Effects of Menopause on the Skin: Signs, Causes, and Solutions

Pro-ageing

Discover the science behind menopausal skin changes and maintaining radiant skin at every stage of life.

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Understanding the Effects of Menopause on the Skin

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but the changes it brings can feel anything but ordinary. The hormonal fluctuations during this time affect nearly every aspect of your health, including your skin. From dryness and loss of elasticity to sensitivity and fine lines, the skin often reflects these internal transitions in ways that can feel frustrating and unfamiliar.

In this blog, we’ll explore the effects of menopause and dry skin, uncover the science behind these changes, and provide actionable solutions to support and protect your skin during this transformative stage.

How Menopause Affects the Skin

The Hormonal Shifts Behind Skin Changes

The primary driver of hormonal skin problems and menopause is the decline in female hormone levels, and particularly oestrogen levels. This hormone is crucial for maintaining the skin’s structure, elasticity and hydration. When oestrogen levels drop:

Collagen production slows: Collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and plump, decreases by as much as 30% in the first five years of menopause.
Elastin production drops and structure weakens: The skin loses its ability to snap back, contributing to sagging.
Moisture retention declines: Oestrogen stimulates natural oils that keep the skin hydrated; without it, dryness becomes a major concern.
Skin barrier weakens: A compromised barrier makes the skin more vulnerable to environmental stressors and irritation.

Common Skin Concerns During Menopause

Menopausal skin changes manifest in various ways, including:

Dry, itchy skin during menopause: The loss of natural oils and ceramides leads to a weaker barrier with skin discomfort and a rougher texture.
Fine lines and wrinkles: As collagen and elastin decline, the skin becomes thinner, less supported and more prone to face and neck creases.
Menopause skin rash and sensitivity: Hormonal shifts can trigger inflammation, redness, and heightened sensitivity.
Menopause and skin crawling: Known as formication, this tingling or prickling feeling is caused by fluctuating hormones affecting nerve endings.

Menopause and Itchy Skin

The Science Behind Menopausal Itchiness

Itchy skin during menopause is primarily caused by a combination of a weakened barrier, dryness and nerve hypersensitivity. Oestrogen regulates the production of ceramides, lipids that help maintain hydration and the skin’s protective barrier. When oestrogen declines, the skin becomes drier, making it more prone to irritation. Additionally, fluctuating hormones can overstimulate nerve endings, leading to sensations of itchiness, ‘crawling’ or tingling.

Solutions for Itchy Skin

Managing itchy skin requires a comprehensive approach:

Hydration is key: Use moisturisers rich in ceramides and humectants like hyaluronic acid and betaine to restore the skin barrier.
Gentle cleansing: Switch to fragrance-free, SLS free non-stripping cleansers to avoid exacerbating dryness and irritation.
Soothing actives: Look for skincare with calming ingredients like aloe vera, wild yam root extract, beta glucan and green tea extract, which can reduce irritation.

The Role of Glycation in Menopausal Skin Ageing

What is Glycation?

Glycation occurs when sugars bind to proteins like collagen and elastin, forming harmful molecules known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs weaken the skin’s structural proteins, making them stiff, damaged and more prone to sagging and wrinkles. During menopause, glycation accelerates due to increased ROS, slower cell turnover and a less efficient glucose metabolism.

Combating Glycation Ageing

To minimise the impact of glycation:

Use anti-glycation skincare: Ingredients like the natural carnosine dipeptide and dunaliella salina (pink algae) found in PressPause, help protect skin proteins from sugar damage.
Adopt a low-sugar diet: Reducing refined sugars and carbohydrates in your diet can limit AGE formation.
Incorporate antioxidants: Compounds like green tea and resveratrol neutralise oxidative stress, which exacerbates glycation.

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Skincare Solutions for Menopausal Skin

A tailored skincare routine can significantly improve the look and feel of menopausal skin. Here are some targeted solutions:

Replenish Hydration, Restore the Barrier and Address AGEs

Combat dryness with products designed to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier. PressPause is an ideal choice, featuring:

Hyaluronic acid to draw in hydration to the skin barrier.
Betaine, a humectant to increase and balance water levels in the barrier.
Carnosine dipeptide to prevent glycation AGEs and protect the barrier against environmental damage.
Emollients like shea butter, squalane, marula oil and other noncomedogenic oils to lock in hydration.

Soothe Sensitivity and Irritation

Wild yam extract, beta glucan, aloe, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal will calm inflammation and reduce redness. These ingredients are particularly effective for soothing menopausal skin concerns.

Boost and Protect Collagen

Skincare with bioactive collagen peptides or phytoestrogens can help counteract the collagen loss associated with menopause, keeping skin firmer and more resilient.

Liposomal soy isoflavones support collagen production to reduce collagen destruction.
Anti-glycation ingredients like carnosine dipeptide and dunaleilla salina (pink algae) extract to protect collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin.

Holistic Tips for Supporting Menopausal Skin

Nutrition for Radiance

What you put into your body is just as important as what you put on your skin.

Focus on healthy fats: EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or algae supplements promote hydration and elasticity. We recommend AlgOmega-3 by SynTernals.
Consume hydrolysed collagen peptides to help replenish depleted collagen levels.
Prioritise antioxidants: Include foods like berries, spinach, and nuts to fight free radical damage. Supplementary antioxidants include resveratrol, CoQ10 and quercetin.
Increase protein intake during menopause to maintain muscle mass.
Reduce processed food intake and sugars to combat AGEs.

Green vegetables

Stay Active

Cardio exercise improves bone density and circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin while reducing stress. Resistance exercise will help maintain muscle mass, which significantly declines as we mature.

Manage Stress

Hormonal changes have a direct link to our response to the stress hormone cortisol as well as the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin dopamine and GABA. Chronic stress and anxiety can worsen the symptoms of menopause and increase inflammation. This inflammation can also exacerbate skin problems. Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress and its effects on your skin.

Hydrate From Within

Drinking plenty of PFAS-free water and using a humidifier in dry environments can help maintain skin hydration from the inside out.

Why PressPause is the Perfect Solution for Menopausal Skin

PressPause is specifically designed to address the challenges of menopause and skin. Its unique formula works to:

Boost and protect collagen production for firmer, smoother skin.
Hydrate and restore the skin barrier to combat dryness and irritation.
Protect against glycation ageing, keeping skin resilient and youthful.
Calm and nourish to reduce inflammation.

This lightweight milk serum is a must-have for any skincare routine during menopause, combining clinically proven ingredients with Synergie Skin’s commitment to clean science.

Conclusion

The effects of menopause on the skin can feel daunting, but with the right knowledge and tools, they are manageable. By understanding the science behind these changes and adopting a skincare routine tailored to your menopausal needs, you can maintain radiant, healthy skin through every stage of your amazing life.

Whether you’re dealing with dry itchy skin and menopause, sensitivity, or fine lines, products like PressPause and a holistic approach to wellness can make all the difference. Embrace this new chapter with confidence and your glow from within will shine through.