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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Skin-Friendly Tips for Better Rest

EPIMAX® Eyelid Ointment on bedding

For people living with dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult. The discomfort and itchiness that often comes with these conditions can lead to disrupted sleep, significantly affecting quality of rest and overall wellbeing.

 

It’s widely understood that sleep is essential for helping maintain our health, so what can you do to help improve yours?

Why you might feel itchier at night:

 

During the night, your skin loses more moisture than it does during the day, leading to increased dryness and itchiness.1 Additionally, the ‘itch sensation’ may feel more intense as there are less distractions while you are trying to sleep than during the day.2

To help break the itch-cycle during the night, why not try practicing mindfulness, meditation or breathing exercises to help redirect your focus and attention.2

Did you know we spend over a third of our lifetime in bed? 
It’s essential to create a skin-friendly environment in your bedroom.3

Here’s how you can optimise your bedroom setup:

 
  • Choose a lower tog duvet (between 1.5 and 4.5 tog) to help you keep cool overnight.4 In colder months perhaps use two thinner duvets so one can be removed if you are getting too hot in the night. If you and your partner have different sleeping temperature preferences, consider using separate duvets.5
  • Some people find that feather filling in pillows and duvets can trigger flare-ups, so instead, look for synthetic bedding that is non-allergenic.6
  • Avoid using a memory foam mattress as it traps heat in your bed by moulding around the shape of your body.4,5
  • Try not to keep lots of soft furnishings on your bed and in your bedroom as they can harbour dust. Some people with eczema find it helpful to swap carpets for hard flooring and curtains for wooden or metal blinds, as they are easier to keep clean.5
EPIMAX® Original Cream 100g on Bedside Table

Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Space:

 
  • Clean your bedroom frequently and damp-dust (using a lightly dampened cloth or sponge) to remove dust, pollen, and mould. Air your room out with fresh air during the day, unless there’s a high pollen count.5
  • Wash bedding regularly (if possible, at least twice a week) to remove dust and other allergens, as well as any emollient or treatment residue that could be deposited on and trapped in your sheets5
  • Vacuum your mattress thoroughly each time you change your bedding to keep it clean and remove dust.5, 6
  • Opt for natural, breathable fabrics for your sleepwear, such as cotton, bamboo, or silk. Cotton is a popular choice for both nightwear and bedding because it can be washed at high temperatures to remove skin debris, house dust-mite droppings and emollient residue.5 
EPIMAX® Oatmeal Cream 100g on Bedside Table
We hope these tips help you to have more comfortable night’s sleep!

 

Always read the label.

Precautions: Fire hazard. Do not smoke or go near naked flames; clothing & bedding with this product dried on them can catch fire easily.

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/itchy-skin-at-night (Accessed March 2025)
  2. https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/news/psoriasis-and-sleep-question-answer (Accessed March 2025)
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21056174/ (Accessed March 2025)
  4. 165-Exchange-Bedding-article.pdf (Accessed March 2025)
  5. https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/living-with-eczema/sleep-and-eczema/ (Accessed March 2025)
  6. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-sleep-tips (Accessed March 2025)

 

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Be Christmas Ready with EPIMAX®

EPIMAX® 100g tubes on Christmas table

Christmas season is upon us, so we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you enjoy the festivities whilst also protecting your skin!

 

Whether you’re decorating your home, heading to a Christmas Party, braving an outdoor event, or packing for a festive getaway, this blog is full of tips for you.

 
 

Making Christmas magic at home:

Whilst natural Christmas trees are lovely, they can pose challenges for people with eczema as they release pollen, which is an airborne allergen and the oil (terpene) found in sap can cause contact allergies when touched.1 As an alternative, consider using an artificial tree in your home, which can be reused each year. Before putting it up in your living area, make sure to remove any dust that may have gathered over the year, as dust buildup can also cause skin flare-ups. Additionally, when choosing Christmas decorations, look for ones can easily be damp dusted to help remove this trigger.2

Although it is tempting to fill your home with seasonal scents, the synthetic chemicals in scented products (such as candles, air fresheners and room sprays) can cause irritation and trigger eczema flares.3

EPIMAX® ExCetra Cream 100g in bag

Christmas Parties:

Let’s start with the big question…what to wear?

We know it’s common for people to be encouraged to wear Christmas jumpers to events at this time of year. Often made of synthetic materials like polyester and viscose, they can cause overheating, sweating, and itchiness for people with eczema, psoriasis or dry skin.4 Feeling itchy and uncomfortable at events can really ruin the Christmas spirit, so if you are planning on wearing one, we suggest wearing a cotton base layer underneath to help protect your skin.5

Additionally, party outfits with scratchy sequins and glitter on them can be really irritating to the skin. Why not look for outfits made of softer materials, such as silk, cotton, or bamboo instead which can look equally as glamourous. The temperature at events can also be unpredictable, so wearing multiple layers is a good idea to avoid overheating.

