Navigating Menopause Skin Changes with Confidence

Our 2024 research with National Eczema Society highlights the importance of providing more support for women facing skin changes during menopause. For more detailed statistics and findings from our menopause research, please click here.
 
This blog aims to explain what menopause is, how it affects the skin, and provide tips to manage skin impacts effectively.

Understanding menopause

Menopause is a natural stage in life where periods stop due to the ovaries producing less of a hormone called oestrogen.1,2 Usually, the menopause affects women between 45 and 55 but it can happen at any age.3

Skin changes during menopause

There are many physical and psychological effects of menopause, among which skin changes are quite common.4 During menopause, oestrogen levels, which stimulate the formation of skin-smoothing collagen and oils, begin to decline. As a result, the skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes, leading to increased dryness and itchiness.5

Tips for Managing Menopausal Skin

We understand that changes to skin health can be frustrating, so we have teamed up with Dermatology Nurse Consultant, Paula Oliver, who has over 30 years’ experience in dry and sensitive skin, to share her tips on managing menopausal skin:

 

1. Moisturise Regularly

Hormonal changes can significantly reduce skin hydration, so moisturising twice daily with rich, fragrance-free products can help replenish the skin barrier.

 

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support skin hydration from within, especially if you’re experiencing dry, flaky skin.

 

3. Use Gentle Cleansers

Choose gentle, non-foaming cleansers (with low pH) or use an emollient as a soap substitute to maintain skin’s natural oils, which are often stripped away by more aggressive products.

 

4. Avoid Triggers

Some women find that environmental factors, such as fragrances and wool or synthetic fabrics next to the skin, can worsen their skin condition, so it can be helpful to identify and avoid triggers.

 

5. Seek Healthcare Professional Advice if Needed

First seek assessment and advice from your GP practice and, if your symptoms are persistent or severe, ask for a referral to a dermatologist, who can offer targeted relief and specialised treatment options.

  1. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/menopause-dry-skin-hormone-connection (Accessed March 2025)
  2. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/menopause/ (Accessed March 2025)
  3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/ (Accessed March 2025)
  4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/ (Accessed March 2025)
  5. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/menopause-skin-changes#how-skin-changes (Accessed March 2025)

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Menopause and Eczema: Impacts and Insights

New research by EPIMAX® and National Eczema Society has revealed the often-hidden impact of menopause on skin health, with many women encountering unexpected issues like dry skin and eczema as they undergo hormonal changes.

 
The survey involving over 700 women across the UK who suffer from eczema and dry skin revealed some striking statistics:

25%

of women experienced eczema for the first time during menopause.

32%

suffer from dry skin or eczema on their face.

28%

knew that menopause could impact their skin health.

91%

believe that hormonal changes triggered their dry skin and eczema.

Impact on Daily Lives

The survey also revealed that 85% of respondents felt that their eczema and dry skin impacted their lives, affecting their confidence, relationships, hobbies, and social interactions. The data shows that these issues leave many women feeling:

73%

Self-conscious

43%

Sad

47%

Stressed

34%

Fatigued
Unexpected Financial Costs

In an effort to manage menopause symptoms, 10% of women are spending an average of £500 per year on skincare and treatments tailored for dry skin and eczema. This underlines the financial cost of menopause-related skin issues as they search for effective solutions.

The Need for Increased Support

87% of women wish they had known more about the connection between menopause and skin health before experiencing it firsthand. Over 90% of respondents stated that there isn’t enough information available for those suffering from eczema or dry skin during menopause.

Paula Oliver, Dermatology Nurse Consultant for EPIMAX®, emphasizes the importance of empowerment through information: “Women need to be empowered with the right information and resources to manage these skin changes. Seeking advice from healthcare professionals who understand the specific needs of menopausal women can make a significant difference in managing symptoms. The research highlights the often-overlooked toll that menopause can take on skin health. Dry skin and eczema during menopause can have real impacts on daily life and emotional well-being, yet so many women remain in the dark about what’s happening to their skin until they experience it first-hand. Greater awareness is key, as is making sure that women have access to effective products and resources to help them manage these changes.”

Keisha Sayers, Campaigns Lead at National Eczema Society, adds: “Many women are taken by surprise by the effects of menopause on their skin, with symptoms like dryness and eczema often arriving unexpectedly. Along with the physical discomfort, these conditions can have a real emotional and social impact, leaving women feeling isolated and frustrated. At National Eczema Society, we want women to know that they’re not alone and that there is support available. Our advice to those experiencing menopausal skin changes is to stay informed and take extra care with your skin. We encourage anyone who is struggling with eczema to reach out to us and look at the resources, community support, and practical tips for managing these symptoms available on our website www.eczema.org. The survey also highlights the urgent need for more research to better understand the impact of hormonal changes on eczema and the skin, and ways to better support women.”

So, where can you look for support for menopause-related skin concerns?
  • Your GP: Seek assessment and advice from your GP practice. For persistent or severe symptoms, you can request a referral to a dermatologist for targeted relief and specialised treatment options.
  • National Eczema Society: As highlighted by Keisha, the National Eczema Society is a valuable resource and encourages anyone struggling with eczema to reach out and explore the resources, community support, and practical tips available on their website www.eczema.org.

These findings from the ‘Menopause and Eczema: Impacts and Insights’ survey highlight the urgent need to find ways to better support women who are facing the physical effects of menopause. More help and support are crucial for empowering women to navigate these skin health challenges.

 

[All statistics are from a survey of 710 respondents who are experiencing menopause and suffering with eczema or dry skin conducted by EPIMAX® and National Eczema Society in October 2024]

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