6 Best Skincare Products That Moisturize Dry Skin Caused by Menopause: Dermatologist Recommendations
Top dermatologists explain the correlation between menopause and dry skin and how to fix it
We survived the hot flashes, irregular periods, brain fog and insomnia that came with our perimenopause years, only to enter into menopause and find our skin is so… darn… dry. Sure, it’s not the worst symptom we have to weather at this era in our lives, plus, no more worrying about tampons anymore, right ladies? But when our skin is dry it just opens the door for a whole host of other issues from irritation and redness to even more wrinkles and sagging. So we polled top dermatologists to find out exactly what the connection is between menopause and dry skin and discovered the best skincare to combat it. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Why skin gets so dry once entering menopause
During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels can lead to some uncomfortable changes in the skin, including increased dryness, explains Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, board certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. “Estrogen helps to maintain hydration and supports the production of collagen and natural oils, so when levels of estrogen drop, the skin loses moisture and becomes thinner and less elastic.” And that’s not all, adds Anne McNeill, MD, PhD, FAAD, Newport Beach, CA Concierge Board-Certified Dermatologist & Board-Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon. “This decrease in oils causes a dry feeling and dull appearance and it also interferes with the skin barrier function, lowering the ability of the skin to retain water.”
Even worse, notes Dr. McNeill, “decreased skin barrier function can make the skin more sensitive to some skincare products. And low estrogen decreases collagen and elastin production, which can, unfortunately, make skin more lax or wrinkled-appearing.”
What can help to combat dry skin during menopause?
Menopause and dry skin tip: Moisturize!
Just like with dry skin at any stage of life, the answer is simple: moisturizers. However, Doris Day, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City cautions, “I find that in general most women post-menopause benefit from using a richer cream both at night and in the morning, whereas pre-menopause they would be able to use a lighter product in the morning.”
Menopause and dry skin tip: Use these ingredients
Dr. McNeill agrees with the above advice, adding that whether slathering on a cream, lotion or serum, “ceramides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, retinol and mineral sunscreens are important things to look for in skincare products during this time. And avoid products with alcohol or alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acids as they can be more drying or irritating.”
Menopause and dry skin tip: Make these modifications
Robin L. Smith, MD, founder of Exotropin, LLC which owns skincare line Exoceuticals, and a trailblazer in regenerative medicine and disruptive innovations in health, wellness and longevity advises making sun protection and lifestyle changes. “Protecting the skin from UV damage is critical during menopause. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours can help prevent further pigmentation and damage.” Also, adds Dr. Smith, “avoid personal care products with fragrances as fragrances can irritate the skin and lead to more dryness.”
For more on combating menopause and dry skin, keep scrolling!
The best skincare for menopausal skin
Best face cream: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Almost every dermatologist we spoke to sang the praises of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Mosturizer. It’s lightweight, but really does some heavy lifting with it’s plethora of hydrating ingredients including ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin and their proprietary Prebiotic Thermal Water. These ingredients work together to not only repair skin’s barrier but restore moisture for smooth, baby-soft skin.
Best hydrating serum (splurge): Emepelle Serum
Jeanine Downie, MD, board certified dermatologist in Montclair, NJ recommends Emepelle Serum to her menopausal patients because it’s made with their patented MEP (methyl esterdiolpropanonate) Technology. “MEP helps to replenish the skin due to the loss of the hormone estrogen. So it’s not a hormone, and that’s really important, because a lot of women—especially those with cancer—don’t want to touch hormones.
“MEP works non-hormonally to simulate estrogen receptor pathways in the skin.” The result: It helps to reinvigorate skin’s natural source of radiance for more healthy, youthful looking skin. Despite the high price, we like it because not only does it help promote visible improvements in the dryness, laxity and dullness of menopausal skin, but it helps to “obviously decrease fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Downie attests. “Plus, it doesn’t cause irritation, can be used by those with sensitive skin and is great for all skin tones.”
For a lower cost serum, Dr, Engelman recommends Now Solutions Hyaluronic Firming Serum. “It’s great at protecting the skin and balancing healthy moisture levels.”
Best moisturizing face mask: Caire Beauty Triple Lift Molecule Mask
“Caire Beauty is my preferred midlife menopausal skincare line as it is carefully formulated for women’s skin of this age,” attests Beth Goldstein, MD, dermatologist and co-founder of ModernRitual.com, who specializes in menopause. “It’s very clean [and] made with proprietary delivery systems designed to deliver natural ceramide lipids across the entirety of the skin barrier.” She recommends their Triple Lift Molecule Mask, because not only will it hydrate skin, but “it can improve skin texture quality, which is a large part of what makes women uncomfortable with their skin in their 50s and beyond.”
Best hydrating body wash: Dove Vitality Renewal Serum Body Wash
“Although both face and body experience dryness due to menopause, they often require different types of care because of the variations in skin texture, thickness and oil production,” explains Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, CT. “The face, with its thinner skin and higher need for anti-aging ingredients, requires a more specialized approach with lighter, yet deeply hydrating products. The body, with its thicker and often rougher skin, benefits from richer, heavier moisturizers and exfoliation.”
Her solution for body skin is to shower with a moisturizing body wash that replenishes the nutrients lost, like Dove Vitality Renewal Serum Body Wash. “It’s infused with 4% restoring serum with collagen, pure glycerin and active MicroMoisture—their patented formula that deposits millions of droplets onto your skin, retaining, boosting and regenerating moisture all day long—so it helps renew moisture and leaves your skin feeling firmer and more supple.” Her tip: When showering, always look to avoid harsh soaps and too-hot showers that can strip the skin of its natural oils and contribute to dryness.
Best balm for down there: SweetSpot Labs Rescue Balm
If you’re like us, since starting menopause you’ve noticed a lack of moisture everywhere on your body—especially down below. Ouch. The easy fix: SweetSpot Labs Rescue Balm is made with humectant shea butter, emollient sweet almond oil + avocado oil, and occlusive colloidal oatmeal + zinc oxide to moisturize, relieve and protect intimate skin. It instantly locks in moisture to relieve and protect dry, itchy, dermatitis or eczema-prone skin and best of all, it can be used anywhere on the body where skin is dry.
Best skincare patch: Hero Cosmetics Rescue Patch
Don’t like the greasy feel of thick creams and serums? A patch, like Hero Cosmetics Rescue Patch, can help! Not only does it instantly moisturize the skin, but it supports skin’s barrier with super hydrators like: Panthenol (it has hydrating and reparative properties), Beta-glucan (a humectant that is said to be 20% more hydrating than hyaluronic acid) and Oligopeptide (studies have found they help to increase collagen for plumper, more hydrated skin).
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