Addressing dry skin during menopause takes a little more time and attention than during other times of your life. That’s because the same hormone behind so much of a woman’s body changes may be responsible for dry skin problems at menopause – estrogen.

Hormones, specifically estrogen – the hormone that initiates puberty in young girls and gives oily skin and pimples now starts to diminish leaving skin that is dry and even thinning in some women.

Estrogen is an important hormone.

• It stimulates maturation of a girl’s body at puberty.
• It helps keep a woman’s bones strong.
• It even helps regulate the production of cholesterol.

Another thing estrogen does is stimulate the formation of skin-smoothing collagen and oils. The reduction of estrogen, and the changing ratios of hormones in  a woman’s body, don’t just slow down oil production, it also reduce the body’s ability to retain moisture.

As early as perimenopause, dry skin can begin appearing in selective spots – from the oil-gland-dense face, the back, and chest, the elbows, legs, and even nails.

Dry skin at menopause may take you by surprise, but fortunately you’ve got lots of choices to help you care for your skin.

• Focus on smart fats:  Essential fatty acids — like the omega-3s found in salmon, walnuts, fortified eggs, or algae oils – help produce your skin’s oil barrier, vital in keeping skin hydrated. A diet short of these body-boosting fats can leave skin dry, itchy, and prone to acne. Omega-3s are also found in sardines, soy, safflower oil, and flax. 
• Use sunscreen: Dry skin, wrinkles, moles, and skin cancers can all result from too much sun, so add a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection to your line of defense.
• Cool down your bath water: The aches and pains of aging and menopause may have you wanting to soak in the tub or spa more frequently. Hot baths and showers can be harsh to the skin and dry it out by stripping the skin of its natural oils. Take shorter showers and use warm water.  If you live in a hot climate, consider taking cold showers. If you must soak, be sure to moisturize intensely after.
• Use a gentle soap:  Scented, antibacterial, or deodorant soaps can be harsh, removing your body’s essential oils, leaving skin even more itchy and dry. Instead, reach for an unscented liquid soap.
• Remember you can hydrate from the inside out by drinking water: Drink plenty of water. Drinking water is vital for your physical health as well as the health of your skin.
• Humidify your home: Purchase an inexpensive humidifier and place it in your bedroom to use at night. If you do not have a humidifier, heat a pot of water on the stove every day to release moisture into the air.
• Remember to moisturize: Within a few minutes after your shower / bath, smooth on your favorite moisturizer.

Research has shown that skin care products that contain meadowfoam oil, macadamia nut oil or pomegranate seed oil bring great benefits to dry skin.

Meadowfoam oil forms a moisture barrier and will assist the skin with preventing moisture loss.

Macadamia nut oil is high in palmitic acid present in human skin, and its purpose is to maintain the moisture level. The skin’s natural palmitic acid depletes with age, and so macadamia nut oil makes a good choice for dry and mature skin.

Pomegranate seed oil adds moisture, has natural estrogenic properties, anti-oxidants, is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, improves skin elasticity, and protects the skin. It provides relief from minor skin irritations and inflammation, including dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sunburned skin. Several recent studies, including one conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School (published in the February 2006 Journal of Ethnopharmacology), have shown that pomegranate seed oil stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, promoting regeneration and strengthening of the epidermis. This study compliments other recent studies, which have also shown the beneficial results of using pomegranate seed o Pomegranate seed oil can be effective in treating dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sunburned skin. It is a good choice for maturing skin.

Dry skin and menopause do not need to go hand in hand. There are ways that you can keep healthy, youthful, vibrant skin throughout menopause. Following the above tips can help you transition your skin through preimenopause and menopause to keep great looking skin.