The Menopause Skin Shift
Welcome to midlife—where your hormones are shifting, your mood is unpredictable, and suddenly your skin feels like it’s been living in the Sahara.
If you’ve been wondering why your once-supple skin is now flaky, itchy, or just blah, you’re not alone.
Dry skin is one of the most common (and annoying) side effects of menopause. But the good news? There’s a lot you can do naturally to bring the glow back.
Why Menopause Dries You Out
The biggest culprit? Estrogen levels dropping.
Estrogen plays a major role in keeping skin plump, hydrated, and happy.
When it takes a nosedive, your skin’s production of collagen, oils, and ceramides slows down too.
That means thinner skin, less elasticity, and way more dryness.
Aging adds fuel to the fire: as we get older, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid and our skin barrier weakens. Add in environmental factors like weather, hot showers, and stress and it’s a perfect recipe for dehydration.
Natural Approaches That Actually Work
1. Hydrate From the Inside Out
Sip herbal teas like nettle and red clover (hormone-friendly and hydrating).
Load your plate with water-rich foods: think cucumbers, melons, oranges, and leafy greens.
Add in omega-3s with chia seeds, walnuts, or a quality fish oil supplement to support skin elasticity and reduce inflammation.
2. Upgrade Your Moisture Game
Post-shower, apply a layer of jojoba oil or sweet almond oil to damp skin to lock in hydration.
For extra dry patches, massage in some shea butter—rich, nourishing, and naturally healing.
Keep a hydrating facial mist handy during the day (try rose water or aloe-based ones) for a quick refresh.
3. Create a Moisture-Friendly Environment
Use a humidifier, especially in the bedroom, to add moisture back into the air (and your skin).
Avoid long, hot showers and switch to lukewarm water—your skin will thank you.
Use a gentle exfoliant (like a soft sugar scrub or konjac sponge) 1–2x/week to remove flakes and help products absorb better.
Products That Play Nice with Midlife Skin
Moisturizers:
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Affordable, dermatologist-loved, loaded with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Weleda Skin Food – A rich, plant-based balm perfect for dry patches.
Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream – Luxurious, hydrating, and perfect for sensitive midlife skin.
Gentle Cleansers:
Vanicream Gentle Cleanser – Simple, soothing, and fragrance-free.
Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser – Luxe oil-based cleanse that won’t strip your skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Cleanser – A go-to for hydration and barrier support.
Extra Boosters:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – Lightweight, deeply hydrating, and budget-friendly.
True Botanicals Chebula Serum – Natural, antioxidant-rich, and designed for aging skin.
Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Mist – A refreshing spritz that adds glow throughout the day.
Alloy’s M4 Estriol Cream-my personal fave. They don’t pay me but they should because I promote this product all over town!
Dry skin during menopause is frustrating, but it’s important to remember that it’s not forever and it’s totally manageable.
You’ve got this!
