“The decline in skin collagen after menopause occurs at a much more rapid rate in the early postmenopause years, and some 30% of skin collagen is lost during…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Menopause Skin Changes Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Acne
  • Dry Skin
  • Formication
  • Itchy Skin
  • Less Elastic or “Stretchy” Skin
  • Less Younger Looking Skin
  • Saggy Skin
  • Thinner Feeling Skin
  • Wrinkly Skin

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and skin changes?

Yes. In Caring for Your Skin In Menopause: Jowls, Slack Skin, and Wrinkles the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) elaborate on:

“In menopause, skin quickly loses collagen. Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause. After that, the decline is more gradual. Women lose about 2% of their collagen ever year for the next 20 years. As collagen diminishes, our skin loses it firmness and begins to sag. Jowls appear. Permanent lines run from the tip of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Wrinkles that used to appear only with a smile or frown become visible all the time. Later, the tip of the nose dips. You may see pouches under your eyes. Large pores also are due to lack of skin firmness”.2

Aging

Is there an association between aging and skin changes?

Yes. In Skin Care and Aging the (United States) National Institute on Aging (NIA) elaborate on:

Menopause Skin Changes “Your skin changes with age. It becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. Your veins and bones can be seen more easily. Scratches, cuts, or bumps can take longer to heal. Years of sun tanning or being out in the sunlight for a long time may lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and even cancer. But, there are things you can do to protect your skin and to make it feel and look better”.3

In Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. What can I do about my aging skin? the NAMS also note:

“A. Genetics, sun damage, fat redistribution, smoking, and the decline in estrogen at menopause all contribute to the loss of collagen and elasticity and to the uneven skin tone of aging skin. Decreased water and fat content of the skin, as well as reduced sweat and oil production, contribute to dryness”.4

Sunlight

Is there an association between sunlight and skin changes?

Yes. The NAMS explain:

“Exposure to sunlight causes skin to age and is responsible for variations in pigmentation (skin colour). Because aging skin is more prone to sun damage (including skin cancer), use of a good sunscreen is essential”.5

Smoking

Is there an association between smoking and skin changes?

Yes. According to the NAMS:

“In smokers, the effects of aging on the skin are more pronounced. Long-time smokers have more skin damage, particularly wrinkles around the lips and dark circles under the eyes. So, maintaining skin health is another good reason not to smoke”.6

Acne

Is there an association between acne and midlife?

Often. The NAMS explain:

“Women who had acne during their teen years will often have acne in midlife”.7

Does adult acne respond to teenage acne therapies?

Rarely. According to the NAMS:

“Adult acne rarely responds to teenage acne therapies (lotions, soaps, antibiotics). Treatment with oral contraceptives may help, but is only an option for very healthy, nonsmoking women during the menopause transition”.8

Formication

What is formication?

DotS the definition of formication may vary. The NAMS’s definition is:

“Formication. Irritating sensations to the skin, ranging from severe itching to phantom symptoms of “ants crawling on their skin” experienced by some perimenopausal women”.9

Dry Itchy Skin

What are some ways to help dry, itchy skin?

The NIA explain:

“Here are some ways to help dry, itchy skin:

  • Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments, every day
  • Take fewer baths or showers and use milder soap. Warm water is less drying than hot water. Don’t add bath oil to your water. It can make the tub too slippery
  • Try using a humidifier, an appliance that adds moisture to a room”.10

Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips

What are some anti-aging skin care tips?

The NAMS note:

“Using effective sunscreen, moisturizing, staying hydrated, and not smoking all help improve your skin’s appearance and prevent further damage. (Just make sure you get adequate vitamin D if you are diligent about sunscreen and covering up)”.11

In Skin Care In Your 40s and 50s: How To Create An Anti-Aging Skin Care Plan the American Academy of Dermatology elaborate on:

“Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips

  1. Protect your skin from the sun…
    • Seek shade…
    • Cover up in style…
    • Slather on the sunscreen every day before going outdoors…
  2. Forget about indoor tanning….
  3. Apply moisturizer everyday…
  4. Wash away dirt and grime twice a day…
  5. Stop smoking…
  6. Eat healthy foods…
  7. Get enough sleep…”.12

Products

What products on the market for aging skin, have the ability to repair it?

The NAMS explain:

“There are many products on the market for aging skin, but only the topical retinoids have a well-documented ability to repair it. Even hormone therapy does not have solid evidence that it helps aging skin, so you should not use it just because it might be helpful”.13

Health Care Provider

What if I have some skin changes I am concerned about, including down there?

If you have some skin changes you are concerned about – anywhere – it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The NIA note:

“Check your skin often. If you find any changes that worry you, see your doctor”.14

The AAD also note:

“Skin cancer and pre-cancerous skin growths also become more common”.15

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Menopause Skin Changes?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Skin Changes?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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  1. 10 Reasons Your Face Is Red
  2. A To Z of Skin Diseases
  3. A Visual Guide To 6 Conditions That Cause Skin Discoloration
  4. Acne
  5. Acne
  6. Acne: Tips for Managing
  7. Adult Acne
  8. Age Spots (Liver Spots)
  9. Aging Changes In Skin
  10. American Academy of Dermatologists
  11. Anti-Aging Skin Care
  12. Bags Under Eyes
  13. Botox
  14. Botox Injections
  15. British Skin Foundation
  16. Can Creams for Younger Looking Skin Reduce Wrinkles or Reverse Skin Damage?
  17. Can I Reverse the Effects of Aging Skin?
  18. Caring for Your Skin In Menopause [+ Video: How To Care for Your Skin During Menopause]
  19. Cosmetic Procedures
  20. Cosmetic Procedures: Chemical Peels
  21. Cosmetic Procedures: Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
  22. Cosmetic Procedures: Is Cosmetic Surgery Right for Me?
  23. Cosmetic Procedures: Laser Hair Removal
  24. Cosmetic Procedures: Microdermobrasion
  25. Cosmetic Procedures: Skin Lightening
  26. Cosmetic Surgery: What To Know Beforehand
  27. Detect Skin Cancer: How To Perform A Skin Self-Exam
  28. Diseases and Treatments
  29. Does Drinking Water Cause Hydrated Skin?
  30. Dry Skin Relief
  31. Eye Cosmetic Safety
  32. Face Washing 101
  33. Hair & Acne – Management & Treatment
  34. Healthy Body: Common Skin Conditions
  35. Healthy Body: Look After Your Skin
  36. Healthy Body: Sunscreen and Sun Safety
  37. Healthy Skin Matters
  38. Home Remedies: Acne Affects People of All Ages
  39. Home Remedies: Dealing With the Difficulties of Dry Skin
  40. Home Remedies: Skin Tends To Be Driest In Winter
  41. Home Remedies: Take Steps At Home To Manage Dry, Cracked Heels
  42. Home Remedies: Weathering Those Wrinkles
  43. Home Remedies: What About Those Wrinkles?
  44. How To Care for Your Skin In Your 60s and 70s
  45. How To Maximize Results From Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
  46. How To Select Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
  47. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  48. Is Rosacea Causing Your Red, Irritated Face?
  49. Is Sunscreen From Last Year Still Good? When Does Sunscreen Expire?
  50. Is That Acne or Rosacea on Your Skin?
  51. Living Better With Psoriasis
  52. Many Ways To Firm Sagging Skin
  53. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Catching Skin Cancer Early
  54. Mayo Clinic Q and A: What Are Seborrheic Keratoses?
  55. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Skin Care for Your Hands, Face During COVID-19
  56. Mayoclinic.org/psoriasis-site: Living Better With Psoriasis
  57. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. What can I do about my aging skin?
  58. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  59. Menopause: Changes In the Body and Keeping Healthy – Changes In Skin and Hair [Video Interview Stories]
  60. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Tips: What You Need To Know About Complementary Health Approaches for Skin Conditions
  61. Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
  62. Seborrheic Keratosis
  63. Skin Aging
  64. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
  65. Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version
  66. Skin Care In Your 40s and 50s [+ Video]
  67. Skin Care In Your 40s and 50s [+ Video]: Anti-Aging Skin Care Plan
  68. Skin Care and Aging
  69. Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin
  70. Skin Conditions
  71. Skin Tags
  72. Skin, Hair and Nails: Skin, Hair and Nails Topics
  73. Treatments To Reduce Wrinkles
  74. Using Cosmetics Safely
  75. Varicose Veins
  76. Varicose Veins
  77. Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
  78. Vitiligo: What You Need To Know
  79. What Are the Best Foods for Healthy Skin?
  80. What Can Get Rid of Age Spots?
  81. What Is Rosacea?
  82. What’s Your Sun Safety IQ?
  83. Why Am I Getting Acne After Menopause?
  84. Winter Skin Care [Video]
  85. Wrinkle Remedies
  86. Wrinkle Creams: Your Guide To Younger Looking Skin
  87. Wrinkles
  88. Wrinkles: Diagnosis & Treatment

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. North American Menopause Society. Menopause Guidebook: 5. Midlife Body Changes: Skin, Hair, and Oral Health – Skin. 8th Edition 2015:40
  2. Caring for Your Skin In Menopause. American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/skin-care-during-menopause Accessed: 06 April 2020
  3. Skin Care and Aging. Content Reviewed: 01 October 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging Accessed: 06 April 2020
  4. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. What can I do about my aging skin? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 06 April 2020
  5. North American Menopause Society. Menopause Guidebook: 5. Midlife Body Changes: Skin, Hair, and Oral Health – Skin. 8th Edition 2015:40
  6. North American Menopause Society. Menopause Guidebook: 5. Midlife Body Changes: Skin, Hair, and Oral Health – Skin. 8th Edition 2015:40
  7. North American Menopause Society. Menopause Guidebook: 5. Midlife Body Changes: Skin, Hair, and Oral Health – Skin. 8th Edition 2015:40
  8. North American Menopause Society. Menopause Guidebook: 5. Midlife Body Changes: Skin, Hair, and Oral Health – Skin. 8th Edition 2015:40
  9. Menopause Glossary: F – Formication. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-glossary#F Accessed: 06 April 2020
  10. Skin Care and Aging: Dry Skin and Itching. Content Reviewed: 01 December 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging Accessed: 06 April 2020
  11. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. What can I do about my aging skin? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 06 April 2020
  12. Skin Care In Your 40s and 50s: Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips. American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/skin-care-in-your-40s-and-50s Accessed: 06 April 2020
  13. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. What can I do about my aging skin? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 06 April 2020
  14. Skin Care and Aging: Keep Your Skin Healthy. Content Reviewed: 01 October 2017. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging#healthy Accessed: 06 April 2020
  15. Caring for Your Skin In Menopause: Age Spots and Other Signs of Sun Damaged Skin. American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/skin-care-during-menopause Accessed: 06 April 2020
Topic Last Updated: 28 April 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 06 April 2020
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