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.

EPI1010451DDD1_MAR2025

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]

EPI1010451EEE1_MAR2025

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.
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.

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.

EPI1010451BBB1_NOV2024

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) 

EPI1010451AAA1_SEP2024

My EPIMAX® Evening Routine

A 7-step evening routine to help manage your symptoms of eczema and get a good night’s sleep. Our curated routine is filled with tips to help keep dry skin and flare-ups at bay.

When applying any emollient, always read the label and avoid contact with eyes.

Step 1 – Hydrating the skin inside out1,2

Hydrating the body from the inside is important for your skin’s overall health.

Make sure to drink plenty of water with your evening meal (and at least 6-8 glasses throughout the day!).

People with eczema have dry skin and are susceptible to weaker skin barrier function. Therefore, drinking water to keep the body and skin hydrated is recommended.

Step 2 – A relaxing EPIMAX® bath3

Adding an EPIMAX® Ointment to your evening bath can be very comforting on dry skin conditions. The ointments can prevent skin from drying by creating a thin film over the skin, inhibiting moisture loss. EPIMAX® Ointment and EPIMAX® Paraffin-free Ointment should not be used on the face, and you should wash your hands after use.

If you’re more of a shower person, try substituting your shower gel for an EPIMAX® cream or gel.

Don’t forget-hot water can dry out your skin so turn that water temperature down a bit!

Step 3 – Materials matter!4,5  

The materials of your pyjamas and bedding play an important role in helping to keep your skin comfortable. Materials such as wool and polyester could trigger your eczema symptoms. Opting for a fabric like cotton will keep you cool and comfortable.

Just as important, bear in mind that the products you use to wash these items can be irritating on your skin. It may help to use natural, fragrance-free washing detergents.

Step 4 – Your evening skincare routine

Finding a good skincare routine can be very helpful for keeping symptoms at bay.

Applying your preferred emollient at night allows the product to work undisturbed for hours.

Try using the EPIMAX® Eyelid Ointment just before bed to allow it hours of uninterrupted time to soothe, hydrate and comfort your eyelids.

Step 5 – Be prepared6,7

Planning for the next day the evening before could avoid unnecessary flare ups.

When you’re rushing, stressed and flustered your eczema symptoms could be provoked due to a spike in your stress hormones which can inflame the skin.

Sweating as a result of rushing can also irritate eczema-prone skin. Plan in advance for a calmer and flare-free morning.

Step 6 – No scents allowed8,9

While you’re relaxing and winding down in the evening, avoid any scented products such as candles, air fresheners and room sprays. The synthetic chemicals in these products could irritate your skin.

Step 7 – Sleep, sleep and more sleep10,11

Sleep is important for your overall skin health. While you sleep, your skin regenerates and mends. Disturbed sleep will interfere with the skin’s ability to mend broken skin and scratches.

Although it can be hard, try and get 7-9 hours a night to feel all the benefits of a good night’s sleep.

EPI1010451QQ2_AUG2024

Top tips for baby skin care

I’m a parent, what can I do to help my child with a dry skin condition?

You should always consult your GP or health visitor if you have any concerns about the health of your baby or child or think they may have a dry skin condition.

In the UK, eczema affects up to 20% of children and up to 3% of adults1. Psoriasis affects between 2% and 3% of the UK population (an estimate of up to 1.8 million people)2. Approximately 4% of all skin conditions diagnosed in children under 16 are attributed to psoriasis3.

How do I know if my baby or child has a dry skin condition?4

Babies often get red, scaly skin known as eczema. The symptoms are patches of red, dry and itchy skin on the face or behind the ears, and in the creases of the neck knees and elbows. With psoriasis, there may be plaques on the skin that are red, itchy and sore, with white or silvery scales. It can occur anywhere on the body, but psoriasis on the palms and soles, or in areas where skin touches skin is usually a different type2.

How can I help to soothe the dry skin condition?

Remember to consult a doctor or health care professional for advice on the treatment and management of your child’s skin condition. We’ve collated some information from the NHS below that may help:

Eczema4

  • Apply an unperfumed moisturiser (also known as an emollient) to the affected areas by smoothing into the skin several times a day for example, when you feed or change your baby to keep the skin hydrated
  • Avoid using soap, baby bath and bubble bath as these can dry or irritate the skin. Instead use a soap substitute that will help to keep the skin moisturised and won’t strip the skin’s natural barrier
  • Try to keep your child’s bedroom as cool as possible, as if they get hot then this can make their eczema worse
  • Try to identify and avoid anything that may be irritating their skin, such as soap powder, animals and chemical sprays

Psoriasis3

  • There are many different treatments available for psoriasis, it is best to speak with your doctor about the right one for your baby
  • Keep the skin comfortable by using an emollient to regularly moisturise it

For more information please visit the Education Epicentre.

