Many women suffer from menopausal dry skin and there are many factors that contribute to this. You may find your have dry skin on your face or on the rest of your body.
In this post we explain why skin feels dry during the perimenopause and menopause and help you find the best moisturiser and skin care routine for dry menopausal skin.
Formulated by our founder when she reached her fifties and realised that her skin’s needs had changed, our Age Defy+ signature skin care collection uses high concentrations of premium ingredients to keep skin looking soft, supple and radiant.
Does the menopause cause dry skin?
It is normal for women of menopausal age to notice that their skin feels dry and tight.
The NHS lists dry and itchy skin as one of the ‘Common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause’[i] and while it is reassuring to know that this menopause skin change is nothing out of the ordinary, dry skin can be frustrating to manage and can feel very uncomfortable.
Why does skin feel dry during menopause?
Skin feels dry during the menopause because after 40 skin becomes less effective at holding onto moisture, meaning skin care products need to work much harder.
Women of menopausal age produce less Hyaluronic Acid – skin’s natural lubricant. During the perimenopause and menopause, skin also starts producing less sebum, a natural skin oil that helps to moisturise and protect against water loss.
Skin of menopausal age also sheds slower and this reduction in cell turnover rate means dull, dead cells congest on the surface, making it hard for skin care to penetrate the skin.
With age skin becomes thinner and more translucent and is ultimately less effective at retaining the moisture it relies on for a plump, soft, radiant healthy complexion.
Your moisturising menopausal skin care routine
In this next section we’ll share product recommendations that will help hydrate and replenish dry skin on the face during the perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. Browse all natural menopausal skin care.
As always, if your menopause skin complaints are causing you discomfort or affecting your mood, we also suggest speaking to your GP as they may be able to recommend additional methods to help increase your comfort and confidence during menopause.
Best cleanser for dry menopausal skin
While foam cleansers many feel harsh against dry skin, cream cleansers and cleansing balms can be comforting for menopausal dry skin. It is important to choose a cleanser that’s made without drying ingredients such as soap, SLS or ethanol alcohols.
Age Defy+ Ultimate Wonder Balm is our favourite cleanser for dry menopausal skin. It nourishes with Jojoba, Perilla and Pomegranate oils as it gently cleanses and melts away make-up. Use morning and evening for skin that feels fresh, pure and silky soft.
Age Defy+ Ultimate Wonder Balm 50ml
Care for your skin from top to toe with our multi-purpose beauty balm
£36.00
Best exfoliator for dry menopausal skin
Thin, dry menopausal skin should not be excessively exfoliated. A weekly face scrub is sufficient to encourage a healthy cell turnover that sheds old cells, bringing fresh, bright skin to the surface.
Consider using a gentle grain or a fruit enzyme peel to avoid irritating delicate dry skin. Use retinol with caution as strictly speaking, these are not exfoliators and may irritate skin that feels dry, thin or delicate.
Age Defy+ Soft Buff is an exfoliator that we made specifically for dry, older skin. This uses extracts from Pineapple and Bamboo to lift and release dead skin without causing irritation.
Age Defy+ Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator 30ml
Reveal velvet-soft skin with a natural skin buff with 2-way exfoliation
£28.00
Best serums for dry menopausal skin
If you have dry menopausal skin and you do not already apply a serum daily, make today the day you start. Used underneath moisturiser, serums sink deep to replenish skin hydration not only on the surface, but also in the lower levels of skin.
For bright and hydrated skin, we offer Age Defy+ Vitamin C Booster Serum which blends Hyaluronic Acid with slow-release Vitamin C. Hyaluronic Acid is humectant which helps to bind skin to the skin for long lasting hydration and comfort.
Age Defy+ Collagen Boost Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Discover the difference collagen-boosting Vitamin C makes to your skin
£45.00
For dry menopausal skin that is also very sensitive, we also offer an unscented Hyaluronic Acid Serum in our Nordic Roots collection.
Nordic Roots Hyaluronic Booster Serum 28ml
This scent-free Hyaluronic Acid serum is pure hydration in a bottle
Best moisturiser for dry menopausal skin
Looking for a face cream for dry menopausal skin? Moisturiser should be applied after your serum, and should be applied morning and evening.
Brightening Moisturiser is our best face cream for dry menopausal skin and blends cooling, moisture-binding Shea Butter and the remarkable ingredient Beech Bud.
Also known as the Everlasting Youth Tree, Beech Bud has been shown to boost skin hydration by as much as 30% and comforts dry skin by smoothing the micro-relief of the epidermis.
Age Defy+ Brightening Moisturiser 30ml
Target age spots, fine lines and wrinkles with this hydrating face cream
£43.00
If night sweats cause your skin to feel dry and tight, add in a dedicated night cream. Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask is a leave-on face mask which uses Seaweed extracts to deliver intense skin hydration, boost collagen production and support long-term firmness.
Offering benefits for the skin and the mind, it is scented with a spa-like scent of citrus oils that aid good sleep – a precious commodity which can be disturbed by menopause symptoms.
Tested by an independent Good Housekeeping panel in 2019, 91% of testers said that they found this product was quickly absorbed and improved dry skin instantaneously.
Age Defy+ Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask 50ml
Pillow-soft skin starts with this intensely hydrating organic sleep cream
£40.00
What is the best facial oil for dry menopausal skin?
Whilst facial oil is not a moisturising skin care product, it plays an important role in sealing the hydrating benefits of moisturising skin care into the skin and is essential for skin that is prone to moisture loss.
We think the best facial oil for dry menopausal skin is Nordic Roots Marine Facial Oil. Rich in Vitamin E, this light oil gently conditions dry skin and features Atlantic Seaweed to help boosts collagen supplies. Apply daily to help fade fine lines and encourage a healthy skin glow.
Nordic Roots Marine Facial Oil 28ml
Nourish and glow with this unscented facial oil for sensitive skin
£32.00
Best body lotion for dry menopausal skin
You may find that dry menopausal skin does not only affect your face but also your body. You may notice that you are starting to suffer dry skin on your legs and perhaps also your hands.
Enriched with nourishing Shea Butter and plumping Squalane, our Quinoa & Calendula Body Lotion offers rehydrating, moisturising relief for thirsty skin. This organic body lotion can be applied to dry menopausal skin on the hands, arms, body and legs to restore soft, calm skin.
Quinoa & Calendula Hand & Body Lotion 200ml
Lock in hydration as you nourish dry skin with this natural body lotion
£27.00
Do you need help adapting your beauty routine for the menopause? Our UK customer care team can help choose the best skin care products to support your skin through menopausal changes and can be contacted on 01403 740350.
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