Are you experiencing sudden dryness in your skin? The onset of dry skin in perimenopause can take many by surprise and come with a host of other physical and emotional symptoms like breakouts, mood swings, fatigue and facial hair growth.
This life stage deserves care and kindness; our skin and bodies are going through a lot now - I know first hand from my experience as a skincare formulator and 49 year old. So, whether you're perimenopausal like me, menopausal or planning ahead in your 30s, this blog shares expert tips to restore your radiance and rejuvenate your skin. Let's get started!
Does perimenopause cause dry skin?
As you hit perimenopause, hormone levels spike and fall erratically. Oestrogen is the hormone that plays the most significant role in skin health. When oestrogen levels drop, it becomes harder for your skin to balance naturally occurring oil production (sebum) and maintain its barrier function, preventing excessive water loss. Dry skin in this life stage is more than just the occasional rough, flaky patch, but a more persistent dryness that can leave skin feeling fragile, sensitive and taking longer to heal from damage. Boosting hydration and moisture is more important than ever.
Symptoms of dry skin
Here's what to look for:
- Tightness in your skin and a feeling of discomfort, especially after cleansing.
- Itching, peeling and flaking skin
- Redness and irritation.
- Dull, tired-looking complexion.
- Increased sensitivity to skincare products.
Falling oestrogen also causes a drop in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, the building blocks that give your skin its bounce, spring and hydrated look and feel.
Perimenopause (and menopause) can look different for every woman. Even those with dry skin may experience breakouts. This is because your skin tries to compensate for decreased oestrogen by producing more androgen hormones, e.g. testosterone, which can increase oiliness and block pores. You might find you are breaking out like a teenager again!
If your skin feels out of kilter, and the routine that worked before isn't enough, fear not - these tweaks will help you manage dryness and get your skin glowing again!
Tips to soothe dry skin in perimenopause
1. Avoid Hot Showers
Hot water might ease sore muscles, but it's harsh on your skin, stripping it of its precious natural oils and leaving it crying out for moisture. So, turn down the heat next time you want to shower or treat yourself to a cocooning warm bath instead.
2. Gentle cleansing
Switch wipes, micellar water and foaming cleansers for a gentle, nourishing cleansing balm to effectively remove dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Product recommendation: Reset Cleansing Balm is loaded with nourishing ingredients like moringa oil, mango butter and carrot root, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids to give your skin that much-needed moisture boost.
3. Go easy on the exfoliator
Exfoliation helps promote a brighter complexion by shedding dead skin cells to reveal new cells below. It also helps your beautiful serums and creams penetrate deeper into your skin. However, don't be tempted to over-exfoliate. A twice-weekly skin polish or gentle alpha-hydroxy acid liquid exfoliator will promote cell turnover while supporting your delicate skin barrier.
4. Hydration, hydration, hydration
Hydration is key to tackling dry skin during this stage of life. Healthy, hydrated skin comes from having oil (moisture) and water (hydration) in your skin's natural moisture barrier. Look out for a mix of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic, ectoin, niacinamide and plant oils rich in essential fatty acids like cold-pressed Marula oil and Red Raspberry Seed oil.
Pro tip: Apply serums, moisturiser and facial oils while your skin is still damp. This simple trick helps lock in extra hydration and helps your skin to feel super soft, supple and hydrated.
Product recommendations: Replenish hydrating serum floods your skin with hydration, balances and brightens, helping to strengthen the skin barrier. Revive Multi-action Face Cream is soothing plumping and brings you long-lasting hydration. Lastly, lock in that moisture with a couple of drops of a quality plant-based facial oil like Pamoja's Restore radiance booster, made with skin-loving omega oils, vitamins and antioxidants.
Holistic tips to prevent dryness
- Hydrate and nourish your skin from the inside out, and if you can limit alcohol, which is known to dry out your skin. Life's all about balance though.
- Pick a daily sunscreen that suits your skin type and gives you the matt or glowy skin feel you want. That way, you'll look forward to wearing it every day.
- Enjoy a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, e.g. walnuts, chia seeds, salmon, trout, and oils like flaxseed, soybean and sacha inchi. They help to reduce inflammation and balance hormones.
Like any rite of passage, perimenopause and menopause can be rocky. Skin changes can knock confidence and leave you feeling like you are just not yourself. Although it's a natural process, that doesn't mean you must 'get on' with it.
The perimenopause transition is an opportunity to pause, reassess your skin needs, and make some tweaks to help you feel more in control of your skin. It's also an opportunity to focus on you.
Your skincare ritual is a great way to bring calm into the day. It's more than a routine; it's an invitation to show up for yourself daily, and it may even be the only time you stop and consciously care for yourself.
With Pamoja, you are nourishing your skin and nurturing yourself. You deserve to feel your best and sail calmly through this hormonal storm!
Thanks for reading my blog.
Sarah x
Are you new to Pamoja?
Hi, I'm Sarah, a 49 year old perimenopausal woman, trained skincare formulator and founder of Pamoja.
Pamoja is a high-performing natural skincare brand designed to help you nourish your skin and nurture yourself, because I believe you deserve more kindness in your daily routine - life is too short!
Now with over 400+ five-star reviews. As seen in Vogue, Stylist, Woman's Health, Health and Wellbeing Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, Top Sante and more.
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Copyright: Sarah Taylor 18th October 2023.
Other reading:
6 Ways to Adapt Your Skincare in Your 40s
How to Simplify your Skincare Routine
5 ways to turn your evening skincare routine into a soothing ritual for calm and wellbeing.