Dry skin is a big problem for women as we age, but here are some hints and tips to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
Most women going through menopause have had experience with hot flushes, but another side effect of menopause is dry skin. Dry skin occurs due to the loss of estrogen.
Estrogen stimulates the formation of collagen and oils. That’s why, as menopause approaches and estrogen production diminishes, that we suddenly find ourselves with drier skin, as the reduction of estrogen slows down the body’s oil production and the ability of our body to retain moisture. Unfortunately these changes are permanent so to assist in keeping the skin smooth and hydrated here are a couple of tips:
- Focus on good fats:
Essential fatty acids — like the omega-3s found in salmon, sardines, red kidney beans, walnuts and flaxseeds (or flaxseed oil). A diet short of these
good fats can leave you with dry itchy skin. - Sunscreen:
Keep skin healthy with a broad spectrum sunblock with an SPF 30. If you are not keen on using a sunscreen over your moisturiser, go for a foundation with that contains one. I recommend physical sunscreens (see my post on sunscreens). For the body you might like to try: - Hot showers/baths:
No doubt a beautiful hot shower on a cold winter day is fantastic, but not so good for the skin, as it strips the body of natural oils. Take shorter showers and use warm water. - Use a body wash:
I would never any sort of soap as it really dries out the skin. Try a good body wash like Arbonne Shea Butter Body Wash or Dermaveen Extra Hydration Gentle Soap-Free Wash for Extra Dry/Itchy Skin. - Moisturisers for the body:
There are many good body moisturisers on the market. Try Ego QV or Dermaveen products. Arbonne’s Shea Butter Body Lotion is beautiful for dry skin. I used to use Bio Oil on my arms and legs, under my body moisturiser until I discovered that it contains mineral oil. Read article here. - Green Tea:
This is one of the best teas for skin care. Green tea is not only good to consume, but is also good in removing the excessive dirt on your face. Half a cup of green tea used to rinse your face will make you feel fresh and relaxed. Pat dry your face after this process. - Hyaluronic Acid:
Hyaluronic acid is great for dry skin. It retains over a 1000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin. In fact, no other biological substance can retain as much water as Hyaluronic Acid resulting decreased wrinkles and soft, smooth skin. You can use HA as a serum or find it in some face creams. - Exfoliators:
To assist your moisturiser to penetrate the skin, a gentle exfoliator is useful for both the body and face, sloughing off the top layer of dead skin with a gentle scrubbing or by using products containing alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. - Water:
Last but not least, make sure you are having 6-8 glasses of water a day –more if you are exercising. Try to reduce or eliminate alcohol and nicotine, as both can prematurely age and dry your skin.
- Exercise:
Exercise, which is important in menopause for heart and bone health, can keep skin healthy as well. By increasing the amount of nutrients and oxygen that make it to your skin, exercise, like estrogen, can increases collagen, one of the key substances that keeps our skin youthful.
