We often hear about hot flashes and night sweats in relation to menopause, but many women also experience drier, flakier skin as their bodies go through this significant life change. At Jessica’s Apothecary, menopause and dry skin is a concern we help many of my clients’ address. Fortunately, with the right dietary and lifestyle choices combined with deeply moisturizing skincare products, it is possible to nourish your skin during menopausal transitions.
Why Does Menopause Cause Dry Skin?
All women experience menopausal transitions differently, and, fortunately, not all women will experience drier, itchier skin. In a survey of 3,875 postmenopausal women over the age of 40, 32% reported that they suffered from dry skin (PubMed).
Leading up to menopause and during later years of life, the body creates less estrogen. Estrogen is a powerful hormone that’s related to a number of important bodily functions, including the formation of collagen and oils that help retain the skin’s health and elasticity (WebMD). As estrogen production declines, the levels of collagen, sebum, and oils in the body begin to dip as well. Because collagen helps the skin stay naturally smooth, decreased collagen can result in wrinkled skin. Sebum and oils help the skin retain moisture, so as those levels dip, the skin can become drier and, in some cases, itchy, red, and/or flaky.
Menopausal skin changes are often seen in the t-zone or elbows first but can eventually become a full-body phenomenon appearing anywhere from the back and chest to the legs, genitals, and even nails (WebMD).
If you’re experiencing drier skin during this time of your life, then it’s recommended that you approach the solution with simple dietary and lifestyle changes combined with a shift in your skin care products. Your primary care physician or nutritionist will be able to assist you best in the dietary and lifestyle realms, but here are a few tips to get you pointed in the right direction.
Menopause and Diet
It’s possible to help nourish your skin from the inside out. During all phases of life, but particularly the years surrounding menopause, try to consume plenty of essential fatty acids, like those found in avocados, salmon, eggs, leafy greens, flax seeds, and walnuts. The polyunsaturated fatty acids in these foods play a critical role in normal skin function and appearance (Oregon State University).
Also, remember to drink plenty of water and consider reducing or eliminating alcohol and nicotine, both of which can prematurely age and dry your skin (WebMD).
3 Favorite Products for Menopause and Dry Skin
For the Face: Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturizer by Eminence Organics
Crafted with sweet red rose petals, lemon juice, and plenty of antioxidants, Eminence Organics’ Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturizer is our go-to facial product for clients in menopausal transition.
Rose is a wonderful herb for skin health, and this velvety moisturizer features both rose petals and rose petal extract. Rose is often thought of for its gentle, hydrating abilities and can help soothe even the driest skin. Rose also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are helpful for dry, dull, and aging skin.
According to Eminence Organics, rose contains Vitamin A, which stimulates skin cell turnover and increases collagen production, along with Vitamin C, which also aids in collagen production while brightening dark spots. The lemon juice in this product provides an additional boost of Vitamin C!
Purchase your Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturizer today.
($5 from each purchase will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.)
For the Body: Restorative Mind-Body Massage Oil by Stony Creek Aromatics
Formulated and crafted by owner of Jessica’s Apothecary and licensed esthetician, Jessica Goniea, this super-nourishing body oil features a powerhouse of fatty oils blended with essential oils to help alleviate occasional stress.
We discussed the importance of fatty acids, above, in regards to their role in skin hydration and elasticity. In addition to eating beneficial fats, you can also slather them on your skin externally. When comparing oils for menopause and dry skin, it’s particularly helpful to pay attention to oils with high linoleic acid content. Linoleic acid is the most abundant type of polyunsaturated fatty acid found in the epidermal (outermost) layer of skin (Oregon State University).
Our Restorative Mind-Body Massage Oil features a luxurious blend of plant-based oils with impressive levels of linoleic acid, including apricot oil (up to 33% linoleic acid), avocado (up to 22.9% linoleic acid), and almond oil (up to 28% linoleic acid.) (Molecular Journal of International Sciences).
For this full-body treat, we’ve blended those rich, plant-based oils with stress-relieving essential oils of sweet orange, lavender, sandalwood, patchouli, and rose otto. Your skin will best absorb this wonderful massage oil if you take a bath or shower beforehand and apply the oil to freshly towel-dried skin. Consider dry brushing before your bath or shower to gently exfoliate, as well!
Purchase our Restorative Mind-Body Massage Oil, here.
For Vaginal Dryness: Honor Everyday Balm by Rosebud Woman
Vaginal dryness is another potentially uncomfortable symptom of menopause, and it’s experienced by approximately 1 out of every 3 women going through the shift. Vaginal dryness becomes even more common as women age further, and it can result in decreased libido, painful sex, and decreased sexual satisfaction.
Rosebud Woman is a brand that we support whole-heartedly in its mission to create balms and serums specifically for nourishing labial support. Their Honor: Everyday Balm is their most popular product and it moisturizes, conditions, and replenishes intimate skin.
This lovely oil includes Bisabolol, an extract of chamomile that has been shown to help support lax, thin tissues, along with evening primrose oil, which can contain up to 72% linoleic acid!
We’re honored to carry this intimate balm, which is a beautiful part of any woman’s self-care toolkit.
Purchase Rosebud Woman’s Honor Every Day Balm, here.
Save with a Bundle!
Save by purchasing the Eminence Organics Sweet Red Rose Moisturizer and Rosebud Woman Honor Balm together! This Sweet Red Rose Collection is just $140 (valued at $164).
In Closing,
Menopause and dry skin is, unfortunately, a combination that many women will experience at some point in their life. However, with a healthy diet, a balanced lifestyle, and the right skincare products, you can make strides toward feeling your best if these conditions arise.
To discuss your skin’s specific needs, consider scheduling a complimentary virtual skincare consultation with Jessica! Request your consultation, here.