What is the problem? 

Many women notice and complain that their skin suffers during menopause. Dryness and increased sensitivity are frequently reported. However, other symptoms such as severe itching, thinner skin that is more susceptible to damage and acne can also occur. Dermatologists have found that around 20 % of women after the menopause suffer from menopausal keratoderma. It appears as a dermatosis that begins with redness and a symmetrical thickening of the horny layer on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The skin becomes dry and painful cracks appear. Many patients suffer from itching, which intensifies at night. 

In conjunction with pruritus, paraesthesia can also affect women during the menopausal transition. Paresthesia is an abnormal skin condition defined by numbness, tingling and formication of the skin.

What are the reasons for this?

Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Estrogen stimulates the production of dermal collagen, a fibrous protein that gives the skin and other tissues firmness, resilience and stability. Since the skin is made up of 75% collagen, a collagen deficiency affects the fibrous network that keeps the skin thick and elastic. The skin becomes drier and you lose fatty tissue as you age. Your jaw, cheeks and neck are no longer as firm as they used to be. 

Falling estrogen levels reduce the body's ability to retain moisture and slow down the production of natural skin oils, which also contributes to itching.

What solutions are available?

You can try increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods such as salmon, nuts, fortified eggs, sardines, flaxseed and soybeans. An adequate supply of B vitamins is also essential for healthy skin.

Think about your water consumption, ideally 2 liters per day. This will moisturize the skin from the inside out.

As far as skincare is concerned, you should avoid hot showers as hot water can be aggressive and drying. Moisturize your skin after showering. Some products combine almond oil with lactic acid, an important component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, and provide the missing lipids. Other products based on urea, a moisturizing agent, are also effective. Urea penetrates the skin at the epidermal level and, thanks to its hygroscopic properties, acts like a sponge by attracting and binding water.

There are various options for food supplements: Evening primrose, rich in omega-6, with moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Vitamin E helps to moisturize the upper layers of the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is ideal for relieving itching and plaques in dry skin. Vitamin B5, known as pantothenic acid, is also recommended for good skin hydration.