Diet & Weight Loss -How to relieve itchy skin during menopause | uxa2.com

When you think of menopause, common symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings probably come to mind. But if you’re going through it, you know there are symptoms that aren’t often talked about.

One of these little-known symptoms is dry, itchy skin. If the urge to scratch is becoming more frequent or stronger, you may be wondering how you can relieve it.

Read on to learn how reduced estrogen levels affect your skin during menopause, what you can do about menopause-related itchiness, and when to discuss the issue with a specialist so you can get rid of the irritation.

Menopause and itchy skin: Why your skin is changing

Both men and women experience wrinkles, dry skin, and sagging skin as they age, but only women experience the skin changes associated with menopause. This is because estrogen levels in your body drop as you enter perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen drops, your skin will:

• Lose some collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, proteins and fats that help skin firm and hydrate
• Becoming thinner and less elastic
• More prone to bruising and damage
• Becoming more sensitive, reactive and prone to new conditions or skin sensitivities
• Wounds heal more slowly

When and where menopausal itching and dryness are most common

Itching associated with menopause often begins during perimenopause and may continue after menopause. For most women, perimenopause begins in their 40s and goes into menopause around age 50.

Any part of the skin can be affected, but areas with thinner skin are more likely to experience itching caused by menopause. This includes your face, neck, chest, arms, legs and back. Some people also experience ear canal itching due to declining estrogen, and vaginal itching due to vaginal dryness with age. Menopause also reduces levels of inflammation-reducing hormones in the body, making itching feel worse.

Menopause-related itching can occur at any time, but is often reported to be worse at night. This is because our skin loses moisture throughout the day. Other menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes, can also cause itchy skin.

The best way to treat menopause-related itching is to stick to a skin care routine

If you’ve ever thought you needed a good skincare routine, menopause might be the perfect time to start. It is thought that women can lose up to 30% of the collagen in their skin During the first five years of menopause. Your skin is one of the largest organs in your body and is by far the most exposed to the elements, so it’s important to take steps to protect it when your body’s natural defenses begin to decline.

Moisturize regularly and stay hydrated

Dryness often leads to itchy skin, and during menopause, there is no such thing as over-hydration. Ordinary moisturizers usually won’t do the trick. You want to look for products that contain retinoids, retinol, antioxidants, peptides, niacinamide, and vitamins B, C, and D. These products can help improve the appearance of your skin, but they can also help you feel less itchy by stimulating collagen production, gently exfoliating, and locking in moisture in your skin.

Don’t forget to moisturize the inside of your body. Drink the amount of water that suits you and make sure you stay hydrated. The average woman needs approximately 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluid per day. A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can also help increase your total water content.

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen when going out

Sunscreen is your best friend during menopause. Consistently applying broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen to any area of ​​your skin that is exposed to the sun will help prevent sunburn, which can cause flaking, itching, and loss of collagen in the skin. It’s also helpful to use a lotion that contains SPF so you can moisturize your skin while preventing signs of aging.

When it comes to your skin care routine, you may have heard that products containing retinoids can increase your sensitivity to the sun, but that’s not entirely true. Retinoids increase cell turnover, making the outermost layer of skin thinner and more susceptible to sunburn. Therefore, if you use any product containing retinoids, use it at night. In the morning, wash your face and apply sunscreen.

Change your daily routine to make menopause more friendly

Menopausal symptoms may mean you have to make changes to your daily routine. When showering or bathing, try lower water temperatures, as hot water can dry out the skin. Use only mild soaps and shampoos, and apply a skin moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.

When shopping, check the ingredients carefully before purchasing a new product. You want to use gentle, moisturizing products that won’t over-exfoliate or dry out your skin, so it’s better for your skin not to use products that contain fragrances, dyes, or high concentrations of alcohol. Look for products that address the specific skin concerns you may need to address and avoid spending money on products that may not work for you.

Talk to your doctor about menopausal itching and skin changes

Some itching is normal, but if menopause-related itching keeps you up at night, it might be time to see your doctor or a women’s health specialist. They can rule out any other possible causes of itching, recommend over-the-counter anti-itch creams, and prescribe medications to help relieve itching, such as oral or topical steroid creams.

If these methods don’t work for you, your doctor can discuss hormone replacement therapy with you to help replace the estrogen your body loses during perimenopause. If needed, they can also refer you to a dermatologist, who can help manage itching and other skin symptoms associated with menopause.