Why does my skin get drier during menopause?

Skin can become drier around menopause because hormonal changes affect the skin and make it less able to retain moisture. Your face may feel tight after washing or become uncomfortable more easily. Gentle cleansing, a suitable moisturiser and applying it again when needed are a useful starting point. Protect exposed skin from the sun too, to limit additional UV damage.

What changes around menopause?

Menopause marks the end of your menstrual periods. Skin changes can begin during the years leading up to it, known as perimenopause. Experiences vary: some people notice dry cheeks, others mainly itching, and some hardly notice a change. The UK’s NHS lists dry and itchy skin among possible symptoms during this time.

As oestrogen levels fall, skin can become thinner. The American Academy of Dermatology also explains that skin holds water less easily during menopause. Dry air can make this more noticeable, for example when the heating is on. A product that felt comfortable for years may start to feel different.

Menopause does not explain every new spot or rash, though. A harsh cleanser, lots of different products or an existing skin condition can also play a part. Take a lasting change seriously without trying to diagnose it yourself. Understanding what your skin needs is more useful than treating it as a problem that always needs another product.

Start with gentler washing

A long, hot bath or a strongly foaming cleanser can add to the discomfort of dry skin. Use lukewarm water, keep washing brief and choose a gentle cleanser. Afterwards, pat your face gently with a soft towel. Scrubbing hard or rubbing away flakes does not make the care more effective.

Make this easy to follow: keep your gentle cleanser where you normally wash your face. When removing make-up or sunscreen, work carefully rather than automatically adding a scrub or a cleansing brush. Aim for skin that feels clean and comfortable afterwards, rather than tight or squeaky clean.

If tightness appears straight after washing every time, look at this step first. A more expensive serum will not automatically improve an uncomfortable cleansing routine. Change one thing and note what you notice, so you can explain later where the discomfort starts.

Choose care that helps retain moisture

A cream or ointment can feel more comfortable and work better for dry skin than a thin lotion. The texture should also suit your day: in the morning you might prefer something that works well with your other products, while a richer texture may feel pleasant in the evening. There is little benefit in choosing the heaviest product if you rarely use it.

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are examples of ingredients the AAD mentions for dry skin during menopause. A complicated ingredient list is not essential. Start with a gentle, fragrance-free cream that spreads comfortably. A pharmacist can help you choose suitable care for very dry or sensitive skin.

Hydration and skin ageing are separate issues. A cream supports moisture and comfort; it does not reverse a hormonal change. For more about wrinkles and the role of sunlight, read our guide to helping prevent premature wrinkles.

Apply moisturiser after washing, and later if needed

Apply your moisturiser after washing while the skin is still slightly damp. Smooth it gently over your face and other dry areas. There is no need to rub hard. Add more during the day if your skin feels dry or tight again.

Coming home after a cold walk or a day in dry indoor air is a familiar example. Consider what your skin needs at that moment instead of automatically repeating your entire morning routine. A little suitable care on a dry area may be more practical than another five layers.

Keep the jobs separate too: reapplying an ordinary moisturiser does not renew your sun protection. If you are going outside again, consider separately whether your sunscreen needs reapplying. This gives each product a clear purpose.

Simplify the routine if your skin becomes more sensitive

A change in what your skin tolerates can be a reason to simplify your routine. Start with cleansing, moisturising and suitable sun protection. Add other products only when there is a clear reason. Introduce them one at a time, so it is easier to recognise what feels comfortable and what causes irritation.

A fragrance-free choice can help reduce irritation. Packaging terms still need care: a pleasant scent or the word “hypoallergenic” does not mean a product will suit everyone’s skin. Our guide to fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreen explains how to assess these terms.

Do not automatically tackle flakes with a strong peel or another exfoliant. The AAD recommends talking to a dermatologist before trying these treatments during menopause. If you use prescribed skin medication, discuss changes with the prescriber. Your routine should fit your skin and any treatment you need.

What sun protection adds

Sun protection helps prevent skin cancer and protects against sunburn and premature skin ageing. That remains relevant when skin becomes drier or thinner around menopause. Sunscreen helps protect against UV; it does not restore falling oestrogen levels or treat hormonal dryness.

Use clothing, a hat and shade outdoors where possible. Apply enough sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin. Put it on before going outside and follow the label. Remember your ears, neck and hands when they are exposed to the sun.

During continued time outdoors, reapply about every two hours, and after swimming or heavy sweating as directed on the label. Plan around what you actually do: a long afternoon walk needs more preparation than a day spent mostly indoors. Skin can receive UV outdoors on cloudy days and in winter too.

If your day cream already contains SPF, look at both the protection stated and the amount you use. Our guide to day cream with SPF or separate sunscreen can help with that choice. Keep sunscreen application as a step in its own right and follow that product’s directions.

A workable morning, working day and evening

Morning. Cleanse gently, apply your moisturiser and plan sun protection before spending time outdoors. Keep the steps simple enough for a busy day. You could put your sunscreen beside the things you get ready for a walk.

During the day. Take your usual moisturiser with you if your skin often feels tight. If you will spend a long lunch break or walk outdoors, bring sunscreen for reapplication too. A hat, suitable clothing or a shaded spot can provide part of your protection as well.

Evening. Remove make-up and sunscreen gently, then moisturise dry skin. Do not automatically choose a new active ingredient because you can see fine lines. First consider whether your current routine feels comfortable and whether you know what each product contributes.

You can make a brief note of when your skin feels tight, what you have used and whether you see a rash or feel itching. That can make a discussion with a doctor or pharmacist more specific. It is not a home test that proves a hormonal cause.

When should dryness be assessed?

Ask a GP or dermatologist for advice if your skin stays dry despite gentle care, if itching is troublesome or if a rash persists. Mention products that repeatedly burn or sting as well. An existing skin condition may need a different approach from ordinary dry skin.

Do not wait for a new cream to work on a changing skin spot. Have a sore that does not heal or a spot that bleeds assessed too. Menopause is not a reason to assume such changes are normal.

You can also discuss wider menopause symptoms with your doctor if they affect daily life. Skin care can become a useful part of your day, while individual medical advice gives you space for questions that go beyond a moisturiser.

Soluveli is developing facial sunscreen. Visit the homepage and launch list to follow its development and sign up for a message when it launches. We do not yet have tested Soluveli benefits for dry skin during menopause to recommend here.