Skin Care for Menopause

Dry skin may occur due to menopause because estrogen level drops dramatically when women go through the "change of life." According to Dermnetnz.org, estrogen impacts virtually every organ in our system and that includes the skin. Estrogen receptors are located, among other places, in our face, genital area and lower limbs so when our estrogen production diminishes, these areas in particular are affected.

Fluids

• Skin tends to dry out as we go through menopause, according to Menopauseatoz.com so you need to make a concerted effort to get more fluid into your body and into your skin. One way of doing this is by adding 1 tbsp. of safflower oil, olive oil, sunflower oil or canola oil to your diet on a daily basis. You can drink it straight or add it to your food.

Necessary Ingredients

• When choosing products for the skin, make sure that the ingredients include lanolin or mineral oil, water and petroleum, all of which will help re-hydrate your skin.

Exfoliate

• If your aging skin is looking dull, exfoliate your skin a couple of times a week. This will get rid of dead skin cells and you should look healthier as a result.

Consider HRT

• Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is highly controversial because of its link to breast cancer, Skinbiology.com reports the present estrogen replacement therapies (ERT) are safer and can reverse or at least delay the negative changes that occur to the skin and hair as a result of estrogen deficiency during menopause. Ask your physician what she thinks about this.

Hydration

• If you are menopausal, consume copious amounts of liquid (that do not contain caffeine) to keep your body and your skin hydrated, according to Goherbalremedies.com (See Additional Resources). Water helps you keep your internal hydration levels high and where they once were, which is beneficial to your skin and its appearance. Dry, dehydrated skin does not look or feel good.

Eat Estrogenic Foods

• Naturally increase your depleted estrogen levels by eating the following foods which contain estrogenic substances, according to Homemademedicine.com (See Additional Resources): Garlic, green beans, alfalfa, soybeans, crushed flaxseed, sesame seeds, soy sprouts, pumpkin seeds, wheat, yams, corn, cucumbers, corn, cabbage, beets, apples, anise seeds, peas, olive oil, olives, papaya and sunflower seeds. Doing so will improve the condition of your skin from the inside out.

Home Remedies

• Homemademedicine.com recommends regularly using the following toner on your face to restore your skin's texture to its pre-menopausal state: combine 2 oz. of aloe vera gel with 1 tsp. wine vinegar, 2 oz. of orange blossom water, 6 drops of rose geranium essential oil, 1 drop of chamomile essential oil, 4 drops of sandalwood essential oil and 800 UI of vitamin E oil. Mix the ingredients and then, using a cotton ball, douse it in the mixture, swipe the cotton ball across your face after you have washed your face. This will remove left-over dirt and residue that your cleanser missed and will make your face feel fresher and cleaner.