Menopause is a natural stage of a woman’s life that occurs after going a full 12 months without having a menstrual period. It’s often associated with hot flashes, brain fog, and vaginal dryness, but it also affects the skin, increasing the risk of wrinkles and irritation.
At Metro Health and Wellness in Marietta, Georgia, and Menopause Health Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, menopause and women’s health specialist Kirstie Cunningham, MD, FACOG, NCMP, routinely helps menopausal women care for their skin.
Here is how menopause affects the skin and its barrier function, some common side effects, and tips to help keep your skin comfortable throughout this phase of life.
Menopause signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive cycle, and with that change comes a drop in sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen increases collagen production, which helps keep the skin firm and youthful, and hyaluronic acid (HA), which helps the skin barrier lock in moisture, thereby supporting hydration. Progesterone, on the other hand, supports skin firmness and oil production, which helps protect the skin and reduces sensitivity.
Although everyone experiences these changes differently, many menopausal women report noticeable changes in how their skin looks and feels.
As sex hormones like progesterone and estrogen decline, many women experience skin-related side effects, including:
These side effects can range from mild to severe. In some cases, lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can make them worse. The good news is that you don’t have to accept skin issues as your new normal.
There’s no way to prevent skin-related side effects altogether, but you can take steps to keep your skin healthy and comfortable. We recommend:
Aim to use soaps, moisturizers, and lotions that are gentle and hydrating. Products that contain harsh chemicals can strip your skin of its natural oils, increasing the risk of dryness and irritation.
Good hydration supports your overall health, but it’s especially important for your skin. Drinking enough water each day supports skin hydration and can help reduce dryness and flakiness.
During menopause, skin can become more sensitive and vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) damage. If you spend lots of time outside, gardening or hiking, make sure to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every few hours. If the weather allows, you can also wear long-sleeved garments to help block out the sun’s rays.
A healthy diet supports your heart, brain, and skin. Eating meals that feature fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats supports collagen production and helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) uses hormone patches, tablets, or implantable pellets to supplement estrogen and progesterone levels. Many women find that this approach not only improves skin health but also eases side effects such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances.
Sometimes, at-home care isn’t enough to make significant skin improvements. That’s where professional treatments can make a big difference.
We offer several types of skin treatment, including topical ointments, microneedling, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and exosome therapy.
Ointments, such as topical estrogen creams with estradiol, can boost collagen production and improve skin hydration.
Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that uses a handheld tool called a SkinPen® to create thousands of controlled micropunctures in your skin. These microinjuries stimulate your body’s natural wound-healing response, encouraging the formation of new collagen and elastin, proteins that keep the skin smooth and firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Microneedling with PRP, also called a Vampire Facial®, enhances these effects, making skin firmer and improving its texture.
Exosome therapy is another type of topical treatment, but instead of using hormones, it uses vesicles, which facilitate communication between cells. Research is ongoing, but when applied to menopausal skin, either topically or with microneedling, they may help improve the appearance of scars and support overall skin health.
Menopause is a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean dry, itchy skin is inevitable. With the right support, you can limit irritation, reduce wrinkles, and keep your skin looking its best for years to come.
To see how we can help, contact us today to schedule your appointment in Marietta, Georgia, or Nashville, Tennessee, or book online.
