Menopause Skin Changes

Menopause Skin Changes: Why They Happen and How to Care for Your Skin

Menopause skin changes are changes in how your skin looks and feels when estrogen drops. Common ones are dryness, thinning, itching and less firm skin. Estrogen helps your skin make collagen and hold on to water. When estrogen falls, skin can become drier and less firm. Simple daily care can help your skin feel more comfortable.

Please note: This page shares general health information in simple words. It is not medical advice. Every body is different, so talk to a doctor or gynaecologist before you try any treatment.

Key Facts About Menopause Skin Changes

Estrogen helps skin stay firm and moist.
Skin can lose about 30 percent of its collagen in the first 5 years after menopause.
Dry and itchy skin are very common.
Skin can become thinner and heal more slowly.
Some women get spots or more facial hair.
A gentle moisturiser and daily sunscreen help a lot.

How Does Menopause Change Your Skin?

When estrogen drops, your skin makes less collagen and holds less water. Collagen is a protein that keeps skin firm and springy, like the frame of a building.

You may notice:

Dry, rough or flaky skin
Itchy skin
Thinner skin that bruises or tears more easily
Fine lines and less firm skin
Cuts that take longer to heal
More dark spots or uneven skin tone
Skin that feels more sensitive than before
Spots or acne in some women
More hair on the chin or upper lip

Why Do These Skin Changes Happen?

Estrogen helps your skin in many ways. It helps skin:

Make collagen, which keeps it firm
Hold on to water, which keeps it moist
Make natural oils that protect it
Heal well after a cut

When estrogen falls during menopause, all of these slow down. Studies show skin loses about 30 percent of its collagen in the first 5 years after menopause. The loss then continues more slowly.

Some women also notice spots or extra facial hair. This is because the balance between estrogen and other hormones shifts.

Why Does Skin Feel Itchy During Menopause?

Itchy skin in menopause is mostly caused by dryness. When skin loses water and natural oils, it can feel tight and itchy. It is often worse in winter, after hot showers or when using strong soaps.

Some women feel a crawling or tingling feeling on the skin. This can also be linked to hormone changes.

To ease itching:

Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser right after bathing.
Bathe in lukewarm water, not hot.
Use a mild, soap-free cleanser.
Wear soft cotton clothes.
Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it.
Drink enough water.

See a doctor if the itch is very strong or keeps you awake. Also see a doctor if it comes with a rash or does not get better with moisturiser. Itching can have other causes too.

How Can You Care for Your Skin During Menopause?

Gentle care every day can make your skin feel better. Try these steps:

Cleanse gently. Use a mild cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs.
Moisturise every day. Look for creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides or shea butter. They help skin hold water.
Use sunscreen every day. Sun damage adds to thinning and dark spots. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, even on cloudy days.
Do not smoke. Smoking speeds up skin ageing.
Eat well. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, dal, nuts and seeds.
Sleep well. Poor sleep shows on your skin.

Sirona Skin Balancing Cream

The Sirona Skin Balancing Cream is a face and body cream made for menopausal skin. It has shea butter, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help skin stay moist. It also has soy isoflavones, which are plant compounds called phytoestrogens. It has been dermatologically tested on women in perimenopause.

It can help dry skin feel softer and more comfortable. It does not replace hormones. Test it on a small patch of skin first.

Can Medical Treatment Help Menopause Skin?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help skin hold more moisture and collagen. But doctors do not prescribe HRT just for skin. A skin doctor can also suggest creams and treatments for dryness, dark spots or acne.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor or skin specialist if:

Itching is strong, lasts a long time or keeps you awake.
You have a rash, open sores or skin that bleeds.
A mole or spot changes in size, shape or colour.
You have sudden, heavy hair growth on the face.
Acne is painful or leaving marks.

Related Terms

Shop menopause care: Sirona Menopause Collection

Sources

Cleveland Clinic. Estrogen. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22353-estrogen
Managing menopausal skin: a clinician's review. European Medical Journal (Dermatology). https://emjreviews.com/dermatology/article/managing-menopausal-skin-a-clinicians-review
Kamp E, et al. Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2: skin disorders. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10092853/
Sirona Skin Balancing Cream product page. https://thesirona.com/products/skin-balancing-cream

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified doctor. It was written by the Sirona Content Team using the trusted medical sources listed above. Always talk to your doctor or gynaecologist about your symptoms and before starting any medicine, supplement or product. If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe pain, get medical help right away.