Help For Your Menopause Skin Problems
Menopause itchy skin is just another one of those weird symptoms. Some women experience the itching only at specific areas, whereas other women have it all over their bodies.
There is a specific type of itchy skin that gives women the sensation that “things are crawling on you”, which is called formication.
Welcome to the world of changing hormones.
The main culprit for itchy skin, as well as for other menopause skin problems and wrinkles, is the drop in estrogen. Estrogen stimulates the collagen and elastin production, the blood flow and the moisture content of the skin cells. As estrogen levels drop, the skin becomes dryer and thinner – the main reason for the menopause itchy skin.
Women who are taking hormones for their menopause symptoms have often less menopause skin problems and look younger than their counterparts. But if you are concerned about the potential risks and side effects of menopause hormone replacement therapy, other alternatives are available.
How to Avoid Menopause Itchy Skin
Smoking is poison for your skin as well. Nicotine is toxic and produces free radicals that can damage your skin.
Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine consumption. Both of these substances are diuretic (which means you will loose water) and will make the
menopause itchy skin worse.
Another thing to avoid is hot showers, no matter how good they feel. Hot water will make your skin even dryer and therefore can make the itching worse.
It is better to use warm water and take shorter showers. The same is true for the long relaxing hot baths. Use a good moisturizer after each shower or bath to replenish the oils in your skin.
Petroleum Jelly is an excellent moisturizer but not very appealing because it is so greasy. It also lacks the great smell of some of the good body lotions and creams. However, as an inexpensive home-spa treatment you can rub it on, and than use a towel to vigorously wipe of the excess. Mix in some aromatic oil (such aslavender, rose or rosemary oil ) for a nicer fragrance.
Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible. Sun exposure is very bad because it produces free radicals that are so damaging to your skin (toxins and pollution also cause free radicals). Free radicals break down the collagen and elastin (the fibers that support the skin structure). It is important to use a good sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more to avoid further sun damage.
There are some very good facial creams with sunscreens. Some of the new skin creams, based on break-through research, can even reverse some of the damage and help with the menopause itchy skin as well.
What To Do About Menopause Itchy Skin?
First and foremost is good nutrition with plenty of fruits and vegetables. If you don’t get enough vitamins and minerals from your food, it might be helpful to support your diet with some supplements and vitamins.
Several new skin care products have been developed to help with skin problems such as menopause itchy skin. Look for skin care containing ingredients like:
- Vitamin A (such as Retinol)
- Biotin in the form of Niacin (part of the B-complex)
- Alpha Lipoic Acid)
These products can reverse some of the damage from free radicals and help to make your skin look younger. Healthy skin that has enough moisture prevents the itching and other skin problems during menopause.
Exercise, which is important in menopause for heart and bone health, can keep skin healthy as well. Exercising at least 3 x per week for 30 minutes increases the oxygen flow to our skin, and decreases the amount of free radicals.
Drink mineral or spring water because of the trace minerals it contains. The minerals support healthy skin and may help with the itching.
| You can wash your face or itching areas with mineral or spring water to help with skin irritations and to facilitate the absorption of moisture into the skin cells. |
Vitamins and Minerals Important for Menopause Skin
- Vitamins A, E,C,D and B-complex
- Selenium
- Zink
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Co-enzyme Q 10
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- DMEA ((Dimethylethanolamine)
Other Causes of Menopause Itchy Skin
Some women have additional “strange” skin problems such as:
- Feeling that something is crawling on your skin
- Tingling
- Feeling that something is pricking your skin
- Uncomfortable sensation when skin is touched
Aside from the menopause hormone changes, itchy skin can have other causes. It is always a good idea to discuss all your symptoms with your health care provider. In rare cases, the itchy skin can be a sign of serious health conditions, such as infections, fungal diseases, Thyroid problems etc.
If you have started new medications, check the label for side effects. Medications can also be the reason for your skin problem.
Some women develop Acne in menopause. A higher testosterone ratio compared to our overall estrogen level is the culprit.
You are probably thinking: “I’m in MENOPAUSE, not PUBERTY, so why do I have Acne?”
In essence, the menopausal transition is kind of like puberty – just in reverse. During puberty, the sex hormones are out of balance but rising. Now they are out of balance but falling – the effect on our skin is somewhat similar: Acne.