Caring for Your Skin at Menopause: 6 Eczema-Smart Steps

Caring for Your Skin at Menopause: 6 Eczema-Smart Steps
By Lisa Jensen, Senior Clinical Research Associate •

One morning your favorite moisturizer stops working. Your cheeks feel tight by noon, your hands crack at the knuckles, and lotion stings instead of soothes. Research shows postmenopausal skin loses roughly 3.2% of its collagen each year, weakening the barrier that once kept moisture in and irritants out.[1][2]

Heavier creams, new cleansers, extra serums: you have probably tried them all. The rules your skin followed for decades no longer apply.[3]

This guide walks through six evidence-based steps to rebuild your barrier, calm inflammation, and manage hormone-related eczema. Targeted barrier repair with ceramide-rich moisturizers alone can cut water loss by 25%.[4]

Key Takeaways

  • Falling estrogen thins skin and weakens the moisture barrier
  • Menopause shifts immunity toward eczema-type inflammation
  • Ceramide-rich moisturizers replace lipids your skin no longer produces
  • Gentle, soap-free cleansing protects an already depleted barrier
  • Barrier repair plus mild anti-inflammatory care restores comfort

Table of Contents

Cross-section diagram showing how estrogen loss during menopause affects skin layers, collagen, and barrier function

Why Menopause Changes Your Skin

Menopause does not just cause hot flashes. It reshapes your skin from the inside out. Understanding these changes helps you fight back with the right tools.

Estrogen and Your Skin Barrier

Estrogen plays a major role in keeping skin thick, moist, and strong. It drives collagen production, supports lipid synthesis, and helps your skin hold water.[8] When estrogen drops during menopause, all three suffer.

That steady collagen decline thins your skin year after year.[1] At the same time, your skin's lipid makeup shifts. Total lipids and natural oils decrease. Certain ceramide types shift toward shorter chain lengths that do not pack as tightly, leaving the barrier more vulnerable.[6]

What Estrogen Loss Does to Your Skin:

Without estrogen's support, the epidermis thins, leaving less protection against irritants and allergens.[8] Ceramide levels drop, opening gaps in the lipid barrier that let moisture escape.[6] Sebum production falls too, so skin dries out faster, especially in winter.[9] Even wound healing slows, meaning damaged skin takes longer to repair.[10]

These changes explain why skin that was fine for decades suddenly feels dry, tight, and reactive. The barrier that once kept moisture in and irritants out now struggles to do either job.

The Eczema Connection

Most menopause skin care guides miss this important point. Estrogen does not just affect how your skin looks. It also shapes how your immune system behaves.

Estrogen helps regulate T-helper cell balance. When levels fall, your immune system shifts toward a Th2-dominant response.[5] This is the same immune pattern that drives eczema and allergic inflammation.[11]

Menopause creates a perfect storm for eczema: a weaker barrier paired with a more reactive immune system.[5]

Women who never had eczema may develop it for the first time. Those with a history of eczema often see flares return or worsen.[3] In fact, 100% of women in one menopause clinic survey reported at least one skin symptom. Seventy-eight percent experienced itchiness, and 76% reported dry skin.[12][3]

📚 Related Resource

See our guide: Do Hormones Cause Eczema? The Question Answered

Six-step process diagram for caring for your skin at menopause with eczema-smart strategies

6 Steps for Caring for Your Skin at Menopause

If you do only one thing: switch to a ceramide-rich moisturizer and apply it within minutes of washing (Step 2).

These six steps target the specific changes menopause causes. Each one addresses a different piece of the puzzle.

Step 1: Switch to Gentle Cleansing

Your menopausal skin cannot handle the same cleanser it tolerated at age 35. Soap and foaming cleansers strip natural oils from an already depleted barrier.[7]

  • Use a soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser: Look for syndets (synthetic detergents) with a pH of 5.0 to 5.5[7]
  • Wash with lukewarm water: Hot water increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL)[13]
  • Limit washing to once or twice daily: Over-cleansing removes the few protective oils your skin still makes[9]

Pat skin dry gently—never rub. Apply moisturizer within three minutes of washing to lock in hydration.

If you have eczema-prone areas, be extra careful around the face and hands. These spots lose moisture fastest. Learn more about ingredients to avoid in your skin care products.

