How to Care for Changing Skin During Menopause
- amyk73
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Menopause is a time of significant hormonal changes that can affect the skin in numerous ways. As estrogen levels decline, the skin all around the body, and especially the face, may become thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles and sensitivity. While these changes are natural, there are many gentle, effective ways to support your skin through this transition. Here’s how to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and nourished using natural methods during menopause.
How Menopause Affects the Skin
Before diving into remedies, it’s important to understand how menopause impacts the skin:
Dryness: The decline in estrogen leads to decreased oil production, which often results in drier skin.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Reduced collagen and elastin production can cause the skin to lose its firmness and elasticity, making wrinkles more pronounced.
Thinning Skin: Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness, so lower levels can make the skin more fragile and prone to damage.
Loss of Elasticity: Without sufficient estrogen, the skin may lose its natural bounce and sag over time.
Acne: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger breakouts, even in women who never had acne before.
Now that we know the common skin challenges, let’s explore natural ways to care for menopausal skin.
Hydrate with Natural Oils and Moisturizers
As skin becomes drier during menopause, hydration is key. Opt for natural oils and moisturizers that provide deep nourishment without harsh chemicals.
Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum and helps restore moisture balance.
Rosehip Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, rosehip oil helps improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Shea Butter: A deeply moisturizing butter that soothes dry, sensitive skin and reduces inflammation.
Hyaluronic Acid: While not a natural oil, this powerful humectant draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated from within.
Yarrow-Pom: A naturally derived oil blend that support skin elasticity and youthful appearance. It also works really well for under eye areas to manage fine lines.
Frankincense: This ancient oil is prized for its healing benefits and soothing support to our bodies. Applying a couple drops within your moisturizer delivers results in fending off fine lines.
Peptides: Natural peptides in moisturizers and serums can be incredible at helping with moisture retention and smoothing the appearance of lines.
Boost Collagen Production Naturally
Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping skin firm and youthful. During menopause, collagen production slows down, but you can encourage its production through natural means.
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps stimulate collagen synthesis. Look for serums or creams containing natural vitamin C extracts like acerola cherry or camu camu.
Aloe Vera: Not only does aloe vera soothe and hydrate, but it also promotes collagen production and skin regeneration.
Bone Broth or Collagen Supplements: Consuming bone broth or high-quality collagen peptides can support skin from the inside out by providing the necessary building blocks for collagen production.
Soothe Inflammation with Natural Anti-Inflammatories
Menopausal skin can become more sensitive and prone to irritation. Using natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties can help calm redness and prevent flare-ups.
Green Tea Extract: Packed with polyphenols, green tea is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to soothe irritated skin.
Chamomile: Chamomile has calming and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for sensitive, menopausal skin.
Turmeric: Known for its potent anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric can reduce redness and irritation. You can use it topically in masks or consume it internally for its skin benefits.
Clay Masks: Regularly using high quality organic clay masks can help pull out toxins that aggravate skin and cause breakouts.
Eat Skin-Nourishing Foods
The right diet can have a profound impact on skin health during menopause. Eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods can support your skin from the inside.
Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon help maintain skin hydration and reduce inflammation.
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables: Blueberries, spinach, and sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, which protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.
Hydrating Foods: Cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens contain high water content to help keep skin hydrated
Avoid Sugar and Processed Food Products. Skin is more susceptible to toxins and chemicals at this point in our lives. It is necessary to try to avoid sugar and processed foods that can introduce chemical reactions in the body that affect the skin's health.
Caffeine. Consider reducing or eliminating caffeine that can be drying and
Use Gentle, Natural Exfoliants
As skin becomes thinner during menopause, harsh exfoliants can cause more harm than good. Instead, opt for gentle, natural exfoliants that remove dead skin cells without stripping the skin.
Oats: Ground oats are a gentle exfoliant that can also soothe and moisturize sensitive skin.
Papaya Enzyme: The natural enzymes in papaya help gently exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin.
Honey and Sugar Scrub: Honey is naturally antibacterial and hydrating, while sugar provides a mild exfoliation. This combo can keep skin soft and smooth.
Balance Hormones Naturally
While skincare is important, managing hormonal fluctuations can also support the health of your skin. Consider natural methods to balance hormones during menopause.
Maca Root: Known to support hormonal balance, maca root can help stabilize mood swings and reduce symptoms like hot flashes that affect the skin.
Adaptogenic Herbs: Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help manage stress, which has a direct impact on hormonal balance and, consequently, skin health.
Evening Primrose Oil: A rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), this oil can help alleviate dry skin and reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
Stay Hydrated
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to support your skin during menopause is by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and healthy.
Smart Supplementation
Including the right supplementation based on your health state can be pivotal in caring for your skin during menopause. Filling nutritional gaps with whole food based supplements and using organic ingredient based supplements is key.
Additionally, how your skin appears is a direct reflection of what is occurring in the digestive system. Your microbiome influences the skin's appearance including the emergence of wrinkles. The ultimate anti-aging solution is a microbiome that is healthy and running optimally.
A regular Vitamin Check can help you identify which supplements are right for your current health needs.
Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
As estrogen levels drop, your skin becomes more vulnerable to environmental damage, including UV rays. Protect your skin by using natural, broad-spectrum sunscreens with mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Also, consider wearing protective clothing and hats when spending extended periods outdoors.
I personally use the doTERRA Sun products as a way to protect my skin naturally while still reaping the benefits of being in the sun.
Navigating Skin Changes Naturally
Menopause brings many changes to the skin, but with the right natural support, you can keep it looking radiant and healthy. Focus on deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, and nourishing your skin with natural oils and nutrient-rich foods. Supporting hormonal balance and protecting against environmental stressors will also go a long way in maintaining beautiful skin through this life transition. Remember, your skin’s needs may evolve during menopause, so adapt your skincare routine to meet its changing demands naturally and holistically.
For products referenced in this article please visit www.dragonspitapothecary.com/tools.
To work with me on your menopause journey, schedule your virtual or in-person session here: www.dragonspitapothecary.com
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