routine can improve itchy dry skin in menopause. Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers that are gentle on the skin and use lukewarm water when washing your face. Applying a moisturiser immediately after showering while your skin is still damp can help to lock in moisture. Look for products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides. Stay well hydrated drink at least 2L of water per day. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can also be helpful, especially during the winter months.
Avoiding hot showers can also help as hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. Shortening your showers to 5-10 minutes for this reason is also better. Choose clothes made from natural fibres and breathable fabrics. Synthetic materials such as polyester and heavier materials such as wool can both make itchy dry skin in menopause worse.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Adequate hydration and regular moisturisation can minimise fine lines and wrinkles. However, prescription grade retinoids, dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections can make a huge difference here. Retinoids will increase cell turnover and boost collagen production. Click here for a free, virtual consultation with Dr Randhawa to discuss how to introduce retinoids into your regime. Dermal fillers will improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles visible at rest (static wrinkles), replace lost volume in the skin from age-related collagen loss and improve facial symmetry. Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox, Azzalure, Bocuture, Dysport) stop the action of the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. This stops the formation of wrinkles during facial expression but also reduces the formation of more long term static wrinkles. Click here for a complimentary, virtual consultation with Dr Dhillon to discuss how dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections can help your fine lines and wrinkles.
To minimise skin sensitivity during the menopause, it is important to use a gentle skincare routine, avoiding harsh products and excessive scrubbing. Avoiding hot showers and opting for lukewarm ones can also help as hot water can strip your skin of natural oils, making it more sensitive. Be mindful of products or fabrics that may irritate your skin, like harsh detergents or synthetic clothing. This will also help to reduce itchy dry skin in menopause.
Age spots and sun damage
Apply sunscreen of atleast factor 30 everyday to reduce further sun damage to your skin, fade existing age spots and reduce your chances of skin cancer. Self-examine your skin regularly so you can detect any changing moles early. Click here to read how to self-examine your skin and the changes to look for. Photographing your moles to assess how they have changed is always useful. If in doubt, make an appointment to see your GP for a professional opinion.
Acne breakouts
Acne breakouts are best managed in a holistic way. Making changes to your skin routine such as adding in more active ingredients such as salicylic acid can definitely help but lifestyle factors such as diet and stress must also be considered. The more active ingredients must also be balanced with not making sensitive, itchy dry skin in menopause worse so is best done under the guidance of a skin expert. Read here for some information on why acne occurs and click here for a before and after photo of a peri-menopausal lady with hormonal acne breakouts. This was achieved following a thorough consultation with our skin care expert Dr Randhawa and the patient consistently following the personalised skincare regime created for her by Dr Randhawa. Click here to book a free, virtual consultation with Dr Randhawa to start your own skin journey with us.
Hair loss
Hair loss may need to be investigated by the GP with further blood tests to look for nutritional deficiencies but prescription strength shampoos such as minoxidil may be helpful. HRT can also be useful in cases where you also have other symptoms of the menopause. It is definitely worth having a discussion about your concerns with the GP. The menopause can be a challenging time for lots of women.
At The Aesthetics Doctors in Harborne, Birmingham we are here to help you with your skin concerns and make you feel the best version of yourself. Book here to make a virtual appointment to speak with us or come and see us in our clinic in Harborne, Birmingham. We look forward to meeting you.