The ESK blog
I’m menopausal and I’m now allergic to all my skincare!
19 August 2024
Dr Anne Thomson
I’m menopausal and I’m now allergic to all my skincare!
Another joy of the midlife adventure is the skin sensitivity menopause can bring with it! It’s like your skin decided to become a drama queen, reacting to everything.
You’re not alone. In one large 2017 Dutch study, the majority of women in peri and menopause who had some sort of skin sensitivity before the change in their hormone status said it got worse as they hit peri and menopause. In this same study, the women themselves often attributed their skin sensitivity to the dryness that had worsened at the same time.
Let’s dive into why this happens and how you can calm things down.
Is it an allergy?
Probably not! True skin allergies can happen, especially to certain plants, nickel in some jewellery and various chemicals used in the hairdressing and cleaning industries, but allergies to skincare products are rare. That doesn’t mean you’re not reacting - it could happen, but your hormones are almost certainly to blame!
Why So Sensitive?
It all circles back to our old friend, oestrogen. Here’s how declining oestrogen levels mess with your skin:
Inflammation Gone Rogue: As oestrogen levels drop, your skin loses some of its natural defences. Oestrogen helps keep inflammation in check. Inflamed skin is exactly what you are experiencing when it feels reactive.
Skin Barrier Impairment: Your skin barrier is like a protective wall. Oestrogen keeps it strong and healthy. With less oestrogen, this barrier weakens, making it easier for irritants to penetrate and moisture to escape. This double whammy leads to dryness and sensitivity.
Dreadful Dryness: Dry skin is more prone to irritation. When your skin is dry, it can crack and become inflamed, leading to increased sensitivity. Oestrogen helps retain moisture in the skin, so its decline means your skin dries out more easily.
Nerves that need to chill out: Some people with sensitive skin have more numerous and more sensitive nerve fibres. That means that your skin can feel inflamed even when it looks completely normal. Some people even experience a sensation of bugs crawling on the skin.
Could it be rosacea?
One we don’t want to miss! Rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that often starts around the time you head into menopause can come with pimples across the centre of the face, redness, sensitivity or a combination of the above. In doubt? Get checked by your doctor!
How to Combat Skin Sensitivity
Now, let’s talk about ways to soothe that sensitive skin and keep it happy:
Gentle Cleansing: Opt for a mild, slightly acidic, and hydrating cleanser that preserves your skin's natural oils. Some research suggests that ideally the pH of your cleanser should be between 5 and 5.5 to reflect the skin’s natural conditions. Steer clear of soaps and harsh scrubs. Over-washing your skin or using water that is too hot can exacerbate sensitivity.
Our Calming Cleanser is a non-foaming, coconut sugar-based formula with a gentle pH of 4.5-5, making it ideal for sensitive skin types, including those with eczema and rosacea. This creamy cleanser effectively removes impurities while preserving the skin’s natural hydration and pH balance. Its non-soap formula minimises irritation and dryness, providing a soothing cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier. Designed for sensitive skin, Calming Cleanser avoids harsh ingredients like astringents, camphor, and menthol, which can trigger irritation. Gentle yet thorough, it supports a healthy microbiome and barrier, leaving skin calm, soft, and ready for the next step in your routine. Featuring; A creamy soap-free cleanser for skin that needs a gentle, silky wash.
Calming Cleanse
Moisturise Like a Boss: Choose moisturisers that support the skin barrier with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B3 (niacinamide). These components help retain moisture and strengthen your skin's defence. Apply generously to damp skin post-cleansing or after a hydrating serum for best results.
B Calm is formulated to support irritable and blemish prone skin while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Ceramides strengthen resilience, Salicylic Acid exfoliates and calms the skin, and Niacinamide helps regulate oil and reduce the appearance of blemished skin.
B Calm
Featuring:
- Ingredients to support an improved skin barrier
- Helps manage excess oil production
- Supports a clearer-looking skin
SPF Every Single Day: Sunscreen is crucial to protect sensitive skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate irritation. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF with added moisturisers.
Zinc Shade is a lightweight matte day cream and primer. Its non-greasy, matte finish allows for smooth application and works well under makeup. We spent countless iterations perfecting this lightweight, non-greasy formula to avoid the typical white cast and thick feel of zinc products. The results? A matte finish that works beautifully under makeup. With well tolerated matte finish, it's also well suited to irritable and blemish and bump prone skin. With SPF 15 it also provides broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays. Key features: Lightweight, matte formula suitable for daily use Smooth application with minimal white cast Broad-spectrum UV protection Tested SPF 15 with enhanced UVA coverage Usage: Apply evenly to all exposed areas of skin before sun exposure. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
Zinc Shade
Patch Test New Products: Before slathering on a new product, do a patch test on a small area of skin to make sure it doesn’t cause a reaction.
Scent free is best: if you have sensitive skin, it is often best to avoid perfumes and scents as these can be irritating.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and nuts can help reduce overall inflammation in your body, including your skin.
Managing menopausal skin sensitivity can feel like a balancing act, but with the right approach and some TLC, you can keep your skin calm and comfortable. Here’s to navigating menopause with grace and gorgeous, happy skin!