References

  1. https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/370220
  2. https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/about-psoriasis
  3. http://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/psoriasis-in-children
  4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/

Dry skin in Winter

In this article, we will be taking a look at what it is like to have dry skin, or a dry skin condition in the winter months. For people with eczema and psoriasis, winter can be a challenging time to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups1,2.

Skin can become dry, red and irritated by things like a drop in temperature, central heating, wind, and low humidity3. Cold air tightens the skin’s pores4, this reduces the naturally occurring oil known as sebum, which acts as a protective layer and traps moisture next to the skin5. These seasonal changes can be enough to cause increased flare-ups for those with dry skin conditions6. Problematic areas of the body may be the hands and face that are exposed to the elements.

Here we share our tips for the things you can do during this time to minimize flare-ups and keep your skin as comfortable as possible. 

As with any emollient, always read the label. 

Listen to your skin and adapt your routine
Depending on your skin’s needs you may need to:

  • Apply your emollient more regularly to keep your skin moisturised and your symptoms in check
  • We’d recommend using a body wash, like EPIMAX® ExCetra Cream (all year round) so you don’t strip your skin’s natural, protective barrier
  • Consider adding a new product into your usual routine that may deliver a bigger hydration boost, like a gel or ointment if you usually use a cream formulation

Tips to help manage your symptoms

  • Wear gloves when you are outside to help protect your hands from the cold
  • Turn the heating down when you are indoors and put on extra layers of clothing
  • Limit your exposure to hot and dry environments like air-conditioned rooms or cars, or rooms containing open fires or wood burning stoves as they can further dry out the skin
  • Drink plenty of water during the day to help keep your skin hydrated
  • Think about the fabric you wear; some people find fabrics like silk to be less irritating on the skin7
  • Avoid taking hot baths and showers, hot water strips the natural oils from the skin

Everyone’s skin is different, which means that the product that works for you is unique to you. It’s important that you find a product that works for you, your symptoms and that fits around your lifestyle. Visit our product page to find a winter skincare moisturiser.

Our product range

EPI1010451S5_NOV2023

Top tips for baby skin care

I’m a parent, what can I do to help my child with a dry skin condition?

You should always consult your GP or health visitor if you have any concerns about the health of your baby or child or think they may have a dry skin condition.

In the UK, eczema affects up to 20% of children and up to 3% of adults1. Psoriasis affects between 2% and 3% of the UK population (an estimate of up to 1.8 million people)2. Approximately 4% of all skin conditions diagnosed in children under 16 are attributed to psoriasis3.

How do I know if my baby or child has a dry skin condition?4

Babies often get red, scaly skin known as eczema. The symptoms are patches of red, dry and itchy skin on the face or behind the ears, and in the creases of the neck knees and elbows. With psoriasis, there may be plaques on the skin that are red, itchy and sore, with white or silvery scales. It can occur anywhere on the body, but psoriasis on the palms and soles, or in areas where skin touches skin is usually a different type2.

How can I help to soothe the dry skin condition?

Remember to consult a doctor or health care professional for advice on the treatment and management of your child’s skin condition. We’ve collated some information from the NHS below that may help:

Eczema4

  • Apply an unperfumed moisturiser (also known as an emollient) to the affected areas by smoothing into the skin several times a day for example, when you feed or change your baby to keep the skin hydrated
  • Avoid using soap, baby bath and bubble bath as these can dry or irritate the skin. Instead use an emollient body wash that will help to keep the skin moisturised and won’t strip the skin’s natural barrier
  • Try to keep your child’s bedroom as cool as possible, as if they get hot then this can make their eczema worse
  • Try to identify and avoid anything that may be irritating their skin, such as soap powder, animals and chemical sprays

Psoriasis3

  • There are many different treatments available for psoriasis, it is best to speak with your doctor about the right one for your baby
  • Keep the skin comfortable by using an emollient to regularly moisturise it

For more information please visit the Education Epicentre.

EPIMAX® Moisturising Cream is suitable for use by the whole family, including children over the age of one month. The rest of the EPIMAX® range is suitable for all ages.

References

  1. https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/370220 (Accessed November 2023)
  2. https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/about-psoriasis (Accessed November 2023)
  3. http://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/psoriasis-in-children (Accessed November 2023)
  4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/ (Accessed November 2023)

EPI1010451T4_NOV2023