Here’s the Skinny on Menopause and Dry Skin

Dry skin can drive you crazy. 

It can feel itchy, rough, scaly, or flaky— nothing you desire!

Dry patches can pop up all over your body; it varies from person to person. 

And guess what? Dry skin can be yet another symptom of menopause. 

You are not alone if you are wondering when it will all end. 

Continue reading to learn how to combat dry skin to feel comfortable in your body again. 

Table of Contents

• What Is the Connection Between Dry Skin and Menopause?
• 3 Areas of the Skin That Commonly Experience Dryness Caused by Menopause
• Are Menopausal Skin Changes Permanent?
• What Helps Dry Skin During Menopause?
• 7 Lifestyle Changes That Can Help You Manage Menopause Skin Dryness
• Chiavaye Personal Lubricant: Something Every Menopausal Woman Needs

What Is the Connection Between Dry Skin and Menopause?

It is no secret your skin changes as you age. Your hormones shift, and their levels decrease.

And estrogen is the culprit!

The drop in estrogen levels in your body is to blame for the dry skin associated with menopause. 

What does estrogen do for a woman’s body?

Estrogen helps women function healthily. A decrease in estrogen can lead to skin problems.

Estrogen is a hormone that plays a role in the reproductive and sexual development of women and is made primarily by the ovaries. Once the ovaries stop releasing eggs, estrogen production starts to decline. 

It also stimulates collagen and oil production, which helps prevent dryness. Less estrogen leads to less collagen and oil production in your body. Without collagen, your skin won’t be smooth.

Collagen gives your skin:

• Structure
• Support; and
• Strength

The American Academy of Dermatology says collagen levels drop 30% in the first five years of menopause. And that is not all. For the next 20 years, you can expect collagen levels to drop 2% each year! 

Not only does skin become dry with lower estrogen levels, but so do vaginas. 75% of post-menopausal women report symptoms of vaginal dryness. Estrogen is also responsible for keeping your vaginal tissue healthy.

Do Most Women Have Skin Complaints Throughout Menopause?

In general, many women in their 40s and 50s experience dry, itchy skin, yet many don't realize it occurs due to menopausal changes.

In addition to dryness and itch, some typical skin changes that women notice are:

• A loss of elasticity
• Thinner skin
• Its inability to repair itself as it could in the past

Other signs that you are dealing with dry skin tend to be:

• Peeling or flaky skin
• Cracks on your hands and feet
• Tight skin after being wet
• Ashy or gray areas on darker skin tones

3 Areas of the Skin That Commonly Experience Dryness Caused by Menopause

Women usually enter menopause between the ages of 40 and 58, so if you are in that range, most likely dryness is going to affect you. When you know the signs to look for, you can take action to combat them before they disrupt your life. 

When experiencing dryness, your first urge, often even unconsciously, is to itch. But don’t do it! Avoid scratching, as it can tear the skin and cause more damage. You can use a cold compress or even wear gloves at bedtime so you don’t itch in your sleep. 

#1: Vaginal Tissue

One precursor to vaginal dryness and dry skin is the loss of estrogen we discussed earlier. Just like you may get a patch of itchy, dry skin on your arm, the same sensations can happen to your vaginal tissue. 

80% of women report this type of dryness during menopause. 

This dryness can lead to:

• Vaginal atrophy
• The thinning of vaginal walls
• Discomfort— and not just during sexual relations but even just throughout the day while walking around

There are many products to choose from to help deal with dryness. However, you must be extra careful when choosing products you want to put on your vagina. 

For example, using Vaseline or other petroleum jelly products in or on your vagina is never a good idea. 

If you are looking for a safe, all-natural, vegan, hypoallergenic product to use on your private parts, Chiavaye is what you need. 

Chiavaye is an excellent daily vaginal moisturizer. And it won’t stain sheets or clothes. 

#2: Face

Unfortunately, menopause and dry skin on the face often go hand in hand. 

No one wants dry skin on their face, as it is a tricky part of the body to hide! Usually, your T-zone is affected. This area includes your forehead, nose, and chin. 

During perimenopause, some women may get more oily and have breakouts, while others see changes later and experience menopause and dry skin patches. For some, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis can even begin. 

You may also start to notice more wrinkles and thinning skin during this time of your life.

#3: Arms

Your arms are another area where decreasing estrogen levels in your bloodstream affect you. Women often report noticing dry skin, especially on their elbows. This area often becomes hard and red. 

Are Menopausal Skin Changes Permanent?

