During menopause, your body is experiencing change and upheaval at a dramatic rate. It seems as if there are noticeable differences in your skin daily, and these differences can be hard to combat and even harder to cope with. Not only are you experiencing dry skin, thinning hair, and a myriad of other physical changes, you are not in your best emotional state to deal with these changes.
In order to understand how to deal with dry skin and the changes in your body during menopause, you first need to understand what causes dry skin and other similar changes during this phase of your life. The changes in your skin, hair, complexion, and build are all due to changes that are occurring inside of your body.
Menopause: The Basics
Between the ages of 40 and 60, women who have not undergone surgery to remove their ovaries will experience the effects of these organs shutting down, otherwise called menopause. Since ovaries are responsible for producing hormones, menopause is a time of great change. Your period will become unpredictable and scant before it disappears completely. You may experience hot flashes, mood swings, and pain during sex.
With all of this going on, you may think that dry skin will be the least of your worries, and it very well may be. But the lack of estrogen in your system can cause a great deal of problems with your skin. At normal levels, estrogen stimulates the production of collagen and oils in the skin both of which are responsible for youthful, healthy skin.
Without estrogen, skin can dry out and age. Wrinkles may appear at a more rapid rate. Hair can become dull and listless. It may even begin to thin out. All of these changes in your appearance can leave you feeling depressed during a time when you're already not feeling your best. This is why it is so important to address your dry skin and lifeless hair. Doing so will help you feel better about your appearance and yourself, and this will help make menopause more bearable.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Dry Skin
Many women choose to replace the estrogen in their bodies through hormone replacement therapy. Taking estrogen orally can do a lot to combat menopause symptoms including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, dry skin, mood swings, etc. But there are side effects that come along with the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Keep this in mind and do your homework before beginning an estrogen replacement regimen.
Taking Care of Dry Skin during Menopause
Addressing dry skin during menopause takes a little more time and attention than during other times of your life. You should always make sure that your skin is properly moisturized. Be sure to use lotion several times throughout the day. You should also begin a moisturizing and anti-aging skin care routine for the delicate skin of your face if you do not already have one. Here are a few more ideas to help your skin during menopause:
* Treat your new, sensitive skin with extra care. Always use sunscreen and moisturizers at every opportunity.
* Be sure to humidify your home. Purchase an inexpensive humidifier and place it in your bedroom to use at night. If you do not have a humidifier, heat a pot of water on the stove every day to release moisture into the air.
* There are several herbal and vitamin therapies that go a long way in alleviating dry skin. Look for products that contain vitamins A and E. You should also look for products that are formulated specifically for hair and skin.
* Cool down your bath water. The aches and pains of aging and menopause may have you wanting to soak in the tub or spa more frequently. Be careful, though. Hot water dries out your skin more than anything else. If you must soak, be sure to moisturize intensely after.
* Drink plenty of water. Drinking water is vital for your physical health as well as the health of your skin. So be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you are combating dry skin.
Dry skin and menopause do not need to go hand in hand. There are ways that you can keep healthy, youthful, vibrant skin throughout menopause. Follow all of the tips mentioned above and talk to your doctor if any symptoms become unbearable. Menopause can be a smooth transition, but you have to work at it.
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