Menopause and skin dryness: what explains this phenomenon?

Menopause is aphysiological phenomenonthat affects all women at some point in their lives. It generally occurs around the age of 50 and corresponds to thecessation of menstruation. Medically, a woman is considered to be menopausal when she has not had her period for a year. Menopause is accompanied by various discomforts, such as hot flushes, insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and urinary problems. Moreover, menopause significantly impacts the quality of the skin , which becomes drier.

The skin dryness observed during menopause can be explained by the decline in levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body.

Indeed, menopause marks thecessation of hormonal activity of oestrogen and progesterone, hormones that play a significant role in maintaining skin hydration. Numerous studies have shown that oestrogens upregulate the activity of fibroblasts, the dermal cells that contribute to the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. While the latter two are primarily involved in the skin's tone and suppleness, hyaluronic acid also plays a key role in its hydration. This macromolecule acts like a sponge and is capable of binding up to 1000 times its weight in water. The decrease in hyaluronic acid levels caused by menopause thus leads to skin dehydration and makes it more fragile.

The reduction in progesterone levels intensifies skin dryness. Indeed, this steroidal hormone stimulates the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. While an excess of sebum is not desirable and can cause shininess, pore dilation and blemishes, too low production weakens the hydrolipidic film. This invisible film located on the surface of the stratum corneum is primarily composed of sweat, sebum and water and helps to protect the skin from dehydration by limiting transepidermal water loss.

During menopause, it is important to strengthen the epidermal barrier and the hydrolipidic film in order to combat skin dryness. For this, an effective and suitable skincare routine is necessary.

• Gently cleanse the skin.

  Opt for moisturising superfatted soaps to avoid harming the skin when you cleanse it. For this, we recommend our palmarosa moisturising cleansing care. Thanks to its combination of vegetable oils and butters and its high superfat content, this solid soap helps you maintain the hydration of the skin layer and is ideal for skins seeking softness. This care can be used on both the facial and body skin.

• Supplying lipids and sealing in hydration.

  Menopause leads to a weakening of the skin barrier, which results in increased water evaporation. To counteract this issue and strengthen the hydrolipidic film, it is necessary to deeply nourish the skin. For this, you can use a pure vegetable oil rich in fatty acids such as avocado oil, black seed oil, or even jojoba oil. These oils protect the skin from external aggressions while providing softness and comfort. We also recommend our body moisturising cream, designed solely from ingredients essential to its function. Its light and non-greasy texture allows for skin hydration without a sticky effect. If you are looking for a richer care, turn to our replenishing balm, designed for dry to very dry skin. It combines the replenishing action of ceramides and shea butter with a rebalancing postbiotic to provide a hydration boost and soothe the skin.

  For the face, we recommend our nourishing serum with squalane. This plant-based concentrate is ideal for reducing feelings of tightness and signs of dehydration. Then complete your routine by applying our nourishing face cream, formulated for dry skin. This cream, based on hyaluronic acid and shea butter, contains 98% natural origin ingredients and helps to make the skin more supple and comfortable, while reducing tightness.

• PIERARD G. & al. The Skin and the Time of Menopause. The Medical Review of Liège (2006).

• PUIZINA-IVIC N. Skin ageing.Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica et Adriatica (2008).