Step 2: Rebuild Your Barrier with the Right Moisturizer

Moisturizing is the most important step for caring for your skin at menopause. But not all moisturizers work the same way.

Your menopausal skin needs three types of ingredients working together. Humectants pull in water, emollients fill gaps, and occlusives seal everything in.[14] Ceramide-based formulas are especially helpful because they restore the lipid balance your skin needs for a healthy barrier.[6]

  • Humectants: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea (draw water into skin)[14]
  • Emollients: Ceramides, fatty acids, squalane (fill cracks in the barrier)[6]
  • Occlusives: Petrolatum, dimethicone (seal moisture in)[14]

Apply moisturizer at least twice daily—use a thicker cream at night. For a complete breakdown of how these ingredients work, read our guide on how moisturizers work. You can also learn how to layer moisturizers for maximum benefit.

Comparison chart showing humectants, emollients, and occlusives for menopausal eczema-prone skin

Step 3: Protect Against Sun Damage

Thinner skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, which breaks down the collagen you are already losing.[15] It also triggers inflammation that can worsen eczema.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide tend to be gentler on sensitive, eczema-prone skin.[16] Apply it as the last step in your morning routine, after moisturizer.

Step 4: Manage Itching and Inflammation

Menopausal itching (called pruritus) is frequently seen in women during the menopausal transition.[12] For women with eczema, this itching can spiral into a scratch-itch cycle that damages the skin further.

Low-dose topical corticosteroids can calm active flares safely when used correctly.[17] SmartLotion combines 0.75% hydrocortisone with a microbiome-supporting formula, making it a practical option for managing menopausal eczema flares on sensitive skin.

⚠️ Important for Menopausal Skin:

Thinner skin absorbs topical treatments more readily. Always use the lowest effective strength and follow your dermatologist's guidance on duration.[17]

For itching without visible eczema, try cooling moisturizers with menthol or pramoxine. Antihistamines may help if itching disrupts sleep.[12]

Step 5: Support Your Skin from the Inside

What you eat and drink affects your skin. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and support lipid production.[18]

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts; reduce inflammatory markers[18]
  • Vitamin D: Deficiency is common after menopause and linked to worse eczema outcomes[19]
  • Hydration: Adequate water intake supports skin hydration from within[13]

Learn more about which vitamins help eczema and how to add them safely.

Step 6: Adjust Your Environment

Hot flashes make you want to crank the air conditioning, but dry indoor air pulls moisture from your skin. A humidifier in your bedroom keeps humidity between 40% and 60%, which supports your skin barrier.[13]

Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid wool and synthetic materials that trap heat and irritate sensitive skin. Managing stress also matters. Cortisol spikes from menopause-related anxiety can trigger eczema flares.[20]

Timeline showing expected skin changes and recovery milestones during menopause transition

When to See a Dermatologist

Some menopausal skin changes need professional attention. See a dermatologist if you notice:

  • Persistent itching: Lasting more than two weeks despite moisturizing
  • New rashes or patches: Especially if they do not respond to over-the-counter care
  • Eczema spreading to new areas: Including sensitive or private areas
  • Signs of infection: Oozing, crusting, or increased pain in eczema patches
  • Skin changes that worry you: New moles, growths, or non-healing sores

A dermatologist can tell the difference between menopausal skin changes and other conditions and prescribe targeted treatments, including an appropriate eczema cream for your specific needs. Women with a history of eczema may benefit from a proactive care plan before symptoms escalate.

📚 Related Resource

Hormonal skin changes also affect new mothers. For a related perspective, see: Postpartum Eczema: Why Your Skin Flares After Delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

Can menopause cause eczema for the first time?

Yes. The drop in estrogen weakens your skin barrier and shifts your immune system toward allergic inflammation.[5] This combination can trigger eczema even if you have never had it before. Skin sensitivity and eczema are commonly reported during menopause.[12]

What is the best moisturizer for menopausal skin?

Look for a ceramide-based cream that also contains humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.[6] These replace the lipids your skin loses during menopause. Apply within minutes of bathing for best results.[14]

Does hormone replacement therapy help menopausal skin?

Studies show that systemic estrogen therapy can significantly increase skin thickness and collagen content in postmenopausal women.[1] However, HRT carries risks and is not appropriate for everyone. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.

Why is my skin so itchy during menopause?