When getting your bag together, remember to take an emollient so you can easily reapply it as needed throughout the event. Our 100g EPIMAX® tubes are conveniently sized to fit in your bag, without taking up the space needed for other essentials.

Outdoors Events:  

If you’re heading out to a Christmas Markets, or you are even lucky enough to experience snow, the cold weather can be triggering to dry skin conditions.6

Many people with eczema find that wool and synthetic materials (often in winter hats, scarfs, and gloves) can cause overheating, sweating and irritation. Instead, we suggest you look for soft, seam-free fabric alternatives: natural fabrics such as cotton or bamboo may be more skin-friendly.6

No matter how much you wrap up warm, your eyelids remain exposed to the elements, leaving them vulnerable to drying out from the cold and wind. After being outside, applying EPIMAX® Eyelid Ointment to your eyelids is a great way to soothe, hydrate and comfort dry skin around the delicate eye area.

For more tips on braving the cold and managing your skin, read our Dry skin in Winter – Epimax blog.

EPIMAX® 500g tottles on winter wear
EPIMAX® Eyelid Ointment surronded by Christmas stars and ribbon.

Christmas Trips:

We know the festive season can bring a lot of travelling opportunities with it! Don’t get caught up in the Christmas flurry and forget to pack your EPIMAX® emollients. If you are travelling for a longer period, why not take a 500g EPIMAX® tottle or tub with you in your luggage!

We suggest you try to stick to your usual skincare routine as much as you can when in a different environment, to help prevent flare ups. 

If you are sensitive to different washing powders/detergents, taking your own bedding when you go away can help to make you feel more comfortable. If possible, adjusting the room temperature and damp dusting will also help reduce additional skin triggers.

The EPIMAX® team wishes you a Merry Christmas!
We hope these tips will help you to enjoy the festive season.

1. Watch out for these holiday hazards | National Eczema Association (Accessed November 2024)

2. The 12 Eczema Tips for Christmas | National Eczema Society (Accessed November 2024)

3. Avoid a Christmas Eczema Flare – Tips from the experts! (Accessed November 2024)

4. Eczema – Friendly Clothing | National Eczema Society (Accessed November 2024)

5. Looking after your skin at Christmas – Eczema Outreach Support (Accessed November 2024)

6. Weather and Eczema | National Eczema Society (Accessed November 2024)

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Back to School with EPIMAX®

We understand that for children living with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin, the school environment can often trigger or worsen their symptoms.1 The sudden change back-to-school brings for daily activity can also mean a modified skincare routine is needed to maintain skin health.

 
We are here to support you and your family with the transition!
EPIMAX® ExCetra Cream with bath toys

Firstly, we know that school mornings are already very busy for families, however applying emollients in the morning is a great way to protect and prepare your child’s skin for the day. If the forecast is predicting September sun, make sure wait 30 minutes before then applying sunscreen.2  

 

Discussing your child’s health needs with their school and teachers can be helpful for improving their school experience and confidence. If your child is young, members of staff may be able to help remind them to apply emollients throughout the day and encourage them to pat or tap the skin instead of itch, during a flare up. 

Try some more of our top tips below to help your child manage their eczema symptoms throughout the school day: 

 

  • Classroom environments can often feel hot and stuffy, so why not try requesting that your child’s seat is moved near a classroom window or door to prevent overheating and itching. The airflow should make this area cooler.1
  • If you can, opt for 100% cotton school uniform rather than synthetic fibres and wool, which can be irritating to skin. This should be more comfortable and cooler for your child.1
  • Using an emollient instead of school soap to wash hands can help prevent skin from drying out.3 Even better if your child remembers to moisturise with an emollient after washing them.1
  • Encourage your child to keep their favourite emollient with them during the school day and frequently reapply. Our 100g EPIMAX® tubes are conveniently sized to fit in a school or book bag for easy access! Alternatively, larger containers can be stored in school lockers or drawers making them easy to reach and convenient during the day.
EPIMAX® Original Cream with school pencil case
For more support, we recommend you read The National Eczema Society’s useful guide on how to help manage your child’s eczema at school: 
School Information Pack | National Eczema Society
  1. School Information Pack | National Eczema Society (Accessed September 2024) 
  2. Sun and Eczema | National Eczema Society  (Accessed September 2024) 
  3. Emollients – NHS (www.nhs.uk)  (Accessed September 2024) 

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