Unfortunately, once your skin changes during menopause, the changes usually stick around for the long haul. 

However, that doesn’t mean that you are doomed. You can learn how to manage the effects and live more comfortably — it is possible!

What Helps Dry Skin During Menopause?

You can always make an appointment with your dermatologist to get a professional opinion about how to find relief for your dry skin if needed. 

Some recommendations often include:

• Applying moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin after showering or whenever your skin is feeling extra dry
• Exfoliation
• Microdermabrasion

Gently cleanse your skin daily. Follow a morning and nighttime routine. Exfoliating the top layer of dry skin can help your skin look healthier and even make your skin more radiant!

7 Lifestyle Changes That Can Help You Manage Dry Skin Caused by Menopause

Not only does what you put in and on your body matter, but your lifestyle can also help relieve menopause symptoms. 

Read on and create an action plan to help restore your life during menopause. It is time to take back your power.

#1: Don’t Skimp on Hydration

Water hydrates you and, therefore, can help improve skin conditions. During menopause, you lose the ability to retain water as you used it, so make sure you amp up your water intake. 

Drinking water is the way to hydrate your body from the inside out.

You may need more than the recommended 64 ounces (8 glasses) of water daily. 

#2: Use Daily Sun Protection

Protect your skin using a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sun damage can leave a build-up of dead cells on your skin and slow cell renewal, drying out the skin.

Apply sun protection even on cloudy and cold days. UV damage often happens when people aren’t paying enough attention. 

#3: Switch to Mild Soaps

Using a gentle, mild soap can help. Thicker creams and ointments are preferred over lotions. 

Stay away from deodorant, antibacterial, and scented soaps, as they can be harsh and strip away your body’s essential oils. 

#4: Avoid Hot Showers

You may love the feel of hot water running over your body, but unfortunately, it can dry out your skin. 

Take short, warm water showers to help minimize the water's drying effects on your skin.

Cold water can also benefit dry skin while giving you a healthy glow.

Furthermore, try patting yourself dry after showering. When you rub dry skin, it can become more irritated. Use a clean, soft towel to pat your skin down.

#5: Apply Moisturizers Daily

Vitamin E is oh-so-good for your skin — add it to your skincare routine.

Look for moisturizers with ingredients such as:

• Shea butter 
• Olive oil
• Jojoba oil
• Topical antioxidants, including green tea or vitamin C
• Hyaluronic acid; and
• Lactic acid

Additionally, products including retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acid, and alcohol-based toners can cause symptoms to worsen. 

And, of course, there is Chiavaye to use as your personal moisturizer and lubricant. It is the best sex lube and is made especially for sensitive skin. 

#6: Incorporate Healthy Diet Choices 

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids and can help keep your skin hydrated as they produce oil in your skin. 

Try adding these foods to your diet:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Safflower oil
• Flax
• Walnuts
• Fortified eggs; and
• Algae oils

Alcohol and nicotine contain harmful chemicals known to dry out your skin — limit your intake!

#7: Exercise Frequently

Get moving to help nutrients and oxygen circulate to every part of your body and increase estrogen levels.

Exercise is thought to be a natural way also to increase collagen.

A study showed that older athletes had healthier skin than those who lived a more sedentary life. 

Try getting your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes a few times a week and see if you notice any improvements in your skin. Most likely, you will also see other benefits with this practice!

Chiavaye Personal Lubricant: Something Every Menopausal Woman Needs

When going through life changes, learn about the sexual, physical, and emotional effects of menopause so that you understand what to do about them.

Thankfully, if you experience dry, itchy skin and menopause, there are steps you can take to find relief.

Additionally, Chiavaye will help, so you do not want to shy away from sex during menopause. This lubricant lets you stop worrying about vaginal dryness, which can cause pain during sex. In addition, you can use Chiavaye as a daily moisturizer. Purchasing one product that will work all over is a win-win!

Chiavaye contains no fillers, preservatives, toxic chemicals, or artificial flavors — just six all-natural ingredients:

• Sunflower Seed Oil 
• Grapeseed Oil 
• Coconut Oil 
• Almond Oil 
• Evening Primrose Oil; and 
• Vitamin E

Chiavaye is way more than just a sex lube company. Not only can Chavaye help with dryness in women during menopause, but it can also help:

• Endometriosis patients
• New moms; and 
• Cancer survivors

Place an order today and add a date night full of pleasure to your calendar, which can make you feel more relaxed and connected to your feminine energy. Let Chiavaye help you open to feeling more confident in your body; everyone deserves to feel radiant!