*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Chapman

Dry Skin In Menopause

Dry skin, or xeroderma, is a common yet undesirable symptom, especially prevalent during menopause due to hormonal changes affecting the skin's ability to retain moisture. Menopause skin care expert and board-certified Dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Chapman explains that when the skin lacks sufficient moisture, it leads to dehydration, flakiness or roughness, and an increased susceptibility to irritation.

Why Does Dry Skin Happen in Menopause?

Dry skin during menopause is primarily due to declining estrogen levels, which may start to decrease in your late 30s and 40s, ahead of perimenopause. This hormonal reduction leads to significant changes in the skin, making it drier, thinner, and less elastic. Consequently, the skin becomes more sensitive, prone to irritation, and more likely to sag. A concurrent drop in testosterone exacerbates skin dryness by diminishing the activity of sebaceous glands, responsible for oil production, thus making the skin drier and more delicate. Estrogen is crucial for maintaining water retention in skin cells; its decline reduces the cells' ability to hold moisture, leading to decreased skin volume and increased dryness. Furthermore, the decrease in estrogen thins the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, enhancing dryness and sensitivity. Aging contributes to the atrophy or degeneration of skin cells, including the underlying fat layer, all of which culminate in thinner skin overall. This process is compounded by a slowdown in skin cell turnover with age, resulting in a duller complexion. The combined effect of these hormonal and aging-related changes also includes a decrease in skin elasticity and collagen production. Collagen is essential for providing structure to tissues; without it, skin loses volume and appears less plump. Together, these factors contribute to the characteristic dryness and sensitivity of menopausal skin, underscoring the importance of targeted skincare strategies to mitigate these effects.

What Can You Do About Dry Skin in Menopause?

There are many strategies to improve your dry skin during menopause including:

• • Moisturizers: As menopausal changes diminish the skin's moisture retention, selecting the right moisturizing regimen becomes critical. For facial care, choose creamy cleansers and rich, hydrating night creams enriched with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to bolster moisture levels.
    • Note: Steer clear of products that dry out the skin, such as harsh soaps, or those containing alcohol, fragrance, or “acne-fighting” ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. For body care, creams are preferable to lotions, especially formulas designed for sensitive skin, to provide deeper hydration and protect against dryness.
  • Retinols: Over-the-counter retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives, can help alleviate dryness and visible aging signs. Retinols penetrate the epidermis to the dermis, aiding in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, while boosting collagen production. They are a gentler alternative to prescription-strength retinoids. Start these products slowly, using every few nights and working up to nightly as tolerated, as they may initially cause redness or flaking. This irritation typically resolves as the skin acclimates to the retinol over the course of a few weeks.
  • Prescription Retinoids: For a more potent treatment, prescription retinoids can offer significant improvements in dryness and aging signs. These powerful agents promote cellular renewal, leading to fresher, more resilient skin layers, and increase hyaluronic acid production for better moisture retention.
  • Sun Protection: Dry, thinning skin is more susceptible to UV damage, making daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 crucial for protection against further damage and irritation.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For more challenging menopausal skin issues, hormone therapy may be advised. By replenishing decreased estrogen levels, it addresses the primary cause of skin dryness and thinning. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to improve skin hydration, elasticity, thickness, enhance collagen production, and diminish wrinkles. [1]