Caring for Your Skin During Menopause

Caring for Your Skin During Menopause

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to keep your skin looking — and feeling — its best during menopause. Here are a few suggestions for eliminating skin problems during menopause and promoting healthy skin as you age.

• Balance Your Hormones

From eczema to acne, most menopause skin problems that arise occur because of hormonal declines and fluctuations that take place during the aging process. Many women experiencing menopause skin issues find that once hormone levels are corrected, skin returns to its optimal state. Consider natural remedies that promote hormonal balance during menopause, as old standbys such as HRT have been found to cause health risks that may outweigh the benefits.

• Wear Sunblock

One way to best care for your skin during menopause is to protect it from further sun damage. A few minutes of sunshine won’t hurt you — and can even help keep up your levels of Vitamin D — but dermatologists recommend that women of all ages wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or more any time they receive sun exposure. To avoid adding one more step to your skin care routine, look for foundation with sunscreen already added.

• Moisturize

You don’t have to spend a lot on emollient creams to keep your skin moisturized during menopause. You should, however, use a different moisturizer formulation for your face and body, as facial skin tends to respond best to thicker, gentler creams. For the best relief from itchy skin, smooth on a body lotion or oil immediately after bathing or showering to help keep the moisture in your skin.

• Drink Plenty of Water

One of the best ways to combat dryness during menopause is to hydrate from the inside out. Make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water each day, to ensure that your skin remains properly moisturized.

• Gently Exfoliate

One of the causes of dull skin is simply that the dead cells don’t turn over as quickly as they used to. You can help your skin accelerate this natural process by using an exfoliant. Women can even make their own, homemade exfoliants by combining sugar and baby oil to rub gently over wet skin before rinsing. Women with particularly delicate or sensitive skin may even find that a rough washcloth will provide the gentle exfoliation needed. Make sure that you do not over-exfoliate, however, as you can risk damage to the skin.

• Try Alpha-hydroxy Acids.

Known as AHAs, these acids can help promote cell turnover and can also help thicken the skin. Use a low concentration (about five percent) solution and ensure that you’re diligent about sunscreen, since AHAs make the skin more sensitive to sun.