Dealing With Dry Skin During Menopause
Aging comes with wisdom, experience, and confidence, but let’s be honest—menopause does a number on the skin. The sudden dryness, irritation, and feeling like your skin just doesn’t drink up moisture the way it used to can be frustrating. One day, everything is fine, and the next, your once-supple skin feels tight, itchy, and dull. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The hormonal shifts during menopause, particularly the drop in estrogen, are the main culprits. Estrogen helps the skin maintain moisture, elasticity, and collagen. So, when levels start decreasing, the skin struggles to hold onto hydration, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and even a crepey texture. I’ve been there, and I get it. The good news? You don’t have to suffer through it. With the right skincare routine and simple but effective adjustments, your skin can feel hydrated, soft, and healthy again.
Let’s talk about what actually works to combat dry skin during menopause.
Start with Exfoliation to Remove Dry, Flaky Skin
If your skin feels rough and flaky, hydration alone won’t fix it. First, you must remove the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface, which makes your skin look dull and prevents moisture from absorbing properly. One of the best ways to gently exfoliate is dry brushing before you shower. A good dry brush helps stimulate circulation, remove dead skin, and prep your skin for hydration. It takes just a few minutes, but the results are incredible.
After dry brushing, I usually follow up with a gentle body scrub in the shower. The Salt Scrub from OSEA not only buffs away dead skin but also deeply nourishes it with mineral-rich sea salts and botanical oils. Once you start exfoliating regularly, you’ll notice that your skin absorbs moisture better and looks fresher.
Use a Hydrating, Non-Stripping Body Wash
Many body washes contain harsh sulfates that strip moisture from the skin. When your skin is already dry due to menopause, you need a cleanser that adds hydration rather than removes it. I swear by the Udaria Algae Body Wash, which cleanses gently while replenishing moisture. It’s packed with seaweed extracts that restore hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
The same rule applies when washing your face. Avoid foaming cleansers, and use a creamy or oil-based cleanser to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance.
Prep the Skin with a Hydrating Serum
It's key to lock in hydration immediately after cleansing. Applying a body serum before moisturizer gives an extra boost of hydration that lasts all day.
I rotate between two favorites:
The Maeley’s B-Glossy Serum, which plumps the skin and improves elasticity.
The OSEA Hyaluronic Acid Serum, deeply hydrates and leaves the skin smooth and firm.
Using a serum right after showering, when the skin is still damp, helps lock in moisture and prevents that tight, dry feeling.
Seal in Moisture with a Rich Body Oil
Dry skin during menopause needs moisture—it needs a way to lock it in. This is where body oils come in. Applying oil after a serum or body lotion creates a protective barrier, sealing in hydration for hours.
I go between two options depending on my mood:
The Prakash Organic Nectar Body Oil, is incredibly nourishing and gives the skin a dewy, healthy glow. Use code SHANNON to save 15%.
The OSEA Udaria Algae Body Oil, feels luxurious, absorbs beautifully, and improves skin elasticity over time.
The trick is to apply the oil right after your serum to lock everything in. It keeps the skin soft, smooth, and deeply hydrated all day.
Focus on the Face: Hydration and Barrier Repair
Dry skin doesn’t stop at the body—the face is often one of the first places menopause hits hard. The skin may feel rough, tight, or even a little irritated.
A rich, peptide-based moisturizer can help restore hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. The DRMTLGY Peptide Night Cream is one of my go-to for keeping my face soft, plump, and comfortable.
The OSEA Hyaluronic Lip Booster works wonders for dry and cracked lips. Use code SHANNON to save 15%.
Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out
No skincare routine can completely fix internal dehydration. When dealing with dry skin during menopause, what you put into your body matters as much as what you put on it. Drinking water and adding healthy fats to your diet helps maintain skin hydration. Foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, support the skin barrier and keep moisture locked in. Collagen supplements can also be helpful, as menopause often leads to collagen loss, making the skin thinner and drier.
Why This Routine Works
Menopausal skin needs more than just a basic moisturizer. It needs a multi-step approach that focuses on:
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and improves absorption.
Hydration through nourishing serums and body washes.
Moisture retention using rich oils and creams.
Barrier repair to protect and strengthen the skin.
When these steps are followed consistently, dry, tight skin transforms into soft, hydrated, and healthy skin.
Final Thoughts: Menopause Doesn’t Have to Mean Dry Skin
Menopause changes everything—including your skin—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with discomfort. You can keep your skin soft, supple, and radiant by using the right products and adjusting your routine to focus on hydration and nourishment. If you’re struggling with menopausal dryness, try incorporating hydrating serums, gentle exfoliation, and nourishing oils into your routine. Small adjustments make a big difference, and your skin will thank you.
For anyone looking to replenish their skin, I recommend checking out the OSEA Udaria Algae Body Oil and the most effective skincare products to keep your skin feeling smooth and hydrated daily.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products that I get a commission on. These are products that I have purchased myself and love.