Estrogen loss reduces your skin's ability to retain moisture and produce protective oils.[9] Drier skin triggers itch receptors more easily. Declining estrogen also affects nerve sensitivity, making itch signals stronger.[12]

Bar chart showing percentage of skin changes women experience during menopause including dryness, itching, and sensitivity

References

  1. Pivazyan L, Avetisyan J, Loshkareva M, Abdurakhmanova A. "Skin Rejuvenation in Women using Menopausal Hormone Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2023. View Study
  2. Lephart ED, Naftolin F. "Menopause and the Skin: Old Favorites and New Innovations in Cosmeceuticals for Estrogen-Deficient Skin." Dermatology and Therapy. 2020. View Study
  3. Salih H, Schaedel Z, Hum O, DeGiovanni C. "Results of a patient survey exploring skin symptoms in a menopause clinic." Post Reproductive Health. 2025. View Study
  4. Bzioueche H, Tamelghaghet M, Chignon-Sicard B, et al. "Ceramide AD™ Restores Skin Integrity and Function following Exposure to House Dust Mite." International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023. View Study
  5. Desai MK, Brinton RD. "Autoimmune Disease in Women: Endocrine Transition and Risk Across the Lifespan." Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2019. View Study
  6. Williams SF, Andrew P, Brown K, et al. "The Impact of Age on the Lipidomic Profile of the Stratum Corneum and Associated Effects on Structure, Function and Overall Skin Health in Adults Predisposed to Atopic Dermatitis." Exp Dermatol. 2025;34(12):e70192. View Study
  7. Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP. "Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets." Molecules. 2022. View Study
  8. Viscomi B, Muniz M, Sattler S. "Managing Menopausal Skin Changes: A Narrative Review of Skin Quality Changes, Their Aesthetic Impact, and the Actual Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Improvement." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025. View Study
  9. Mosca S, Ottaviani M, Briganti S, Di Nardo A, Flori E. "The Sebaceous Gland: A Key Player in the Balance Between Homeostasis and Inflammatory Skin Diseases." Cells. 2025. View Study
  10. Horng HC, Chang WH, Yeh CC, Huang BS, Chang CP, Chen YJ, Tsui KH, Wang PH. "Estrogen Effects on Wound Healing." Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(11):2325. View Study
  11. Yang G, Seok JK, Kang HC, Cho YY, Lee HS, Lee JY. "Skin Barrier Abnormalities and Immune Dysfunction in Atopic Dermatitis." International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020. View Study
  12. Kamp E, Ashraf M, Musbahi E, DeGiovanni C. "Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2: skin disorders." Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022. View Study
  13. Cvjetković Nikoletić Đ, Ivanov D, Levakov O, et al. "Menopause, Menstrual Cycle, and Skin Barrier Function." Skin Res Technol. 2025;31(7):e70203. View Study
  14. Kang SY, Um JY, Chung BY, Lee SY, Park JS, Kim JC, Park CW, Kim HO. "Moisturizer in Patients with Inflammatory Skin Diseases." Medicina (Kaunas). 2022. View Study
  15. Rittié L, Fisher GJ. "Natural and Sun-Induced Aging of Human Skin." Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine. 2015. View Study
  16. Piquero-Casals J, Carrascosa JM, Morgado-Carrasco D, et al. "The Role of Photoprotection in Optimizing the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis." Dermatology and Therapy. 2021. View Study
  17. Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Berger TG, et al. "Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 2. Management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2014. View Study
  18. Januszewski J, Forma A, Zembala J, et al. "Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health—A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why." Medicina. 2023;60(1):68. View Study
  19. Nielsen AY, Høj S, Thomsen SF, Meteran H. "Vitamin D Supplementation for Treating Atopic Dermatitis in Children and Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Nutrients. 2024. View Study
  20. Hall JM, Cruser D, Podawiltz A, Mummert DI, Jones H, Mummert ME. "Psychological Stress and the Cutaneous Immune Response: Roles of the HPA Axis and the Sympathetic Nervous System in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis." Dermatology Research and Practice. 2012. View Study

About the Author: Lisa Jensen, Senior Clinical Research Associate

Lisa transforms patient experiences into research insights. As our senior clinical research associate, she connects the latest dermatology findings with real-world skin care challenges. When she is not reviewing clinical data, Lisa enjoys marathon running and amateur photography.