Have you joined the Dry Brigade?

Just when you thought you were out of the hormonal woods, here comes perimenopause and its unique drama… mood swings, insomnia and your skin doesn’t feel like your own…

During perimenopause, some women’s skin becomes dry due to hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining the skin’s moisture and elasticity by supporting oil production and collagen synthesis. As estrogen decreases, several effects contribute to dry skin:

Why Skin Becomes Dry During Perimenopause:

Reduced Oil Production: Estrogen stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce sebum (natural oils), which keeps the skin moisturized. Lower estrogen means reduced sebum, causing the skin to become dry.
Decreased Collagen and Elastin: Estrogen helps maintain collagen and elastin, which provide skin with strength and flexibility. As these proteins diminish, skin becomes thinner and more prone to moisture loss.
Weakened Skin Barrier: A healthy skin barrier helps retain moisture, but hormonal changes can impair this barrier, making the skin more susceptible to dryness and irritation.
Slower Cell Turnover: As cell turnover slows, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface, leading to a rough, dry texture.

What Women Can Do About Dry Skin During Perimenopause:

Moisturize Regularly:
- Use a rich, hydrating moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier.
- Opt for occlusive agents like light weight oils (baobab, macadamia) to prevent water loss, but not clog pores
- Use nutritious oils to lock in moisture that you have applied to your skin. Castor oil has been called ‘nature’s botox’ as it plumps up skin and minimizes wrinkles and fine lines.
Use Gentle Cleansers:
- Choose non-foaming, hydrating cleansers that don’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Avoid harsh soaps and sulfates.
Exfoliate Carefully:
- Exfoliate gently using chemical exfoliants like AHAs (e.g., lactic acid), which can remove dead skin cells without overly drying the skin. Limit physical exfoliation like harsh scrubs and rough sponges to avoid irritation.
Apply Sunscreen:
- Protect skin from UV damage, which can worsen dryness and accelerate aging, by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
- For some women, HRT can help balance estrogen levels, improving skin hydration and elasticity. This should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Dietary Support:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in healthy fats (like omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and seeds) to support skin moisture from within.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid Hot Showers:
- Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, so opt for lukewarm water when bathing and apply moisturizer immediately afterward to lock in moisture.

By adjusting skincare routines, using moisturizing and nourishing products, and possibly exploring hormonal treatments, women can effectively manage dry skin during perimenopause.